The Straight Ball Bowling Strike

Unless you throw a natural hook from the first time you pick up a bowling ball, I suggest the use of a straight ball bowling strike until control has been mastered.

All too many beginners see the experts using an effective hook and try to copy it without first laying a solid ground work of footwork and timing.

The straight ball is delivered with no turn of the wrist or fingers, the ball being released with the thumb on top and the fingers underneath.

As a general rule, it is the easiest to throw, but the straight ball is not a great "strike-getter" like the hook and the curve, because it does not produce a real "mixing" action on the pins, and it is easily deflected.

When you begin with the straight ball bowling strike, however, you have a more natural delivery and consequently make fewer mistakes.

The bowling beginner who immediately starts out throwing a hook must watch not only his stance, footwork and timing, but in addition must co-ordinate perfectly his release of the ball in order to make certain that all other departments of his game are working correctly. Otherwise he may be at a loss to discover just where he is making his mistakes.

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