3-step, 4-Step or 5-step?

[GeoLes]

Okay, forgive the "newb" question, but I gotta know.

I am a 6,4, right-handed bowler who rolls a 15-lb ball (if that is relevant). I am probably a "tweener". I was originally taught to "stoke" with a 4-step approach. As I found more release control, I discovered 3 steps to be more efficient. I have also moved a couple of markers further left on the approach in order to roll the ball though the 2nd arrow with greater Axis rotation. I recently read a Slowinski article on 5-step approach, which is basically 4-steps with a prefix step to get you down the approach, as I see it. I tend to stand mid-way on the approach, pretty close to the end of the ball return in order to finish near the foul line.

I guess I have two questions. I still feel most comfortable with 3 steps, as the ball seems to swing more naturally, and effortlessly. (On 4-steps, I feel like I am holding the ball back during the swing). By switching to Slowinski's 5 step approach, I am essentially returning to a 4 step approach in terms of swing/step timing. Is it feasiblle to use a 3-step timing with 5 steps? (in other words, two steps before pushing off). I practiced 5 steps with pushoff on 2, this afternoon and got tripped up a couple of times. It also felt like I was really manually contolling the swing to keep it smooth. I think would fare better with 3 as it feels more effortless. Also, I can use more of the approach to fnish with more ball speed down lane.

Am I on target? Spinning fairy tales? Thoughts?

[AZBowla]

I noticed last time I was bowling I was doing a 5 step approach and I use two steps before the pushaway, so yeah you can do it. I never really noticed it before because I was just doing what felt "natural", but last time I paid attention to this because I'm trying to get more consistent. Whatever gets it down the lane and hitting your mark consistently, that's what you should do. There's no one "right" way to bowl. The only right way there really is is what works for you. A 5 step with the pushaway on step 3 works for me. Anything else feels weird and I mess up when I try it.

[scottymoney]

I am going to try the Shift Bowl Technique that is in the Bowling Videos section. I think it will get me in better position to start and keep me more consistent, we shall see!

Right now I am a 3 step guy, and it seems so much more natural to take less steps. But we will see how this "Shift Bowl" works out. Starting out in a low stance I think will help my slide and consistency.

[Zothen]

You should do whatever feels comfortable to your style!

Zothen

[backlasher]

I use a 3-step approach too. I thought I was doing it wrong but it felt right. I guess there's more than one way to do it.

[AZBowla]

I wonder if I should use a 3 step instead of taking two additional steps before I start my swing? I guess I can try it and see.

[RoccoRock]

I use a 5 step, on step one, the ball doesn't move an inch. Step 2 is when I start moving the ball. Chris Barnes has a great video on this. I strongly recomend going to youtube and watching that vid. I would post a link but right now I am holding an adorable 6 month old baby girl :D

[Greenday]

Basically whatever is most comfortable. I used to do a four step approach. My coach taught me a five step approach and holy crap does that feel more comfortable. I don't feel like I'm rushing to the line anymore. Now it's a matter of getting a free flowing swing and some other smaller mechanics.

[billf]

I used a 5-step approach but my timing started to get off. I went back to basics including a 4-step approach. I personally couldn't have the ball swing that far back before starting my steps.
As long as your arm is parallel to the floor on the downswing when the slide foot heel hits the floor, then you're fine. There are as many variations to bowling as there are people but that spot is the one constant of all great bowlers. Mark Baker's book, The Game Changer, goes into this in great detail.

[AZBowla]

I used a 5-step approach but my timing started to get off. I went back to basics including a 4-step approach. I personally couldn't have the ball swing that far back before starting my steps.
As long as your arm is parallel to the floor on the downswing when the slide foot heel hits the floor, then you're fine. There are as many variations to bowling as there are people but that spot is the one constant of all great bowlers. Mark Baker's book, The Game Changer, goes into this in great detail.

I'm gonna have to ask the lovely GF to video me from the side next time we go bowling during my swing and see where my bowling arm is at that critical moment. My guess is that's where it is when I throw it right and when I don't, it isn't. :)

[GoodGorilla]

I use a 4 step, but I want to move to a 5 step at some point. I figured learning the 4 step first is best because one extra step is that much more difficult for a beginner. I think that having 5 steps would be better for controlling the momentum of my body. About that, Chris Barnes video, that's the first time I was introduced to the 4 and 5 step approach. That music is hard to keep out of my mind when thinking about the video.

[The German Shepherd]

Personally, I do not like the 3-step approach as it seems to make me hurry my arm-swing. I use a 4 unless the lanes are very dry, then i use a 5-step to give me a little extra momentum. In my 4-step, I push away with step one (note I said "push away" and not "hinge"). I tried rounding off my push-away but failed to see any benefit from it.

Jay