I have finally managed to learn how to semi-consistently hook a bowling ball. I had been straight bowling for the longest time, but the endless number of splits caused me to switch over for good. Can anyone give me some tips on where I can possibly find a good ball? Or what to look for when buying a bowling ball. I am left handed which makes this a bit more tedious process. Thanks.
You can buy online and have it drilled here, but they usually don't like that at Pro Shops. I bought my last bowling ball at the pro shop in Emerald Bowl on Boone and Bissonnet in the SW. They'll pretty much tell you what you need to know there. IIRC they also had a good pro shop at Dynamic Lanes, which is behind the old celebration station. As far as what you want to look for in a ball, pretty much any ball designed to hook will do you good. To me it was something I had to get used to, but when you do, you really have great control versus a house ball.
Throwing a hook is not too difficult. However, the slice is very difficult. Very few have mastered the slice. Good luck with the ball.
seconded. any alley with a pro shop can size you. it's all in the drilling. i had mine sized to where i would sink my ring and middle finger one-knuckle deep so i could let go much more naturally... some folks like two knuckles. get comfortable inserts, too. if you go one-knuckle, your palm will do more of the lifting and you have a little more wiggle for a wider hook. if you go two-knuckles, you'll tend for a less pronounced hook, making it easier to aim for spares. as for material, avoid plastic. go for urethane or resin, they grip better and feel "softer" on the lanes. also, when i played competitively in hs, i had a 16-lb urethane strike ball, and a 12-lb plastic spare ball to save my arm strength for the entire day.
also, with a properly drilled ball, you won't ever have to "try" to hook. you could have them drill your ring finger barely lower than the middle finger to help this. it's all in your own comfort.
Why are bowling movies so clearly the best sports movies? Kingpin and the Big Lebowski are two of the greatest films, of any kind, ever made by human beings.
I am big fan of Morich bowling balls, but any of the good brands (storm, brunswick, hammer, etc..) will perform similarly. If you want to start bowling on a consistent basis, you need to have a proper ball outfitted and drilled for your hand. I recommend the bowling shop in Del-Mar lanes. The shop is own by two former wpba bowlers.