For years, I have used a 5 step approach.  Even though I have good control and am fairly accurate, I have been debating going down to a 4 step approach as of late to see if that may help me further improve.  One of the reasons is that I think it may help me keep my timing more consistent.  The other is that I am looking for ways to further cut down ball speed (right now between 19-22mph, want to get it down to around 17-20mph).

For those who have made that switch, what are some benefits or disadvantages you've seen?

I went to a 4-step delivery to simplify things. In theory, less movement means fewer things to go wrong. For me, it's worked out.

The downside is possibly less ball speed. I dropped about one half mile, but it got my speed more matched to my revs, so it was good.

It's worth a try. You can always go back to a 5-step.

I went from 5 to 4 in the last 3 months.  I am more consistent with alignment back of approach to foul line release.  With the 4 step my arm with foot steps are in sync now. There is no time to be late with a 3 or 4 step throw.  With the 5 step I never could backup now with 4 steps I have that backup room. 

This video should be really helpful for you. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxA6tZaAzjE

lmfao, 1st time I have seen that.

definite tosh .o web redemption candidate there

Thanks for all of the input.  I figure I'll give it a shot during some practice time I plan on taking this weekend.  I also plan to have my driller (also a certified coach) take some video just in case there are any other issues that I'm not aware of.

I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. P. I have bowled both ways but 99% of my career has been as a 5 step bowler. I am very in tune with my mechanics so I could go out right now and use 4 step....but it is a detriment overall in my opinion. The first step in a 5 step is a timing move.....it gets everything going in the right direction if employed properly. In a four step you need to get feet and hand moving at the same time.....which is always more difficult than concentrating on one limb movement to start you athletic motion in my opinion.

I count as I walk....an nice cadence to keep my rhythm. And as I count in my head each step has a job. One - left foot starts the approach, two - right foot and arm extend together, three - nice smooth backswing with no muscle, four - load up and get ready to explode, five - drive and slide.

Break down each step like this. Work on the timing associated and the task of each step individually. Spend one day just concentrating on the first dead step of the motion and having the right pace and stride. Then day two....work on the second step.....the push away and full extension as the right foot hits the floor. Day three.....nice smooth pendulum (NO MUSCLE, NO GRIP PRESSURE) backswing. Day four.....load it up....get that right foot (righties of course) up under the body in a "cocked" position ready to fire out. And day five.....drive off that right foot into the slide.

Isolate these movements individually in your practice sessions and you will see great results.

Look for more coaching tips on my website in the latest news section. Sign up for the newsletter as I will add links to new releases, good coaching articles, and pro shop specials every 2-4 weeks. Good luck.

Joe



 

I rotate depending on what I'm trying to accomplish, but for me the 5-step is far superior to the 4-step if you want to effectively bowl with power. I only use the 4-step or less when the lanes are fried and I need to move way up on the approach and take a significant portion of the heads out of the equation. To each their own, but I wouldn't make the change. If you are having timing issues, adding or removing a step will only be a temporary band-aid.

I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. P. I have bowled both ways but 99% of my career has been as a 5 step bowler. I am very in tune with my mechanics so I could go out right now and use 4 step....but it is a detriment overall in my opinion. The first step in a 5 step is a timing move.....it gets everything going in the right direction if employed properly. In a four step you need to get feet and hand moving at the same time.....which is always more difficult than concentrating on one limb movement to start you athletic motion in my opinion.

I was 5-step for many more years than my current 4-step approach. During practice, I'll occasionally use the 5-step just to mix things up, so it's not a big deal to me either way.


I want to clarify that from personal experience, it's not hard at all to initiate a hinge/pushoff in sync with the the first step of the 4-step approach. The same way I can pat my head and rub my tummy at the same time.    In many ways I find it easier than preceding the motion with a timing step.


Regardless of 4-step or 5-step, the goal is to get to that perfect spot Mark Baker recently wrote about in his book, "The Game Changer". As the slide step gets flat on the approach, you want the swing parallel to the floor. That's the one common among all the great bowlers he's taped and analyzed over the years. I believe 5-step or 4-step is a secondary consideration. The question is which approach provides the most consistent means of getting to the sweet spot. The answer isn't the same for everyone.   

I have been reading and am actually thinking about going from 4 step to 5 step. Has anyone done that?