Should I Switch to a 5 Step Approach

[Josch]

I've been using a 4 step approach since I started bowling regularly two years ago. My ball speed is only around 12-14 MPH. With a 4 step the fastest I've achieved was 16 MPH and it took a ton of effort. I've tried a 5 step approach in practice a few times and my speed was around 15-16 MPH with the same amount of effort as usual. Would it be advantageous to switch to a 5 step approach to increase my ball speed? I'm starting my unsanctioned summer league with 3 free games every day soon so I would have plenty of time to practice before my next sanctioned league beginning at the end of August. Are there any negative effects of switching to a 5 step approach?

[billf]

Switch. The number one factor in pin carry is ball speed. Your revs may decline slightly while you adjust but they do come back. If the tempo of your feet is the same yet speed increased by only adding a step, then your timing was off a tad and adding that step got it closer to optimal.

Gold coach Ron Hatfield proved these facts to me recently. Luckily I went to a 5 step last year but I still challenged whether the above was his opinion or fact.

[BallBuster]

I bowled for many years with a 5 step. I can't ever remember actually being taught to do that. This year I decided to switch and my average has gone up easily 15 pins. Apparently I was having some real timing issues that were greatly affecting my consistency. I find I can still throw just as fast or faster when I want because the 4-step shortens up every part of your shot; except when you consciously raise your backswing and then plant at the foul line for good leverage. You do what's comfortable for you. A good tip to remember with either approach is too keep your second to last step very short, this is the "power step" that you will generate that leverage with. A great tool I found was "Richard Shockley's Virtual Bowling Academy" on youtube. Check that out. Hope it helps

-KEEP ON ROLLIN

[Gatorbait724]

I agree with BallBuster, whatever is more comfortable for you.. Personally i've taught myself to switch back and forth..If I need more speed, I go 5 Step..Slower 4 Step.

If you read John Jowdy's book, he seems to think 4 Step players get out of slumps faster than 5 steps. Norm Duke takes 6 and a 1/2 Steps lol.. So yeah, I'd say comfort is the more important thing

[J Anderson]

I only take three steps, ( which drives my friend Tim a bit crazy, when he tries to help me ), and can throw anywhere from 13 mph to almost 17 mph. In fact when playing on a long pattern like Shark, I have a hard time keeping my speed under 16 mph. When I've done one or no step drills the speed is 6 to 8 mph, so your footwork contributes at least half the speed of the ball.

[billf]

I I find I can still throw just as fast or faster when I want because the 4-step shortens up every part of your shot; except when you consciously raise your backswing and then plant at the foul line for good leverage.
-KEEP ON ROLLIN

How does a 4 step shorten every part when it's only the last 4 steps that matter for timing no matter how many steps are taken?

[billf]

Doing what's comfortable is obvious BUT follow me here. If you knew something was wrong AND comfortable, wouldn't you at least try to be uncomfortable for awhile to try to "learn" a better way? Every change any coach has made over the years (bowling, baseball, football) felt strange and uncomfortable...AT FIRST. There is nothing comfortable with change whether it's physical change or mental change.

But the requester of our opinions has used BOTH styles and doesn't seem to be having a comfort issue with either so why not go for more carry?

[Josch]

But the requester of our opinions has used BOTH styles and doesn't seem to be having a comfort issue with either so why not go for more carry?

Will the extra 2 MPH increase carry by a fair amount? I recently went up to a 14 lb ball from 13 lb (still have 2).

[Etrain]

i tried doing a 5 step but the only problem i had was going to the same exact spot/lengte from the foul line. I do a 4 step facing a dot so im always consistant, but a 5 step is inbetween both groups of dots

i hope this makes sence

[billf]

Generally each pound in ball weight equals 10 pins a game. The increase in speed carries too many variables with accuracy being the front runner.
Was the increase of 2mph with the 14lbs ball?
When all else is equal then carry translate to; mass x velocity squared 13lbs x (14mph x 14mph)=2548 14lbs x (15mph x 1mph5)=3150
13lbs x (16mph x 16mph)=3328 14lbs x (14mph x 14mph)=2744

As with all things there is a point of diminishing returns. With bowling that is the point where deflection affects carry. Personally I find any ball below 14lbs tends to deflect too much to properly drive through and consistently carry the necessary pins.