Bowlers typically fall under one of two categories: straight bowlers and hook bowlers. The professionals we see on TV usually utilize hook maneuvers to get a strike, and straight bowling maneuvers to pinpoint the stubborn remaining pins. In this guide, we talk about straight bowling and the best bowling balls for straight bowlers.
If you would like to know more about the differences between hook shooting and straight shooting, the best bowling ball for straight shot techniques, and other factors such as lane conditions and coverstocks, then continue reading!
Hook Bowling vs Straight Bowling
Hook bowling and straight (or linear) bowling refer to the movement pattern of the ball down the lane as a result of the type of ball and type of release.
Let's discuss the four main differentiators in hook shooting and straight shooting.
Ball Motion
In linear shooting, the ball goes in a straight motion. This motion is easier to predict and control.
In hook shooting, the bawl goes in an angular motion. Depending on the spin, the coverstock material, and the lane conditions, the breakpoint and curvature of the trajectory may change.
Grip
In linear shooting, the conventional grip is used. This means that the thumb is fully inside the finger hole, and the middle and ring fingers are two-thirds of the way in.
In hook shooting, the fingertip grip is more effective. This means that the thumb is fully inside the finger hole, and the middle and ring fingers are only a third of the way in.
Release Point/Entry Point
In linear shooting, the release point or the entry point of the ball is easier to determine because the direction or trajectory the ball will take is going to be a straight line. Depending on how you want to collide with the pins or the location of the remaining pins, the release point or entry point will change.
In hook shooting, not only do you have to consider the remaining pins or your target point, but you will also have to consider the trajectory the ball will have to take and the necessary space required to allow for the hooked or curved motion of the ball. If calculations are wrong, bowlers usually end up with gutter balls.
Wrist Action/Leverage
In linear shooting, little to no wrist action is required as bowlers would not have to create generate spin or sideways revolutions. The way straight shots are done are more natural to the wrist and forearm.
In hook shooting, the wrist placement and action play important roles in ensuring there is enough leverage to generate a good spin and create a good hook movement. Right before the release of the ball, the wrist typically lies somewhere below the ball to create greater leverage. This type of wrist action requires more practice to master.
Difficulty
Linear shooting is the more natural type of the two. Although there is a slight difficulty in learning how to make linear, precise shots, there should be no difficulty in the mechanics of the set-up and release of the ball.
Hook shooting, on the other hand, is very challenging, even for experienced or veteran bowlers. Coaching or guidance is required for this type, and it would take a lot of hours of practice and training sessions to get a decent hook shot.
Purpose
Linear shooting is used for accurate hits, especially for the second roll or attempt, when there is one pin (or a group of pins) remaining. This is also useful for beginners as the learning curve is not as difficult as hooking.
Hook shooting is meant for the more advanced bowlers and those looking to improve on their strike proficiency. The advantage that this type has is its ability to create more strikes because of its angular entry into the set of standing pins. Using a hook shot allows the bowler to hit the sweet spot or the pocket that would increase the likelihood of getting a strike.
How to Choose the Right Bowling Ball for Straight Bowlers
Coverstock
These days, coverstock materials are broken down into three main categories:
The best ball for linear bowlers would be the plastic/polyester balls as they offer great control and stability.
Core
The weight of the ball is largely due to the weight block or the core inside of it. It is either symmetrical or asymmetrical.
The best bowling ball for linear movement would be the one that has a symmetrical core as it makes the ball more predictable and easy to control.
Top 5 Bowling Balls for Straight Bowlers
1. Storm Ice Bowling Ball (Polyester/Plastic Coverstock)
The Storm Ice is perfect for linear shooters who are looking for a minimalist design and glossy finish.
It is crafted with pearlized polyester coverstock and is meant for long distances and straight shot consistency.
2. Pyramid Path Bowling Ball (Polyester/Plastic Coverstock)
The Pyramid Path has been mentioned in several of our guides and for good reason.
This is a ball meant for all kinds of bowling enthusiasts of differing skills and capabilities. The hook and flare potential of this ball are extremely low, allowing for a more stable and consistent linear movement pattern.
This may not be considered to be the best brand (due to how young it is in the market), but this ball should surely belong in our top 5 list of line shot balls.
3. Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball (Polyester/Plastic Coverstock)
Brunswick is a reputable brand that has been in the industry for several years, and their space-themed ball, the Brunswick Tzone is one of their best offerings to date.
The quality of the polyester coverstock of this ball makes it a good spare ball option for veterans and professionals of the sport.
4. Motiv Hyper Sniper Bowling Ball (Urethane Coverstock)
As the only urethane coverstock bowling ball on the list, the Motive Hyper Sniper will not disappoint for those straight shots.
This ball utilizes an innovative blend of polyester (for straight shot performance) and urethane (for durability and longevity).
