How can I generate more speed and still keep the same amount of hook when I'm bowling?

Question

I have a classic 4 step approach with a slightly less than shoulder high backswing

Answer 1

hi,
you get the speed on the ball from a high back swing and let the ball's weight bring your arm down for delivery. any push down from you and you will likely cross over towards your body and miss your mark. so you can work on one of two things...on getting your back swing higher - or - move back your 4 step approach's starting point... which will give you moment more of time to get your arm up as high as you "comfortably" can. also, are you using the heaviest ball that you can be using? without it straining your arm, of course. men usually use 16 lbs. if you are, maybe if you were using a 15 lb ball, you could get your back swing higher. it's a choice. also, about that hook... if it doesn't come up to the pocket, you either hit lane finisher and the ball didn't grab.. or there was too much speed on the ball and it just spun down the lane. if the ball crosses over the pocket... then there wasn't enough speed on the ball, or your arm wasn't straight and you missed your mark. a good balance of speed and your particular release of the ball that gives you that hook of yours, is what you want to have perfect harmony. just a couple of things to think about. main thing is, if you let the ball come down in the swing by its own weight in a nice smooth drop and your not pulling it down, you should get your ideal speed. remember, it's not speed that racks up those high scores and series,,,it's consistency!
I hope this helped! Wishing you dozen's of 300/800's!! :)

Answer 2

Speed is generated from the 'fall' from the top of the back swing, therefore increasing your backswing length will increase your speed. Hook is generated by hand position on the ball relative to release. Bowling is similar to golf in that swing speed is great as long as you don't sacrifice accuracy.