4 vs 5 step approach preference

[NewToBowling]

Ok, from casual viewing of PBA bowling from what I see many do a 5 or even more step approach. I could be wrong but not seeing many with 4 step approaches.

For me it's easier and more natural with 4 step approach as I move my right hands and legs in unison with first step.

What's everyone's preference?

Also, how heavy is your overlapping first step (right foot for right handers) over the other foot. Ideally the right foot should just step in front of the left but I've noticed on mine I go way beyond and am straying at least a few boards. It's funky to say the least.

[bubba809]

For me it's easier and more natural with 4 step approach as I move my right hands and legs in unison with first step.

What's everyone's preference?

You just answered your own question. I think it's whatever you're most comfortable with. Sure there may be some advantages (5 step=more ball speed), but in the end you will decide what feels right.

[Monte]

I still go with a 4 step approach. I started "learning" to bowl (since I think it's a game of constant learning) when I was around 11 or 12 years old (junior leagues).

I tried a 5 step approach once, didn't go well.

[Amyers]

I started with a 4 step and used it for years but I changed to a 5 step last summer

[vdubtx]

I started with a 4 step and used it for years but I changed to a 5 step last summer

I started with 5 step and went to a 4 step approx 4 years ago.

[jab5325]

Always been a 5-step, but have tinkered with a 4-step.

[epiepenburg]

4 step for me. I've gone back and forth a few times, 4 step always feel more natural. I am 6'3" and naturally take longer strides, so 4 step suits me better. I also tend to end my slide a good few inches before the foul line.

[rv driver]

I started with a 3-step. Soon progressed to a 5. I'm a "righty," and since I spent so many years in marching band, stepping off with the left foot, starting the approach on the left foot seemed more natural to me. Hence, I need an odd-number of steps.

[SRB57]

I have always been a 5 step approach. A great bowler Allie Brandt tried to get me to go 4 step and tried for a brief time but went back to a 5 step. It gives me better timing. Steve

[Hampe]

Like Amyers I went from 4 to 5 last year, and it feels better to me. With the extra step you kind of get your body already in motion and it makes it easier to start the next step/pushaway at the same time. I feel like my first step and pushaway were not as consistent when starting from a stationary position. Plus for me, a plus to the extra step was being farther up on the approach, which means the rest of my steps needed to be a little shorter, which meant my approach was less of a "run" up to the line.

There's no real "right" way....whichever one you can do consistently and feels good to you, is the one you should stick with.