length of steps

[hard5034]

Ihave been having a problem with my approach and finishing positon . I believe my step are too long ,this seems to put me off balence .I am six foot three inches tall . I would like to try taking a very short approach starting at the first set of dots . I would appreciate any advice I can get on this subject

[M Black]

I don't see why you should not try shorter steps. John Jowdy, in his book entitled Bowling Execution tells the story of working with Del Warren in transitioning from a five step approach standing all the way back to a 4 step approach standing at the 2nd set of dots. This was accompanied by a much lower than previous free arm swing. Jowdy stated that Del is 6'-5" tall with long legs and arms. I imagine that this felt very ackward and took considerable work to change.

Good Luck

M Black

[stexexowN]

just taking a survey at what length do you make your droplines and the reason why Thanks ......Chris......

[trekbowl300]

Although I am nowhere close to your height I also had a problem with size of steps. Before I went to a coach and the BTM superschool I had steps of different sizes depending upon my speed. At one point I never knew why I was not sliding on my last step or almost falling over.

It turns out in the video I was trying to make a very large last step which would get me closer to the line but either off balance or heel first. If I hit my toes first I would slide but the follow through would make my trail foot come around just to keep from falling forward.

If it was not my toes and my heel then I would not slide and stick which also would cause me to pull the ball across my body.

After practice and instruction from the coach I was able to change my step size to fit my approach. This helped stop me from over extending the last step. It was not easy because it also changed my timing. Practice will help you adjust your step size but you will probably also adjust the speed of your approach steps to match up with the arm swing.

You may be looking to change your step size for a different reason but changes to that will change other parts of your approach like the ball position on each step. I don't know for sure but you will need to see how it effects your release timing.

I was able to change and generally have a much better controlled release without being off balance. This also resulted in less pulled shots.

Good luck.