Why do bowling balls lose their hook? This is a question that is not necessarily asked by beginners (as they are yet to fully appreciate hook shots over straight shots). However, once you get into intermediate and advanced bowling play, the questions regarding hook potential and the science behind reactive resin bowling balls grow more and more common.
In this quick guide, we will share with you the mechanics behind bowling ball hook shots. Read on to learn more.
What Causes a Bowling Ball to Hook?
Without getting too technical, the primary reason why a bowling ball hooks is attributed to the fact that the bowling ball’s surface reacts (or responds) to the surface of the bowling lane. The greater the grip of the bowling ball to the bowling lane’s surface, the higher likelihood that the ball will not travel in a straight path.
Below are three specific aspects of the bowling ball that significantly affect the tendency of a bowling ball to hook down the lane.
Coverstock
This has been discussed in so many of our other guides (such as types of bowling balls and what are bowling balls made of) so we will not dwell on the details as much. To give a quick background, there are three basic coverstocks in bowling: plastic, urethane, and reactive resin coverstocks.
The plastic coverstock has the smoothest surface and is great for straight shots as it will not be too responsive to the surface of the bowling lane. The reactive resin coverstock, on the other hand, is designed with more texture on the surface in order to generate greater reactivity with the bowling lane. The urethane coverstock is in between the two types (we would argue that urethane balls are closer to plastic balls than they are to reactive resin balls).
In order for a bowling ball to hook, the ball must be able to be responsive to the surface of the bowling lane. Therefore, a reactive resin coverstock bowling ball would be ideal in this scenario.
Bowling Ball Cores (Weight Block)
An added component of bowling balls is what is known as the core or weight block. The specifications of this part (symmetrical vs asymmetrical, RG, and differential) determine how long the ball goes in a somewhat straight trajectory before hooking and how much overall hook potential is found within the ball.
In other words, the type of bowling ball core or weight block found within a bowling ball can determine how predictable and aggressive a ball can be. If you want to generate more powerful and explosive hook shots, then having an asymmetrical bowling ball core may be more beneficial. Take note that this is reserved for the more experienced bowling players due to a lack of predictability and general consistency.
Check out: the best bowling balls for hook shots
Release (Wrist Motion)
A lot has been said so far about the parts of the bowling ball (coverstock and core), but there is one additional factor that must be acknowledged - the actual release of the bowling ball. A bowling ball will not hook effectively if the release, particularly the wrist motion, is not done correctly.
To ensure that the release of the bowling ball leads to a hook, bowlers must learn the fundamentals, master a specific set of movements (approach), work on the proper angle of release, and utilize the wrist muscles to generate additional rotational power.
Our tip for this aspect is to simply practice the different types of releases. Experiment and observe how the ball reacts when you release it underhanded, sideways, or diagonally. In trying out the different releases, you will obtain a better understanding of how to properly manipulate the bowling ball to get it to do what you want it to do.
Check out: how to hook a bowling ball
Why Do Bowling Balls Lose Their Hook?
Unfortunately, like most pieces of gear or equipment in sports, bowling balls do have their own particular shelf lives. This means that the performance of any given bowling ball will eventually decline significantly over time and over repeated uses.
In other words, the ultimate culprit behind bowling balls losing their ability to hook is usage. However, if we were to be more specific, we can boil it down to the following factors:
- Dirt
- Grime
- Oil
- Scratches
- Dents
- Collisions
- Storage Conditions
- Humidity
- Paint
- Quality
From the list above, it would be quite difficult to avoid most, if not all, factors that lead to a loss in bowling ball performance. However, there are ways to help slow down the so-called “aging process” of a bowling ball, which will be discussed in one of the next sections.
How Long Do New Bowling Balls Typically Last?
Bowling balls can maintain their high-performance levels for up to 10 years, but this ultimately depends on a lot of factors. Take a look at the questions below to have a better understanding of how long your bowling ball can last:
- How many times a year do you go bowling?
- How often do you have your bowling ball maintained by a professional?
- How aggressive is your playstyle?
- Where do you store your bowling ball when not in use?
- How oily or dry are the bowling lanes you bowl on?
- How easily does your bowling ball get scratched or dinged?
- Does your ball end up in the channel (gutter) often?
- What is the quality of your bowling ball?
- What is the brand of your bowling ball?
Maintenance Tips to Help Your Bowling Ball Hook
Here is a list of maintenance tips you could employ by yourself to ensure that your bowling ball can hook for as long as possible:
- After every bowling session, wipe down your bowling ball thoroughly with a clean microfiber towel or cloth to remove any build-up of dirt, grime, or oil. Check out our best bowling ball cleaners guide and how to clean a bowling ball at home.
- Avoid storing your bowling ball in hot or humid locations (such as the trunk of your car) for extended periods of time.
- If possible, have your bowling ball checked and maintained by a professional.
Conclusion
So, why do bowling balls lose their hook? It can come down to a lot of factors, but as long as you are aware of the traps and pitfalls, you will end up maximizing the lifespan of your bowling ball. Remember, at the end of the day, your bowling ball is simply a tool to help you enjoy the sport, so you should not focus too much on how long it lasts but rather how much joy you can derive from using it.