Bowling is a sport that celebrates individuality. With countless bowlers gracing the lanes at Stars and Strikes, it’s no surprise that each player has his or her own distinct style.
While every bowler is unique, there are a few tried-and-true styles that have proven to be effective. Let’s take a closer look at each approach and discover what makes them stand out.
The Traditional Four-Step Delivery
The traditional four-step delivery is undoubtedly the most commonly used technique among bowlers of all skill levels. It lays the foundation for developing solid fundamentals and provides a balanced approach to the game. Here’s a breakdown of how it’s done:
Step 1. Stance and Set-Up
Assume an athletic pose with your knees flexed and your posture slightly forward. Hold the ball in both hands, ensuring it is balanced and comfortable.
Step 2. Initiating the Approach
Begin by pushing the ball away as you take your first step forward. The foot and ball should move together in a synchronized motion.
Step 3. Building Momentum
During the second step, extend your opposite arm out to the side to maintain balance. By the end of this step, the ball should be positioned near the leg on the ball-side.
Step 4. Releasing the Ball
As you proceed into the third step, the ball continues its upward swing, reaching the top by the end of the step. Finally, in the fourth step or slide step, the ball-side leg moves behind you, rolling on its side. Release the ball as it passes your sliding foot’s ankle.
Step 5. The Finish
After releasing the ball, maintain your balance and follow through towards the target. Extend your arm fully, allowing the elbow to finish above the shoulder. This completes the arm swing motion, reinforcing accuracy towards the target.
The Five-Step Delivery
A slight variation of the traditional four-step approach is the five-step delivery. It includes an additional step before the ball and the ball-side foot move together. Here’s what you need to remember when adopting this style:
Measure your distance from the foul line and take 5 ½ steps to set your starting point. This extra half step allows for a smoother transition into the ball’s movement.
The Two-Handed Approach
In recent years, the two-handed approach has gained immense popularity among bowlers seeking increased ball speed and revolution rates. It incorporates elements of the traditional four or five-step approaches with a few modifications. Here’s a breakdown of the two-handed technique:
Step 1. Stance and Grip
Assume a stance with your knees flexed and posture slightly forward. Place your fingers inside the ball, with the option of keeping your thumb out. Your opposite hand should rest on the top-front portion of the ball.
Step 2. Initiating the Approach
Push the ball away as you take your first step, ensuring that your foot and the ball move together.
Step 3. Transitioning into the Backswing
During the second step, maintain the position of your opposite hand, keeping your bowling elbow bent. Your posture should lean slightly forward.
Step 4. Backswing and Release
As you proceed into the third step, both elbows remain bent, and the ball is carried into the backswing using both hands. At the top of the backswing, the ball should be positioned near your armpit. In the fourth step, the ball swings forward, and your posture tilts further forward. Just before releasing the ball, your opposite hand comes off it.
Step 5. The Finish
After releasing the ball, complete your motion by following through with your elbow next to your head. Remember that the tempo of the two-handed approach is quicker than the traditional four or five-step method due to the shorter backswing.
The Spinner Approach
While the spinner approach may not be as popular as the four-step or two-handed techniques, it can be effective in specific situations, particularly when aiming for spares. This unique style involves using a lighter weight ball and relies on spinning the ball as it travels down the lane to create deflection and knock down pins.
Here’s how it works:
During the spinner approach, the lighter ball weight enables you to rotate your wrist early in the downswing. As you release the ball, your palm faces downward toward the floor. This rotation generates significant spin on the ball, increasing its chances of deflecting off the pins.
Final Thoughts
With an array of bowling styles to choose from, discovering your own unique approach is part of the fun. Each style has its advantages and can be effective depending on the situation. Remember to stay within the rules of the game, always keeping behind the foul line as you aim to knock down those pins.
If you’d like to witness these bowling styles in action, check out this video showcasing bowlers from around the world competing in the WTBA 2013 World Championships: