The 4 Step Approach in Bowling

Bowling Step 2: Position 2:2

In position 2:2, when your hand is beside your right knee, go with the swing and move your left foot forward. Your arm comes down towards your ankle. Release the bowling ball at your ankle and your arm should go up towards the ceiling. This is called lift. Your arm swing should be a half circle. Follow through after the foul line to complete the half circle. During the second step, the left foot moves forward as the ball arcs down. The right hand should leave the ball at the beginning of the step. At the end of the second step, the ball should end up beside the left calf.

Bowling Step 3: Position 3:3

In position 3:3, the bowling ball goes up into the backswing and third step while still maintaining posture. Your arm is at the top of the swing and the left leg is back.

During the third step, the right foot moves forward as the ball arcs back to the highest point of the arm swing. This should be about shoulder height.

Bowling Step 4: Position 4:4

In position 4:4, you go with the slide and follow-through. After the fourth step, you should continue through the release and follow-through without hesitation. As the ball starts down during the fourth step, your right foot should slide sideways in back of the left leg. Simultaneously, you should “sit down” or lower your hips slightly and position your weight slightly back so you end up in a comfortable sitting position with the lower body and the spine tilted 15 degree forward.

If you can count the 4 steps, you can get good timing and become a really good bowler.

You want to avoid early timing and late timing. Early timing is where the ball gets to the foul line way before your foot. Late timing occurs when your foot gets there before your swing. You may want to record yourself bowling and see whether you have good timing. Some people prefer the 5 step approach where they get a little baby step with their left foot to help them get started and get their body in motion, but ball does not move.

Make sure you do not slide over the foul line during the fourth step. If you slide over the foul line during competition (and release the ball), you receive no points for the shot.

The Finish Position

In the finish position, your leg should be planted in front of the knee and should be bent further, at approximately a 45 degree angle. The spine, however, remains at a 15 degree angle forward. From the side view, you want to keep your nose, knee, and foot all in line with each other. When you slide to the line, you want to have a straight line with the nose, knee and toe. This way, you will generate a lot of power. From the back view, you want your right leg over, right arm up, and left arm out for balance. There should be a straight line from your head right down through the body and to the slide foot. You should also have a diagonal line across the body with the right leg over, and the right arm up for good balance.

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