5 Reasons Your Bowling Ball isn’t Hooking

If you’ve noticed that your bowling ball is not hooking as much as it used to, there are several possible reasons. It might be a lane condition, a ball, or something in your technique that’s making it hard to make a connection with the pins.

Whether it’s your technique or your equipment, there are a few ways you can fix this issue and get the ball to hook again. One way to get your bowling ball to hook is to change the lane condition you’re using.

You can also resurface your bowling ball to increase its ability to hook. This is a great way to boost your scores and can be done at home or at the pro shop.

1. Try Resurfacing Your Bowling Ball

The first step in resurfacing your bowling ball is to fill a bucket with water and add a bit of dish detergent or laundry soap. Soak the ball in the water for about 15 minutes or so. Then use a rag to scrub it down and rinse it off completely.

2. The Coverstock is Damaged

If you bowl on a lane that’s highly oiled, your bowling ball may have trouble staying in the lane because the oil is breaking down the coverstock. This is especially true if you’re using a plastic bowling ball and your coverstock is made of a material that isn’t meant to take a lot of abuse.

3. The Ball Isn’t Strong Enough for the Lanes You Are Bowling On

If your ball is not strong enough to be used on lanes with heavy oil, it won’t work as well and will likely lose its hook. This is a good reason to invest in a variety of balls that are built for different lane conditions.

4. The Bowling Ball’s Grip Is Not Proper

Another common sign that your bowling ball isn’t hooking as well as it used to is when it’s difficult to get a grip on it. This can happen if you’re not accustomed to the right sized bowling ball for your hands or if the drilled finger holes are too tight or too loose.

5. The Finger Hole Is Too Tight

If the finger hole is too tight, your fingers will be unable to get a good grip on the bowling ball. This can lead to a poor hooking shot or it can result in you having to adjust your release technique and force the ball to hook harder.

6. The ball’s surface is too dull

If you’re not getting a good roll with your current ball, consider resurfacing it. The internet is full of options for this, but it’s always best to consult a professional pro shop to get a second opinion.

7. The Ball Is Too Old

If your bowling ball is more than five years old, it might be time to replace it. This is because a bowling ball’s grippy coverstock can start to crack or chip over time, and the weight of the ball might be too high for your hands.