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Author Topic: 5 step to 4 Step  (Read 2628 times)

AlonzoHarris

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5 step to 4 Step
« on: March 08, 2018, 10:24:34 PM »
Anyone make the change to 4 stop from 5 step? Thinking I might have better timing by making the change to 4 step. I don't have a high backswing, I don't like to walk with the ball for a long time, and I don't walk fast.
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SVstar34

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Re: 5 step to 4 Step
« Reply #1 on: March 08, 2018, 11:04:55 PM »
If you have time to practice, just play around with it. There's no right or wrong answer. I used to always do a 4 step approach but would change to 5 if I really felt out of balance. The past 2 years I've gone to a 4 1/2 step approach where I slide my foot instead of taking a full step and it just works for me

bowling_rebel

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Re: 5 step to 4 Step
« Reply #2 on: March 08, 2018, 11:55:04 PM »
Yes. It's not hard. Just need to practice it.
Don't try bowling a real game at first. Just slowly walk through it for like half a game.
Do this a few times during practice session and will get used to very quickly.

On a 5 step approach I was inconsistent with moving my right arm forward on second step.
With a 4 step approach it helps a lot to keep correct timing. I can focus on moving my right arm and foot together on first step.

themagician

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Re: 5 step to 4 Step
« Reply #3 on: March 09, 2018, 06:49:20 AM »
Local coach to me always talks about rebuilding your approach from the beginning, start with a 1 step and build up to the length of your approach.

His view is the first step in a 5 step the ball doesn't move, so your taking a step and then doing a 4 step approach, so it doesn't make much difference.

But as always, most of bowling is a feel and repeat thing.
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Bowl_Freak

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Re: 5 step to 4 Step
« Reply #4 on: March 09, 2018, 07:41:32 AM »
This season i've actually went from a 5 step approach to a 7 step approach. Not as hard as you think as long as you let your timing fall into place. It was real hard for me to go from 5 to 4, didnt feel right. Now if im struggling with my 7 step, i simply go back to my 5 step and get back on track. I'm always constantly changing something up for the sake of variety.

AlonzoHarris

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Re: 5 step to 4 Step
« Reply #5 on: March 09, 2018, 07:56:09 AM »
It feels odd leading with my right foot instead of my left foot. But I think it'll help me bring my timing and overall mechanics a bit tighter.
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Snakster

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Re: 5 step to 4 Step
« Reply #6 on: March 09, 2018, 08:36:36 AM »
The past 2 years I've gone to a 4 1/2 step approach where I slide my foot instead of taking a full step and it just works for me

This is basically me.  First (half) step is a baby step just to get me going.  Arm doesn't move until second step.  However, reading this makes me want to go practice a while using 4.  If only to see if it gives me more consistent rhythm.  Been slumping hard lately and some nights I just feel 'off'.  A simplification may be in order.
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LookingForALeftyWall

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Re: 5 step to 4 Step
« Reply #7 on: March 09, 2018, 08:45:25 AM »
I find it interesting that there seem to be more PBA HOFers on the leftside than on the rightside that have used a 4 step approach.  On the left there is Aulby, Bohn, and Scroggins.  On the right, Rash may be a HOFer one day and Ozio would go 4 step from time to time.  Who else on the right used a 4 step approach?

AlonzoHarris

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Re: 5 step to 4 Step
« Reply #8 on: March 09, 2018, 09:22:52 AM »
I find it interesting that there seem to be more PBA HOFers on the leftside than on the rightside that have used a 4 step approach.  On the left there is Aulby, Bohn, and Scroggins.  On the right, Rash may be a HOFer one day and Ozio would go 4 step from time to time.  Who else on the right used a 4 step approach?

Marshall Kent
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LookingForALeftyWall

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Re: 5 step to 4 Step
« Reply #9 on: March 09, 2018, 09:43:47 AM »
I find it interesting that there seem to be more PBA HOFers on the leftside than on the rightside that have used a 4 step approach.  On the left there is Aulby, Bohn, and Scroggins.  On the right, Rash may be a HOFer one day and Ozio would go 4 step from time to time.  Who else on the right used a 4 step approach?

Marshall Kent

Rhino Page is another lefty with a 4 step approach. 

I did not realize Kent was a 4-stepper - I have not really paid attention to him. 

AlonzoHarris

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Re: 5 step to 4 Step
« Reply #10 on: March 09, 2018, 10:19:07 AM »
I find it interesting that there seem to be more PBA HOFers on the leftside than on the rightside that have used a 4 step approach.  On the left there is Aulby, Bohn, and Scroggins.  On the right, Rash may be a HOFer one day and Ozio would go 4 step from time to time.  Who else on the right used a 4 step approach?

Marshall Kent

Rhino Page is another lefty with a 4 step approach. 

I did not realize Kent was a 4-stepper - I have not really paid attention to him.

With him making a few recent shows I took notice of his 4 step approach.
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HankScorpio

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Re: 5 step to 4 Step
« Reply #11 on: March 09, 2018, 12:22:21 PM »
Kent switched from 5 to 4 a couple of years ago because he felt it improved his timing.

The key words are “he felt”. Try it, and stick with whatever feels comfortable to you. I’ve dabbled and noticed no real difference. IMO, if the timing of the push away is the issue, changing the number of steps won’t solve it. As soon as you stop paying attention to it, your body will revert to its tendencies. At some point you’ll have to put in the work to practice just your push away, whether you’re 4 step or 5.

On the plus side, since I dabbled, I’m pretty comfortable bowling with 3, 4, or 5 step approaches. Variety in that regard comes in handy when you’re going around ball returns.

LookingForALeftyWall

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Re: 5 step to 4 Step
« Reply #12 on: March 09, 2018, 01:16:11 PM »
On the plus side, since I dabbled, I’m pretty comfortable bowling with 3, 4, or 5 step approaches. Variety in that regard comes in handy when you’re going around ball returns.

I am lefty, I do not understand what you mean "going around ball returns"....

mduminiak

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Re: 5 step to 4 Step
« Reply #13 on: March 09, 2018, 01:51:45 PM »
Anyone make the change to 4 stop from 5 step? Thinking I might have better timing by making the change to 4 step. I don't have a high backswing, I don't like to walk with the ball for a long time, and I don't walk fast.
I actually just made the move from a 5 step to 4 step approach about 3 weeks ago. I also don't have a high backswing and have found that the 4 step feels better from a timing perspective. The key for me was simultaneously timing my push away with my first step. It honestly feels very natural at this point and isn't something I think about anymore. Like others have said practice at home while holding an object in your bowling hand and mimic your approach. Start by just getting the feel of the push away right in your first step. The rest will come shortly after.

don coyote

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Re: 5 step to 4 Step
« Reply #14 on: March 09, 2018, 02:48:39 PM »
I have found that by changing my steps from 5 to 4, or 4 to 5 during bowling-especially during tournaments- I have added another adjustment to the shot I am able to use.

BUT..... I practiced it first.

An older gentleman recommend practicing different steps, and shot making from 1st arrow to 4th. It took me quite a while to get into this mode. I used to just throw the ball and try to be accurate. Now I design my practices before I get to the alley. He gave me an education on bowling that was invaluable.