Why do we need an "Approach"?

[J Anderson]

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??

Maybe it's because I was a moving cannon for thirty years before ever trying a one step drill that I have a surprisingly difficult time hitting my mark doning onestep drills.

[Aslan]

Interesting.

Maybe I'll be the next Belmo!!! But instead of being a weirdo using two hands....I'll be a weirdo that doesn't use the approach. Most people need speed. I have too much. Quickest way to get rid of excess speed? Bye bye approach.



Actually, maybe that's not a bad training idea!? Make the bowlers EARN the approach. Kinda like in hockey when you make the kids skate around without sticks...you make them earn the sticks, game play, etc... and in the process teach them the fundamentals of skating. Same with bowling. When you can hit your target +/- 1 board...you can use a 1-step. Then, if you can still hit your target +/- 1 board...you can use a 2-step. Etc...

[Amyers]

Interesting.

Maybe I'll be the next Belmo!!! But instead of being a weirdo using two hands....I'll be a weirdo that doesn't use the approach. Most people need speed. I have too much. Quickest way to get rid of excess speed? Bye bye approach.



Actually, maybe that's not a bad training idea!? Make the bowlers EARN the approach. Kinda like in hockey when you make the kids skate around without sticks...you make them earn the sticks, game play, etc... and in the process teach them the fundamentals of skating. Same with bowling. When you can hit your target +/- 1 board...you can use a 1-step. Then, if you can still hit your target +/- 1 board...you can use a 2-step. Etc...

Aslan I'm pretty sure you don't have to change anything to be considered a weirdo.

[Tony]

Aslan I'm pretty sure you don't have to change anything to be considered a weirdo.

Second that !

[J Anderson]

Interesting.
Actually, maybe that's not a bad training idea!? Make the bowlers EARN the approach. Kinda like in hockey when you make the kids skate around without sticks...you make them earn the sticks, game play, etc... and in the process teach them the fundamentals of skating. Same with bowling. When you can hit your target +/- 1 board...you can use a 1-step. Then, if you can still hit your target +/- 1 board...you can use a 2-step. Etc...

And this is why I hate tennis. I had a newly minted gym teacher who insisted we be able to volley against the wall for a certain amount of time without missing before we were allowed to play on the courts. Thank goodness he didn't use that approach with Lacrosse, or I would have two sports to hate.

[Aslan]

And this is why I hate tennis. I had a newly minted gym teacher who insisted we be able to volley against the wall for a certain amount of time without missing before we were allowed to play on the courts. Thank goodness he didn't use that approach with Lacrosse, or I would have two sports to hate.

I didn't say the little kids "liked" it. But that's unfortunately how you improve player's skill sets. Drills and such. It's not something 99.93% of bowlers would be interested in...but whatever.

[NYMIKE]

John “Count” Gengler (1882-1957) is bowling’s legendary figure. A native of Luxemburg, he came to the United States in 1914. He soon began making a living as a traveling bowling hustler–since he bowled palm ball and used only one step, he looked like an easy mark. When he eventually lost his anonymity, Gengler became an exhibition bowler. He bowled very few tournaments, though he did team with Harry Cohn to win the Doubles in the 1916 Atlantic Coast Bowling Tournament. Gengler quit bowling after losing a well-publicized match to Jimmy Smith in 1926. He spent the rest of his life in New York and New Orleans, raising race horses. (Dr Jake's Bowling history Blog)