5. Brunswick Globe Viz-A-Ball Bowling Ball (Polyester/Plastic Coverstock)
If you are looking for a unique design by a reputable brand, the Brunswick Globe Viz-A-Ball is one of the best in the market.
The reflective qualities of the ball itself make for a flashy item to bring with you in the alley. Due to its polyester/plastic coverstock material, this is great for linear shots.
Tips for Straight Bowling
Practice and Consistency
There is no way around getting better at throwing perfect straight shots. You really have to put in the time, effort, and repetitions to get a good grasp of the mechanics and movement patterns of your ball.
If you would really like to commit to the sport, we recommend that you practice this shot at least twice a week.
Fundamentals, Knowledge, and Understanding
Beyond the actual practice sessions, it is good and practical to seek guidance from online guides and videos to get a better understanding of the technicalities and physics behind the movement patterns of a ball.
We recommend looking up videos online by reputable bowling channels and looking up guides (such as this) to have a better understanding of the sport as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are so many questions asked about straight bowling. We have compiled a list of the most commonly asked relevant questions (and our responses).
1. What kind of ball should a straight bowler use?
A straight bowler should ideally use a polyester or plastic coverstock bowling ball for the best straight shot performance, with urethane coverstocks coming at second place. Due to the smooth texture of their surfaces, both polyester/plastic coverstock and urethane coverstock balls offer minimal friction and maximum stability when moving down along the lane. This is why most experienced bowlers use polyester coverstock or urethane coverstock balls as spare balls.
2. What is the best bowling ball for straight bowlers?
The best bowling ball for straight bowlers depends on the budget and skill level of the user, but polyester coverstock bowling balls are usually the go-to option. For the experts in bowling, even reactive resin coverstock bowling balls can be utilized for straight bowling. As a general rule of thumb, however, polyester coverstock bowling balls are the best if we're talking straight shots, regardless of lane conditions.
3. What kind of bowling ball should a beginner use?
A beginner should use a polyester coverstock bowling ball because it offers great accuracy and stability when throwing straight shots down the lane.
A beginner should always understand and work on the fundamentals before committing to the more advanced techniques such as hook shots. Therefore, the polyester coverstock bowling ball is the most ideal as it is designed for making straight shots with maximum precision or accuracy (and a wide margin of error).
See our guide to the best beginner bowling balls for recommendations.
4. What size ball should I use for bowling?
The standard size ball for adult males is 14 pounds minimum; for females, the size is 10 pounds minimum; for younger bowlers, the size is 6 pounds minimum. Bowling balls range from as light as 6 pounds to as heavy as 16 pounds. Despite the prescribed standard sizes, you should still find ways to test different weights and sizes to get the perfect ball for you. Both straight bowling and hook bowling require the bowler to have maximum control over the ball prior to release, so if you want to execute straight shots perfectly, get a ball that you can easily grip or hold, lift up, and release.
5. Where to stand while you are bowling a straight ball?
Identifying where to stand whilst bowling a straight shot ultimately depends on your height or size, and as a general rule of thumb, you should be at least five steps away from the foul line, to allow you to take three to four strides as you approach and deliver the straight shot. To remain consistent in throwing straight shots, you must have a good set-up, from the starting point, then to the stance, to the approach, and to the delivery or release. Give yourself a generous distance from the foul line to make three to four strides.
6. How to throw a straight ball in bowling?
To throw straight shots, assume your stance, look at the target, and go through the approach and delivery as you normally would while keeping your wrist and forearm as aligned as possible, then release the ball in a normal, straight pattern. Throwing a straight ball in bowling should come naturally to most beginner bowlers as it requires the least amount of wrist movement and angular momentum.
7. Where to aim when bowling a straight ball?
If you are on your first roll (first attempt), try to aim at the center (to hit the head pin) or slightly off-center (to hit the head pin and the diagonally succeeding pin) to increase the likelihood of getting a strike, while in other cases, simply aim for the remaining pins or group of pins. Straight bowling is all about fundamentals, consistency, and precision targeting. Once you master straight shots, you can then proceed to more advanced hook maneuvers.
Conclusion (Plus Our Personal Favorite)
Before we end, we would like to share with you our personal favorite or best bowling ball for straight bowling. The award goes to none other than the Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball.
The design variety, the deep space theme, the weight balance, and the coverstock material used make for the best bowling ball experience. If you do not have the time to review our guide, then choose this as the ball for straight bowlers.
It is also approximately half the price of the other Brunswick model mentioned in our list so if you are looking for a value pick that offers durability, quality, and high-level straight bowling capabilities, then this is perfect for you.
Straight bowling relies as much on the bowling ball used as it does on the technique or throw. In other words, to have the best straight shots in the game, you have to be knowledgeable in regards to the best bowling balls for straight bowlers. Review this guide whenever you can, especially before you buy your bowling ball for straight shots.