How to Use the 5-Step Bowling Approach

As your bowling game improves you'll soon realize that by adjusting certain aspects of your game slightly, you can improve greatly. One of those things is your approach to the lane. Professional bowlers take as little as 2 steps and as many as 8. It's all about finding what works for you. Here's how to execute a 5-step approach in bowling.

Things You'll Need

  • Bowling ball
  • Bowling alley
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the ball in your starting position. The starting position for the ball is down by your waist, slightly in front of you on the side of your body with which you bowl.

    • 2

      Take the first step toward the lane. The big difference between the 4-step and 5-step approach in bowling is that the ball does not move during the first step. This will allow your body to be square and the ball in the appropriate position as you approach the foul line.

    • 3

      Move the ball "out" on the second step. This refers to the forward motion of the ball as your hand moves in front of your body.

    • 4

      Bring the ball back on your third step. Think of a pendulum as the ball has now swung forward and is arching back before it will thrust forward again.

    • 5

      Take the fourth step as the ball drives forward. This is just prior to the release of the ball. This is analogous to when a baseball pitcher is pushing off the mound as he is about to throw the ball.

    • 6

      Release the ball on the fifth step. When done correctly, your body should be square to the lane and the pins. Make sure that your arm motion completes its arc so it finishes following through.