Beginner Bowler Steps
By: bowlingball.com,
Originally Posted: 3/6/16; Updated: 3/3/21If you are a new or bowler learning how to take proper steps in your approach, follow these simple beginner bowler steps:
*Set-up with your bowling shoes together and your hips and shoulders facing the head pin.
*Flex your knees downward slightly and lean your upper body forward slightly. Maintain this posture throughout your approach and when you release your ball.
*Walk a straight line to the foul line sliding on the same board as where you began in your stance position on the approach. Use the instep of your sliding bowling shoe to align yourself with a specific board on the approach floor and try to walk straight and slide on the same board.
*Visualize walking on the balance beam a gymnast uses with one step directly in front of the other. If you were to walk a tightrope, you would be stepping to the center of your body each step so you can walk the straight line path and retain good body balance.
*Use your natural length walking stride and gradually increase your pace of walking each successive step without losing body balance.
*It is recommended that the toe on the sliding bowling shoe finishes only 6 inches or less from the foul line. It is surprising how many new bowlers slide a little too far behind the foul line.
*Adjust your starting position on the approach to a distance where after taking your steps, you slide only 4-6 inches behind the foul line with your upper body facing the head pin.
*Avoid racing or lunging with your steps by stepping away too quickly on your first step.
*If you learn to walk straight to the line and not drift left or right regardless of where you align yourself on the approach (for strikes and spares alike), you will simplify your footwork process and establish a reliable walking pattern.
*The slide step should glide into the approach with the sole and heel of the bowling shoe sliding evenly and smoothly from the momentum built from the first steps. Use a modest amount of knee flex in your set-up on the approach and then retain knee flex throughout your steps and slide.
*During practice games, count cadence while you walk so you establish consistent tempo.
If you spend a little time on your steps body balance, you will advance in the game and enjoy yourself when bowling with family and friends.
