hook
HUK
/hʊk/
A throwing technique where the ball curves sharply as it nears the pins, rather than traveling in a straight line.
A hook is achieved by putting side-spin on the ball, allowing it to enter the pocket at an optimal angle to maximize pin deflection.
The story behind the word. The word 'hook' comes from the Old English 'hōc', describing any curved tool or angle. In bowling, the term was adopted as players realized that spinning the ball created a curved trajectory resembling the shape of a hook, which dramatically improved their chances of getting a strike.
Word relationships
- curve: A 'curve' is a gradual, continuous arc, whereas a 'hook' travels relatively straight before breaking sharply near the pins.
- straight ball: A straight ball travels in a direct, uncurving line from release to the pins.
Commonly confused with
- pocket: The hook is the path the ball takes; the pocket is the target zone the hook is trying to hit.
Word family
- hooked (verb): curved sharply
- hooking (verb): the action of curving
Collocations
- perfect hook
- hook potential
- ball hook
- hook angle
Idioms & expressions
- off the hook
- by hook or by crook
Example sentences
- "He mastered the hook to ensure his ball would strike the pocket at the perfect angle." Advanced bowling strategy
Memory hook
The ball's path curves like a fishing 'hook'. The curve of the ball.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a 'backup ball', which is a ball that curves in the opposite direction of a standard hook.
Fun facts
- Modern bowling balls are engineered with asymmetrical weight blocks inside them specifically to help bowlers generate a stronger, more predictable hook.
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