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Author Topic: Where to stand on the approach  (Read 1128 times)

the sleeze

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Where to stand on the approach
« on: May 11, 2009, 06:15:26 AM »
Have never seen this addressed before: I take 4 steps. If I stand at the dots I fall short of the foul line. It seems to be general guesswork to adjust the difference.  How do you line up ahead of the dots to precisely reach right at the foul line? Thanks
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Arstine

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Re: Where to stand on the approach
« Reply #1 on: May 11, 2009, 03:19:17 PM »
This is one of those questions that noone's answer will directly help you.  

Distance from the foul line for me is directly related to my ball speed that I want on that shot.  But even knowing that, my distances will likely be completely different than yours.  I'm tall, 6'5" and I take long steps so that's another factor.  

Starting out though, I suggest this...  Stand at the foul line facing back up the approach.  Take 4 normal steps plus a half step.  That should give you a pretty good idea of a starting distance.  That's what I was taught and as my game evolved I learned to adjust from that point.
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Gazoo

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Re: Where to stand on the approach
« Reply #2 on: May 12, 2009, 07:28:30 AM »
That's the best way to due it. Just use your normal bowling motion and make sure that 1/2 step is the same length as your slide as some slide longer than others. Once you find your starting point, make the minor adjustments as needed (when actually throwing a ball your stride might be slightly different)to end up at the foul line where you want.
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dizzyfugu

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Re: Where to stand on the approach
« Reply #3 on: May 12, 2009, 08:06:14 AM »
I learned, as a rule of thumb, that you start at the foul line and take as many upright, normals steps you normally use in your approach, and then add a foot or half a step (depending on your size) for the slide -  that's what is supposed to be a potential starting point.

Anyway, you might just use trial and error to find a good position. If you know that you have lots of space left to the foul line, then just move your starting point that much forward and keep up your normal delivery, just blending out the foul line. If you become too foul-line-conscious, chances are high that you choke up you slide and end up off-timing.

If you have a good routine, ending up very close to the foul line (and repeating it) is no problem. I wondered about this, too, when I started bowling, but after a while it became automatic, and in my whole bolwing career so far I only made 3 fouls. The less you worry about it, the better for the execution
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Jeffrevs

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Re: Where to stand on the approach
« Reply #4 on: May 12, 2009, 08:37:33 AM »
Ok, ...let's not let logic cloud our judgement folks....

Why not just go to the spot where you want to finish.  Turn around, and do your actual bowling approach towards the setee area?  THEN you can easily see where you need to start ........yes?

Why add a 1/2 step for a slide when you can estimate it almost dead on by doing this?
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Edited on 5/12/2009 8:38 AM
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dizzyfugu

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Re: Where to stand on the approach
« Reply #5 on: May 12, 2009, 09:21:16 AM »
Good point. But I doubt that you end up the same as if you would do it in the correct direction. Even with a ball, you do not move the same as if you actually deliver the ball, and the approaches tend to be sticker at the hall end than at the lane end. I think it still ends up with some trial and error, and confidence in what you do, to find a good and working spot.
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Jeffrevs

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Re: Where to stand on the approach
« Reply #6 on: May 12, 2009, 09:35:06 AM »
quote:
Good point. But I doubt that you end up the same as if you would do it in the correct direction. Even with a ball, you do not move the same as if you actually deliver the ball, and the approaches tend to be sticker at the hall end than at the lane end. I think it still ends up with some trial and error, and confidence in what you do, to find a good and working spot.
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Understood, but regardless, ...a "mock" approach backwards is going to give you a better idea than taking 'normal' steps, ..that's all I'm saying
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Jeff
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Edited on 5/12/2009 9:39 AM
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tan125

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Re: Where to stand on the approach
« Reply #7 on: May 12, 2009, 04:34:49 PM »
I don't have a very long approach as my backswing isn't all that high.  I normally stand about 10 feet from the foul line.  I just go to the 12 foot dots and measure off 2 shoe-lengths from there, so that I know I'm at my normal spot.
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