Why do we need an "Approach"?

[Aslan]

USBC has a robot. That robot doesn't worry about a 3-step, 4-step, or 5-step approach. It simply is an arm that release the ball.

So, why use an approach at all?

Pros:
The approach is technically where your speed comes from. The pros use the entire approach and get ball speeds in the 17-19mph range at the pins. So, unless you don't want more speed, more power...just standing at the line and throwing it is probably not going to work very well. Think of a wheelchair bowler. Generally they move the chair up to the line...give the ball a few back and forth swings...and the ball slowly goes down the lane and hooks into the pocket. Low speed, lots of deflection, difficult to pick up certain leaves...especially with a strike ball.

Cons:
- Approaches lead to timing issues.
- Approaches can lead you to be off-balanced.
- Approaches can be too fast...too much speed.
- Approaches, if you slide, can make you fall down if it's too sticky or too slippery.

So, why use an approach? 3-step, 4-step, 5-step, 6-step, 7-step....etc... Why not just get in your stance with your slide foot/knee bent, the appropriate spine tilt, sweep leg to the side...and just swing the ball back and let it swing forward. Perfectly balanced, limits variations, just gotta hit your mark...which is easier because you're a stationary cannon versus a moving cannon.

Is there a rule that you have to use an approach? If you have more than enough speed for the given conditions...why add an approach and all the variables that come with it??

[Aslan]

And that's the other thing.

Some bowlers plant, some bowlers slide.

Most pros and high level bowlers have incorporated some degree of slide...usually a LOT of slide.

But for the bowlers that "plant". Why bother with an approach. The point of the approach is to add momentum so that the ball has speed...and your power transfers as your knee moves forward. You can watch pro slow mo videos where as they are realeasing the ball in time...the knee moves in front of the foot along with the head.

But if you plant...you've taken all the benefits of the approach out of the equation. You may as well just use a 1-step or 2-step approach because the speed and execution, in theory, should be the same result. The act of "planting" that foot negates any momentum you have in the approach.

Me personally, I started to slide as I started to improve my game. But recently I've gotten rid of it to some extent and went back to planting more. Still a little slide...but I'm trying to embrace the bowling annoyance that IS...variation. I'm tired of doing it "right" and losing. I'd rather do it "wrong" and win. I stood at the line with my old Hammer Rhythm....no approach...and I shot just as well as I had with the approach. Had to move a bit inside to compensate for the reduced speed...but it sure is easy to repeat shots when you're a robot...that isn't moving.

Thoughts?

[AlexNC]

I'm trying to remember but wasn't there a PBA guy awhile back who essentially used a one step approach? Either way, some of my best stuff comes when I walk the approach casually and let the ball go (like my first few balls during warmup.) I always seem to roll the ball better and its something I have been trying to remember and apply to my game.

[RobLV1]

Simple answer: if bowlers didn't use a multi-step approach, one step drills would lose their reason for being!

[Aslan]

I was hoping Bowl1820 would find some rule or something that you have to start within 6 inches of the dots closest to the foul line or something like that.

Because if it's legal....I'm going to be tempted to do it. Not tomorrow when it counts....but my next practice may include a game or two of 0-step approach. Just sayin.

[shadd]

I know I "need" an approach...just as I need a back-swing on the golf course and a leg kick when hitting a base/softball. Can you golf baseball style or hit a ball flat-footed??? Sure, just not as effectively, imo.

[Tony]

I was hoping Bowl1820 would find some rule or something that you have to start within 6 inches of the dots closest to the foul line or something like that.

Because if it's legal....I'm going to be tempted to do it. Not tomorrow when it counts....but my next practice may include a game or two of 0-step approach. Just sayin.

Some coaches will start kids off with a one step approach, it does seem to be easier for them than trying to the whole approach. Maybe you could try that ?

As far as I know it's legal to stand at the line, swing your arm and roll the ball down the lane. Unusual but legal, I think the rule says something like you must be on the approach and the ball must leave your person crossing over the foul line into playing territory delivered by manual means.

[classygranny]

No rule against it. My bowling partner for senior tournaments is basically a one-stepper. Walks to within 2-3 feet of the foul line, takes one step and delivers. Yes, the ball hooks alot, and spares are difficult for him. Age sometimes takes away our abilities but not our passion.

[bowl1820]

Yep nothing to stop you from doing it, kids and old people do it all the time.

The thing is to see how long you can keep it up, arming a 15-16 pound ball down the lane.

Because if you want some speed, your going to wind up muscling it down the lane. A pure pendulum swing won't cut it.

[J Anderson]

I'm trying to remember but wasn't there a PBA guy awhile back who essentially used a one step approach? Either way, some of my best stuff comes when I walk the approach casually and let the ball go (like my first few balls during warmup.) I always seem to roll the ball better and its something I have been trying to remember and apply to my game.

Tony Reyes used to do a one step drill in the PBA SKILLS competitions. It was his thing, like Norm Duke and his towel shot.