How far forward do you stand on the approach?

[jab5325]

Had my first lesson last night, and was able to identify some good points to work on in the coming weeks until my next one.

Mainly, I have a tendency, and have since youth, of rushing my routine, which causes quick footwork, which causes early (or late) timing, which in turn causes off balance shots. I also have a tendency to "throw" the ball, have a very active shoulder, and not letting the thing roll.

I used to stand with my heels on the last set of dots at the approach for all shots. Sometimes, I would stop sliding a good 16-18 inches before the line. He recommended putting my toes at the middle set of dots, which is a significant move forward. In turn, this caused me to take shorter/somewhat choppier steps, which gave me a much more fluid motion/approach. Working on consistency will be key here, but, I feel better about where I'm heading.

So, where do you stand to start your approach? How far behind the foul line do you usually finish?

[BrianG]

I stand about 6 inches behind the first set of dots and I finish about a foot behind the foul line.

[NewToBowling]

I stand about 3 inches behind first set of dots and usually finish just right at the foul line. But I do believe the distance the dots are to the foul line are not standard and can vary from center to center

[bowl1820]

So, where do you stand to start your approach? How far behind the foul line do you usually finish?

I stand at the 12' markings, I could move up some though because I come up short of the foul line some.

Most bowlers if you watch them start too far back. This causes them to have a overly long stride that affects balance a great deal.

I stand about 3 inches behind first set of dots and usually finish just right at the foul line. But I do believe the distance the dots are to the foul line are not standard and can vary from center to center

While there is some variation, Actually there are rules to where the approach markings are.

1. Measured from the foul line, a maximum of seven guides may be embedded in or stamped
on the approach at each of the following points: 2-6 inches; 3-4 feet; 6-7 feet; 9-10 feet;
11-12 feet; and 14-15 feet. Each series of guides shall be parallel to the foul line and each
guide shall be circular in shape and shall not exceed ¾ inch in diameter.


Most lanes now usually just have the 12' & 15' markings.

[Amyers]

I used to start at the 12' dots but my coach moved me back to about 6 inches in front of the 15' dots. I finish about 3-6 inches from the line regardless of where I start

[AlexNC]

I start about 6" in front of the 15' dots. I could probably afford to move up just a bit for some of the same reasons Jab mentioned above.

[vdubtx]

Start about 12" behind the 12' dots. If needed I move up to the dots and always stop my slide about an inch or 2 before the line.

[TonyInPortland]

I stand as far back as possible on the approach.

[shadd]

I set up with my right pinky toe on the dot/board at the 15' "line" and end my approach 8-12" from the foul line.

[Aslan]

It's varied.

Started out using the whole approach. Over time, in an attempt to slow my speed down mainly...have moved up to where my toes are on the first set of dots. But with my height and longer legs...I have to kinda tip toe like Wes Mallot to make sure I'm not sliding over the foul line...AND usually plant versus slide.

I've seen very few non-pros that can use the entire approach in time and effectively. Usually when I see it, it's a 207-246 average bowler with really good form, youth, and strength. The longer the approach and faster the feet, the harder it is to stay in time. And timing is probably slightly ahead of or slightly behind release in terms of potential impact on your shot/game. Everything else is a distant 3rd.