Hook Phase Of Bowling Ball Motion

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 10/2/2014; Updated: 9/6/2022

The hook phase of bowling ball motion is best described as a curve. The hook phase is the the second phase of ball motion where the ball has encountered enough friction to
change direction.


The 1st phase of ball motion is the skid phase on the front portion of the lane. The hook phase is located in the mid-lane where your bowling ball begins to arc or curve due to a higher friction factor on the lane surface than in the skid phase.

This curve motion is a change of direction of the path your ball travels in the front end of the lane caused by the bowling ball delivery angle. The curve motion in the hook phase occurs until your ball reaches the breakpoint on the back end of the lane. From the back end break point to the pocket, your ball does not change direction while traveling at an entry angle of perhaps 2 to 8 degrees angle.

The optimum entry angle is said to be 6 degree for the best pin carry. Normal entry angles typically vary from 4 to 6 degrees of angle as your ball is traveling from the break point to the pocket. Bowling ball motion is a derivative of the USBC Ball Motion Study done by the governing body of the sport of bowling. The hook phase is inclusive in this study and is the 2nd phase of motion of the three phases of motion a bowling ball undergoes as it travels down the lane. Your selection ion bowling balls and your delivery technique coupled with the oil pattern and lane surface determine the overall bowling ball hook motion.


A factor is to select a ball designed to match with your local lane conditions. The next bowling ball factor is to select a drilling layout which serves to match best with the local lane conditions and your delivery style.
Once you have selected and drilled your new ball, the next thing to consider is the influence the surface texture of your ball and what amount of traction will be created by the ball surface friction.


Altering your ball surface texture will alter the ball reaction slightly and either increase or decrease ball skid distance.
If you purchase a series of grit pads and keep them in your accessory bag along with ball cleaner and polish, you can actually change the texture to the surface of your bowling ball with the goal of either extending the skid distance or shortening the skid distance, depending on lane conditions.

Altering the ball skid distance does also influence the curve motion your ball makes in the mid-lane.