Approach Position For Elite Bowlers

At the elite level, you will sometimes be forced to think outside the box, and that can mean using some downright strange approach positioning in order to attack the lanes properly.
Sometimes, you might have to move forward on the approach and stand all the way in front of the ball return in order to get deep enough. On the flip side, there may be times when it's advantageous to move all the way to the extreme outside portion of the lane and angle your ball directly toward the pocket. Whatever the case may be, you need to be sure you're ready to move wherever the conditions tell you to. While doing so, be sure to try moving forward and backward from the dots. This can help you control your tempo and ball speed.
Remember, at the elite level, it's all about feel, so everyone is going to find different tricks that will help create more opportunities for them to win. The key is to experiment so that you'll know which tools work best for you. That will give you the confidence to utilize them whenever the need arises. That's what championship bowling is all about.
by Bob Learn Jr.
USBC Coaching Specialist