Straight or Hook?

[iiKingFox]

Untili get my new bowling ball (ordered) you think its better throwing 2 handed like a hook,or straight? I seem to be getting more strikes with throwing straight, but i feellike throwing curve makes me more pro ready

[squirrelywrath1]

Curving it looks prettier and CAN lead to higher scores if you are able to control it and the lane conditions allow it.

Going relatively straight, (or a slight hook), is generally much easier to control, allows you to be competitive on pretty much any lane condition... and less wear and tear on the body.

Look at it this way.... PBA Legend Walter Ray Williams throws it pretty straight but with a strong enough roll to knock out the corner pins.  He's got the most titles of them all, and at the age of 54-55 is still a threat to win a regular tour stop against the pups.

If you are a beginner, you really should not worry too much about curving it or going straight for strikes.  But instead learn to convert the most common spare leaves, such as the corner pins.   (Usually by flattening out your wrist, throwing the ball harder and/or using non-hooking spare ball.)

Absolutely DO NOT be like my god-son!   He once shot a 610 series for 3.... but failed to convert a single spare doing so.  (Yes, he throws many strikes with the big curve ball, but can't come anywhere near a 10 pin should he leave it).

[iiKingFox]

Thanks! Also thanks to everyone whos helped me out, I'm just a beginner and you guys have helped me out a lot

[HackJandy]

> He once shot a 610 series for 3.... but failed to convert a single spare doing so.

Ugh.  Unless I am playing for money I would rather get a clean game under 200 (lol sadly done it several times, don't have a lot of hand) than a 220 but I missed 2 easy spares.  Clean games are more important to me than 200s (often go together obviously)

[JohnP]

A teammate and I, both 200+ averages, had a side bet pot based on 30 clean frames in a set - $1 per night until someone won.  Several years we went through the entire season without either of us winning the pot and split the money at the end of the season.  I can only remember one season when the pot was won more than once.  I think 30 clean is much more difficult than a 700 series.  --  JohnP

[b505jcm]

I think 30 clean is WAY harder than a 700 series to people with 200+ averages. That means you were in the pocket leaving yourself makeable spares every shot. Even the best tug one through the nose occasionally. That's what made that 90 clean at the King of Bowling earlier this year (Malott, Tackett, Belmo) such a rarity.

[JohnP]

Several times I missed winning the pot because of leaving a pocket 7 - 10 somewhere during the series  That's kind of hard to take.  --  JohnP

[Brandon Riley]

Straight.  Get comfortable shooting spares, developing effortless ball speed and accuracy as those are skill that are transferable no matter how you intend to throw your strike ball.

[Good Times Good Times]

Everyone knows hooking it makes one more pro ready.









 

[mainzer]

Everyone knows hooking it makes one more pro ready.









 

Lol

[bergman]

Two handed or one handed?  A difficult question to answer. Depends on what your goals are and what what you are more talented at--- One or two-handed. The other unknown is, what will bowling's physical environment look like in the years ahead? If that physical environment remains relatively unchanged looking into the future AND if you have the talent, I would opt for the 2 -handed delivery.  For the most part, power and revs are the way to go, regardless of the lane conditions today. Be advised however, that the 2-handed delivery  is more physically demanding than most 1-handed styles, and as you get older, you will most likely NOT be able to maintain this style as long as you would if you opted to bowl one-handed.   

[HackJandy]

Everyone knows hooking it makes one more pro ready.





 

>Record highest season spare percentage (88.16%, 655/743; 2004–05) and single-pin conversion percentage (100%, 475/475; 2005–06)

The kids love Belmo but Walter Ray throwing it straight and doing that above is what I consider the greatest achievement in bowling history especially since those weren't one off seasons either (caught the sarcasm of course).

[Roller]

Hello,
 Bergman makes a sound argument for the merits of what you will do based on your goals and physical aptitude. I would agree, and add, that it is also a component of what feels natural to you. In my case, the ball just feels right coming out of my hand with my fingers around 8 o'clock (lefty), so I have more of a sideward roll by default. Working on you spares and proper technique with a coach will make a huge difference. Spares and consistency divide the skill levels more than anything else. Keep working at it, and develop from your natural strengths.

[Good Times Good Times]

>Record highest season spare percentage (88.16%, 655/743; 2004–05) and single-pin conversion percentage (100%, 475/475; 2005–06)

The kids love Belmo but Walter Ray throwing it straight and doing that above is what I consider the greatest achievement in bowling history especially since those weren't one off seasons either (caught the sarcasm of course).

Yes, I was obv being sarcastic.  I'm not pro throwing it straight or hooking it, I'm pro "do what the lanes are telling you to do".  I do believe straighter is greater GENERALLY SPEAKING but if it's not there move those feet.

If OP is striking more throwing more direct......well, throw direct.  Don't do what you "feel" like.

But the chicks do dig the big wheel....

[HackJandy]

Not an expert of course but from what I understand you can't really have sustained success in the PBA if you can't throw it straight and hook it fairly well on demand.  Norm Duke is a perfect example.  He is a little guy stroker but when he wants he can crank.  As you say you have to be able to very quickly find the easiest way to score on all kinds of conditions and patterns.  The PBA was never going to be in my future so straight it is with urethane for me.  43 going on 67 lol.