What Are The Four Basic Shots in Bowling?

Besides hooking and bowling straight, there are a few other types of bowling shots. As a beginner, it is normal to not know about all the shots in bowling. But as you’re gradually being skilled, you should learn more about bowling shots and how you can get any pins in multiple styles of bowling shots. Learning about all the basic shots and when to use them strategically in any given situation is much more important than you think. Today, I will discuss four basic shots that every bowler needs to know. So what are the four basic shots in bowling? Stay tuned, fellas. 

Types Of Basic Shoes

There are certain differences between basic bowling shots and basic lawn bowling shots. You shouldn’t confuse one with another. The four basic types of lawn bowling shots are— the draw, the drive, the yard on, and the running shot (aka the ditch length shot). The four basic bowling shots we will talk about are mentioned below.

1.  Straight Shot

The straight bowling shot is by far the most effective and simplest one in bowling. You can pretty much tell by the name that the shot goes straight. In this particular technique, your bowling ball doesn’t rotate or spin when it is released. New bowlers tend to master this bowling shot quite easily.

To execute the straight shot perfectly, first, you have to ensure that you have gripped your bowling ball correctly. Make sure you’re using the right finger positions and they are on spot in the slots. To deliver a straight shot properly you have to be in your best position when you release the ball. During the ball release, your dominant foot has to be at the front. For right-handed bowlers, your dominant foot will be the left one, and if you are a left-handed bowler, your dominant foot would be the right one.

2. Hook Shot

Okay, so this hook shot is a popular one. Every bowler is aware of this bowling shot. The reason behind the shot’s popularity is its effectiveness. Indeed, it is much different than a straight shot. In this particular bowling shot, your bowling ball rolls in a curved trajectory on the lane.

When you execute the hook shot correctly, your bowling ball will hit the pins harder as it retains more energy for a higher force. The ball’s spin will result in more strikes. Instead of hitting other pins directly on the face, hook shot enables angled shots for better results. Know that executing this specific shot is not as easy as a straight shot.

This technique of bowling will require you to hold the ball with your fingertip grip where your middle and ring fingers will be inside the holes till the first knuckle. So what about the thumb? Well, it will go all the way inside the thumb hole of the ball. During your final step on this shot, take your thumb out of the hole. The two fingers should get out of the hole next. This will impart spin on the ball as you release it down the lane.

3. Curve Shot

You have just learned that when you hook your bowling ball, it rolls in a curved motion. So is the hook shot and curve shot the same? Not entirely. There are certain differences that separate these two shots. Interestingly, the curve ball shot is a bit more complex than the hook shot. It is also a little difficult to master compared to hook and straight shots. However, mastering this bowling shot shouldn’t be too difficult to learn for skilled bowlers.

To execute a curve shot flawlessly, first, you should take your stance. Then position your ball by using the knuckle grip. After that, all you gotta do is spin your bowling ball right before you release it. This should do the trick. The spin you add to your bowling ball’s curve shot is not imparted by your wrist. Rather it is produced by your bowling arm swing.

4. Backup Shot

Don’t be fooled by the name of this shot. Here backup doesn’t mean a backup bowling ball. This particular bowling shot indicates a shot where your bowling ball is in the opposite direction than you normally would do. If you’re a righty, your bowling ball should hook on the right side, shouldn’t it? But in this case, your ball hooking will happen on the left side of the lane. So, when a left-handed bowler uses this technique, the player spins the ball from right to left instead of spinning it the other way around.

I rarely see any bowlers use the backup shot method to bowl. For some bowlers, the backup shot comes naturally. However, there are some players who learn the shot by practicing it. Most skilled bowling coaches and expert bowlers are against this bowling shot simply because they consider this a bad bowling shot. Why so? Well, for this shot bowlers twist their wrists unnaturally. This position contains a high potential for physical injuries. If you’re new to bowling, I would never recommend this technique. Unless you already know what you’re doing and willing to try something new, give this shot a shot and see how that works for you.

Conclusion

There you have it, my friends! These are the four basic shots in bowling that you should know of. No, you don’t have to learn all 4 of them to enhance your bowling skills. Just knowing the hook and straight shot will do you good. So keep practicing those two till you achieve consistency. I recommend working on your skills, and if you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to me. I will get back to you shortly. Good luck and keep on loving bowling!