Technique Get Rhythm
Non-Traditional Approaches IN PART because bowling doesn’t offer style points, bowlers over the years have utilized everything from 10- and 11-step approaches, to one- step approaches. Again, it’s all a matter of com-
fort. Whatever allows a bowler to de- velop the proper rhythm, timing and power is acceptable. Take Wayne Garber, for instance.
The Modesto, Calif., bowler, who made a pair of TV appearances in 2009-10, uses anywhere from nine to 11 steps to deliver the ball. He starts with his heels at the back of the approach and, because of knee problems, actually leans back before creeping into his initial ap- proach. He uses a number of small steps, then slightly longer steps as he enters the final four steps. Norm Duke, a jack of all trades,
uses a myriad of approach varia- tions, but typically uses six steps. Again, the first two are small shuffle steps that allows him to generate a little more momentum. Mark Roth was another bowler
who shuffled through several steps before he began his ball movement. He often used seven steps to get to
the foul line, although Roth did get into his swing a little on the first step of the five-step approach. And, yes, bowlers do occasion-
ally use one-, two- and three-step approaches. With the one-step approach the
bowler simply utilizes the slide step, the final step in the four-step ap- proach. The bowler will start in his nor-
mal stance and will start the swing well before taking the only step. It’s mostly seen with senior bowlers who have limited mobility. The two- and three-step ap-
proaches are similar, in that the swing initiates the approach and the feet don’t actually get moving until the ball is past the body and almost to the top of the backswing. You may have also seen players
use one-step and two-step drills while warming up. It’s a way for them to get a feel for how their body is reacting on a particular day and to find out where their balance is. It can be helpful because it simpli- fies the process and allows them to focus on things like hand release or swing direction.
LIFESTYLE AND BOWLING TECHNIQUES TO MAKE YOU A BETTER BOWLER
A WALK IN THE PARK: Click on the play button (above left) for tips from USBC Coaching Specialist Stephen Padilla explaining the four- and five-step approach.
through is equally im- portant. Follow through with a balanced finish position that directs the hand still aligned with the target.
FIVE-STEP APPROACH The truth of the mat- ter is that the five-step approach simply adds momentum to what will become the traditional
14 USBOWLER MARCH 2011
four-step approach. (To determine a start- ing position, walk five and a half steps from the foul line, then pivot 180 degrees and face the lanes.) The first step in the five-step approach is the non-ball-side foot moving forward with- out the ball or ball-side arm moving. The only movement is from the waist down. Step two of
the five-step approach, therefore, is simply step one of the four-step approach. Neither approach is
more correct than the other. Again, choos- ing the approach that’s right for you is simply a matter of comfort and ease of repeatability. — Stephen Padilla is a Coaching Specialist at USBC
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