Author Topic: Question about my approach (Read 4029 times)

mpotapa · « **on:** August 17, 2011, 09:02:29 AM »

I started bowling two years ago and I've always used a three step approach. Do you guys feel I should take a four or five step approach? It feels real uncomfortable when I do but I could work at it. Does taking a three step approach hurt my power or anything?

dizzyfugu · « **Reply #1 on:** August 18, 2011, 12:11:18 AM »

Two opinions:

- Do not change what works for you

- By the book, a four or five step approach is recommended

Personally, I'd assume that there's more potential in your game (even without seeing you bowl) in a 4 or 5 step approach, because this stance makes sure your approach has rhythm and can be synced with the pendulum. I am pretty sure that the 3 step approach feels "natural", but that does not mean that you have a "good" delivery - it is a trap many beginners fall for, instead of consulting a coach to get the basics right. The latter would be my personal recommendation, just to make sure that you do not "kill" your potential through bad timing. Bad timing = crappy ball release and poor reaction on the lane and in the pins.

When I started bowling, I also did a "natural" 3 step approach, because I used to play Volleyball before and that was the normal stance for delivery. The results in bowling were ugly, though, I'll admit any time when I look back. I was lucky that a youth coach in my club intervened, saying he could not watch this horror anymore - and he was damn right to give some basic advice.

DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
2010/11 Benrather BC Club Champion
Confused by bowling? Check out BR.com's vault of wisdom: the unofficial FAQ section

Edited by dizzyfugu on 18.08.2011 at 0:10 AM

« **Reply #2 on:** August 18, 2011, 07:15:33 AM »

I would agree with anyone who suggests 4 or 5 steps.

Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah
Brunswick Pro Shop Staff

www.brunswickbowling.com

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.

kidlost2000 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 18, 2011, 07:18:22 AM »

What is your ball speed with the 3 step approach?

"Get out of bowling what you want because that is all there is."

mpotapa · « **Reply #4 on:** August 18, 2011, 07:38:31 AM »

I don't really throw the ball that fast. I've never had the speed measured. I do throw it hard when I have to pick up the ten pin however. I'm going to try out a four and five step approach and see what happens. I'm sure if I do it enough I'll get used to it.

tog831 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 18, 2011, 08:28:41 AM »

Change to five steps and stay .A five step approach should be easy for you after you practice for a few weeks.

Five steps give you better timing because of not doing anything on the first step.The only thing you do on the first step is to get your body in motion.

A three step is a hit or miss approach,it does affect speed and power.

JohnP · « **Reply #6 on:** August 18, 2011, 09:16:09 AM »

If you change to a four step the ball moves into the swing as the first step begins. If five, the ball starts as the second step begins. If you take four or five steps but don't start the ball in motion until the point it would begin to move in a three step approach you haven't improved.

98custom · « **Reply #7 on:** August 18, 2011, 09:20:33 AM »

I would highly recommend seeking out a good coach in the area if you're going to make a change. It will feel horrible at first, and your on lane results will likely suffer for a few weeks. The key for me when I changed from 4 to 5 steps a few years back was not worrying about score the first few weeks. It's all about building the muscle memory.

Now as to 4 or 5 steps, it's kind of dependent on your body and what works for you. A good number of people like the first shuffle step just to get their body moving but use only the last 4 steps to actually move the ball.

Best of luck!

Mike

mpotapa wrote on 8/18/2011 7:38 AM:I don't really throw the ball that fast. I've never had the speed measured. I do throw it hard when I have to pick up the ten pin however. I'm going to try out a four and five step approach and see what happens. I'm sure if I do it enough I'll get used to it.

mdevore19 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 18, 2011, 09:28:46 AM »

I would also agree with everyone here, however, don't lose the three step approach entirely...it comes in handy for standing in front of the ball returns on broken down conditions

Michael DeVore II

Brunswick Advisory Staff

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.

pin-chaser · « **Reply #9 on:** August 25, 2011, 10:22:54 AM »

Bill Taylor would have said, it depends on your height and length of your arm. The shorter the fewer steps and the taller (longer arm) more steps. The reason is the length of the swing (pendulum). The longer the arm the longer it takes for the swing to complete. However, if you were around average height and average arm length he would have said 4 steps.

The better answer might be that if you are of average height and arm length and you are taking three steps then you would probably have a shorter armswing or slower cadence in you foot work. Both of which may produce slower ball speeds or increased muscle. These can be very limiting.

Brickguy221 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 25, 2011, 03:14:11 PM »

I agree with Dizzy where he says to use what works best for you.

My personal opinion is to pay attention to the book "only" if 3 steps isn't working for you.

dizzyfugu wrote on 8/18/2011 0:11 AM:
Two opinions:

- Do not change what works for you

- By the book, a four or five step approach is recommended

Personally, I'd assume that there's more potential in your game (even without seeing you bowl) in a 4 or 5 step approach, because this stance makes sure your approach has rhythm and can be synced with the pendulum. I am pretty sure that the 3 step approach feels "natural", but that does not mean that you have a "good" delivery - it is a trap many beginners fall for, instead of consulting a coach to get the basics right. The latter would be my personal recommendation, just to make sure that you do not "kill" your potential through bad timing. Bad timing = crappy ball release and poor reaction on the lane and in the pins.

When I started bowling, I also did a "natural" 3 step approach, because I used to play Volleyball before and that was the normal stance for delivery. The results in bowling were ugly, though, I'll admit any time when I look back. I was lucky that a youth coach in my club intervened, saying he could not watch this horror anymore - and he was damn right to give some basic advice.

DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
2010/11 Benrather BC Club Champion
Confused by bowling? Check out BR.com's vault of wisdom: the unofficial FAQ section

Edited by dizzyfugu on 18.08.2011 at 0:10 AM

**********************************************************************

"Whenever I feel the urge to exercise I lie down until the feeling passes away."

Brick

Author Topic: Question about my approach (Read 4029 times)

mpotapa

Question about my approach

dizzyfugu

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Re: Question about my approach

kidlost2000

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mpotapa

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tog831

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JohnP

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98custom

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mdevore19

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pin-chaser

Re: Question about my approach

Brickguy221

Re: Question about my approach