What is a Brooklyn in Bowling?

A Brooklyn in bowling refers to a ball that crosses over to the opposite pocket to knock down the pins. If you’re a right-handed bowler, a Brooklyn shot will hit the left side of the pins, and vice versa for lefties. While it may seem counterintuitive, this type of shot can actually give you a great angle at the pins. Read on to learn all about how the Brooklyn shot works, its history, scoring a tricky Brooklyn strike, and tips for bowlers looking to add this unique technique to their repertoire.

Definition of a Brooklyn Shot in Bowling

The Brooklyn shot gets its name from bowlers having to “cross over” to the other side, like traveling from Manhattan over to Brooklyn in New York City. Typically a right-handed bowler will throw from the left side of the lane and knock down the 1-2 pins on the right side. However, a Brooklyn shot will start further right and hook across to hit the 1-3 pocket instead.

For left-handed bowlers, it’s the opposite. They normally stand on the right side and aim for the 1-2 pins. A lefty’s Brooklyn shot curves from right to left, hitting the 1-3 pins on the left side. The ball basically travels in the opposite direction you’d expect based on the bowler’s handedness.

How It Works for Righties and Lefties

The reason behind this unique delivery is to give the ball a better angle into the pins. For a righty, starting from the right side of the lane allows the ball to come across at an angle through the 1-3 pocket. The same idea applies to lefties starting further left. The ball hooks across the lane, ensuring the maximum number of pins get knocked down.

Even though the ball initially heads to the opposite side, the hook brings it back across to strike the optimum pocket for pin carry. Executed properly, the exaggerated hook creates pin action that’s difficult to achieve with a more direct shot.

Where the “Brooklyn” Bowling Term Comes From

Origins in New York City

As you may have guessed, this distinctive bowling technique got its name from New York City’s famous borough. Back in the early days of modern bowling, there were many bowling alleys throughout Brooklyn. Top players would frequently make the trip from Manhattan over to Brooklyn for tournaments and events.

During competition, bowlers from Manhattan noticed their balls would sometimes take an unconventional route by curving all the way across to the opposite pocket. When they discussed this observation, they likened it to figuratively crossing over from Manhattan into Brooklyn. And from then on, the name stuck for a delivery that hooked across to the other side.

Performing the Brooklyn Shot

While a perfectly executed Brooklyn looks effortless, it actually takes a great deal of finesse. Here are some key tips for bowlers looking to intentional knock the pins down from the opposite pocket:

Ball Speed and Revs

Throwing a Brooklyn requires the right combination of ball speed and revolutions. You want enough speed so the ball doesn’t hook too early before reaching the pocket. But sufficient revs are also crucial to make the ball curve back at the proper time. Experiment to find the ideal balance for your Brooklyn release.

Ball Position and Approach

Start by standing farther to the outside than usual so you can swing the ball out wider. As a righty, take your stance on the far right and line up your shoulders pointing to between the 2nd and 3rd arrows. Then make your approach angled toward the 3rd arrow to guide the ball right. Lefties will stand far left and approach toward the 2nd arrow.

Proper Release

As you release, you need to get the ball into a strong roll with plenty of revolutions. A clean, smooth release allows the ball to grip the lane, curving it across into the Brooklyn pocket. Let gravity take over, keeping your wrist and arm straight through the swing.

Scoring a Brooklyn Strike

How a Brooklyn Strike Occurs

The ultimate achievement when attempting this technique is to pick up a Brooklyn strike. This means knocking down all 10 pins with a single shot that hooks across from the opposite side. For a right-handed bowler, the ball curves around the head pin to strike the 1-3 pocket, taking out every pin for a strike.

Due to the difficulty, a Brooklyn strike is rare and extremely challenging to execute consistently. The ball has to be thrown with perfect speed, hook, and entry angle to get enough pin action to scatter the entire rack. When everything comes together though, a Brooklyn strike is an impressive feat.

Is it Still a Strike?

Even though the ball hits the unconventional side, a Brooklyn strike still counts as a regular strike. As long as you completely knock down all 10 pins with one delivery, you get credited with a strike. Where the ball hits does not affect the scoring or count against you in any way.

The Difficulty and Excitement

Succeeding with a Brooklyn strike takes great skill, but pulling it off is also thrilling. Since the ball travels across the lane, the pin action has a unique exciting energy when executed well. Bowlers will also appreciate the challenge and satisfaction of overcoming the lower odds of getting a strike from the opposite pocket.

Seeing all the pins explode from an artfully thrown Brooklyn can be one of bowling’s great joys for both the bowler and spectators. It’s no wonder successfully converting this tricky shot brings such an exhilarating rush.

Improving Your Brooklyn Shooting

Mastering the Brooklyn may not happen overnight, but don’t get discouraged. With practice, bowlers at any skill level can become more proficient.

Attempting the Brooklyn as a New Bowler

For bowlers just learning the ropes, focus on honing your basic skills first before attempting the Brooklyn with any regularity. Work on fundamentals like hitting your mark, an accurate line, and developing a smooth release and arm swing. Once you feel comfortable with standard shots, you can start experimenting with the Brooklyn here and there.

Persisting as an Experienced Bowler

More advanced bowlers will have an easier time picking up the Brooklyn. But even experienced players will need to put in reps to get the right feel and consistency. Initially, you’ll likely see some gutter balls as you learn to harness the exaggerated curve. Stay patient, make small adjustments, and keep at it to improve.

Benefits for Your Overall Bowling Game

Practicing the Brooklyn is about more than just landing this unique shot. Mastering it requires skills that elevate your whole bowling repertoire. You’ll gain a better sense for ideal ball speed, rev rate, and how to place the ball for different types of strikes. Striving for Brooklyn proficiency enhances control, touch, and versatility for conquering various lane conditions.

Trying Other Tricky Shots

Once you’ve incorporated the Brooklyn into your bowling bag of tricks, try some other difficult shots for fun and profit:

• The Greek Church starts right and hooks between the 3 and 2 pins.
• The Flat Gutter Ball barely curves at all across the lane.
• The Baby Split hooks across the head pin to leave the 3-6 or 3-10 split.
• The Helicopter curves dramatically from outside toward the gutter before hooking back.

FAQs

Q: Why is it called a Brooklyn shot?

A: The name comes from New York City, referring to bowlers figuratively crossing over from Manhattan into Brooklyn as the ball hooks across the lane.

Q: Is it more difficult than a normal strike?

A: Yes, a Brooklyn strike is considered more challenging than a standard strike. The exaggerated hook requires great precision, ball speed, and revs to hit the opposite pocket yet still knock down all the pins.

Q: Do you get bonus points for a Brooklyn strike?

A: No, scoring is the same. As long as you knock down all 10 pins with a single throw, you get credited with a regular strike.

Q: What other trick shots are similar to the Brooklyn?

A: The Greek Church hits the 3-2 pocket, the Flat Gutter Ball barely hooks, and the Helicopter hooks dramatically toward the gutter before curving back.

Q: How can the Brooklyn improve your overall bowling skills?

A: Mastering the Brooklyn requires optimal speed, hook, and ball control. Developing these skills translates into becoming a better bowler overall.

Conclusion

While it may seem counterintuitive at first, the Brooklyn shot can help bowlers strike from a unique angle. This unorthodox technique takes advantage of the ball’s curve to provide a great entry into the pins. With practice, bowlers can learn the ideal speed, release, and placement to execute the Brooklyn regularly. And scoring a Brooklyn strike is a special feat requiring precision, finesse, and a little luck. So don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try crossing over to the Brooklyn side the next time you bowl!