Bowling Ball Skid, Hook, & Roll

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 6/3/2014; Updated: 10/24/2022

If you have heard the reference to bowling ball motion as bowling ball skid, hook, & roll, then you are learning about the general motion a ball takes as it travels down the lane.


 Other than a perfectly straight ball delivery, a slight hook, a moderate one, or powerful hook ball delivery all follow the pattern of skid, hook, roll. These three phases of ball motion are scientifically accurate and can be used to help you the next time you wish to select a new bowling ball.


 There are four forces a bowler imparts on a bowling ball:

1. initial ball speed

2. initial rev rate

3. initial ball axis tilt

4. initial axis rotation


 As a bowling ball travels down the lane, it passes through three phases and two transitions:


Skid phase (the first transition from skid to hook)

Hook phase (the second transition from hook to roll)

Roll phase

Once the ball reaches its’ entry angle at the second transition, the entry angle will remain the same until the ball hits the pins, another scientifically accurate description of bowling ball motion.

 Establishing a good working relationship with your pro shop professional can help you you choose a bowling ball based on your game, your delivery style, and to compliment your existing equipment arsenal.
Keep things as simple.

There is no need for you to become a scientist to understand bowling balls. Just know your ball skids on the front end of the lane, hooks in the mid-lane, and rolls on the back end. It is important to develop a simple and clear way of understanding ball motion so you can narrow your selection process when shopping for a new ball to ones which will best match your needs.