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Before your approach
The approach is actually not the
place to begin. There are
things to consider before you bowl,
getting set-up, and a mental review
of strategies you have designed for
your next shot. When you start
your approach from a stable base,
you can expect better results.
First, learn the trade
To achieve consistent, effective bowling, it is
fundamental that you first
understand the
details of bowling. Tricks of the trade
cannot be successfully employed
without first correctly implementing the fundamentals.
You need
to understand what works for you and what doesn’t.
Implementing a flawed approach does not enhance your chances of
getting it right. You need to know your own game.
Knowing your own game thoroughly
requires time, energy and
dedication. If your understanding is
limited, you should consider a few
sessions with a coach. A
coach can help you discover areas
that can lead toward better scoring
and enjoyment of your sport. A coach
can identify how to avoid those
things that hold you back from
achieving what you're looking
for.
Keep it simple
The fewer variations you
introduce, the easier it is to
repeat good shots. The fewer fancy
movements you introduce into
your approach, the easier to make
corrections, and repeat good shots.
Simplicity rules over fancy.
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Some bowlers tend to get too crafty
with their push-away. They
push away at the wrong time, too
hard or not enough. Their pace is too fast
or too slow, and they
lose their balance at the line.
Some tend to walk away from the
target, use a variety of strides,
different releases, etc. They
have a basketful of ways to overcome each flaw by
introducing other flaws that eventually limit their
performance.
While there is a time to introduce variances into
your bowling, remember that consistency is achieved
best when your technique is simple and repeatable.
Keep
it smooth
A
smooth approach is a very important physical aspect
of effective bowling. You should not march up
to the foul line like a soldier or have a choppy
look and feel to your approach. The more effective
bowling approach is a smooth and fluent motion with
a rhythm you can actually feel.
Think
about the message
The approach consists of key components that lead to
good bowling. Take your time. Think about the
message. There are many critics and
suggestions, but do yourself a favor and follow
advice of USBC certified coaches. There are
many paths to follow, and most are often
misleading. Apply lessons learned, and enjoy our
great sport.
Let's start our approach
S omething
has to get you started.
An effective approach consists of essential
components.
Much can be gained as you think through each area.
Let’s walk through key areas that lead to a
good approach.
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Where To Start - Where will you start,
and where you do want to be at your release
Direction - The path you and the
ball take. There are good
and bad paths.
Pace - How quickly and controllably you walk
Number of Steps - The number of
steps you take to the foul line
Stride Length - The length and evenness of each
step
Rhythm - the tempo of your steps
Balance - Maintaining balance
throughout your approach significantly impacts
consistency and scoring.
Targeting -
your chosen target or area during your approach
Holding the ball
-Throughout
the approach, your hands provide valuable inputs as
to where the ball will travel throughout it's travel
toward the pins.
Putting it together
While it is different with a
ball in your hand, you can practice
these components without a ball while at home. Practice
each component until you find a
rhythm;
smooth, and not jerky; and teach
your hand to feel effective throughout the approach.
Then take what you've learned to the bowling center
for a
practice session.
Though there is much to consider, you can achieve
more effective bowling skills. Follow the
guide provided in the index located at the top of
the page.
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