Acording to the rule book and almost any coaching seminar you can think of, It is perfectly legal to "Balk" at anytime during your approach. I always tell my Youth bowlers if something don't feel right, don't let go, and come back and compose yourself and shoot it over. Yes as long as you do not release the ball you can go down the lane. But i don't think your Center Manager is going to be too happy. If you step over the line without releasing the ball, it is not a foul.
this is from the Playing rules book...
"Rule 4a. A delivery is made when the ball leaves the player’s possession and crosses the foul
line into playing territory. Every delivery counts unless a dead ball is declared. (See Rule 8.) A
delivery must be made entirely by manual means. No device may be incorporated in or affixed to
the ball that detaches on delivery or is a moving part during delivery except as provided in Rules
4b and c.
Definition of a Foul
Rule 5a. A foul occurs when a part of the player’s body encroaches on or goes beyond the foul
line and touches any part of the lane, equipment or building during or after a delivery. A ball is in
play after a delivery until the same or another player is on the approach in position to make a
succeeding delivery.
The certification and inspection committee of a local association can require that the foul line
be plainly marked on the walls, posts, division boards or any other structure in a bowling center
on a line with the regular foul line.
When a foul is recorded the delivery counts but the player is not credited with any pins knocked
down by that delivery. (See Rule 6b.)"
If you have anymore questions about it, the rules book is available at almost any house, and it is also available at
www.bowl.comor here is the direct link.
http://www.bowl.com/downloads/pdf/0405_complete_rulebook.pdfTroy
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