The Four Step Approach

According to Bill Taylor, bowling scholar, the essence of the 4-step approach is
Push the ball
Let it fall
Point to the wall
Walk tall
The four-step approach is the simplest, surest way to start your journey towards
becoming a successful bowler. It is also the easiest approach to analyze and correct
yourself, if need be. It is that kind of a compactly packaged delivery, in which every step
is accompanied by a rhythmic and coordinated upper body movement.
To determine the starting position for the four step approach: Stand at the centre dot
with your back to the lane, heels on the dots nearby the foul line. Take four and a half
steps, and mark the point where your toe makes contact with the floor. Now turn towards
the pins and get set for bowling.
Why the half step? The half step is taken to accommodate the slide you will execute for
an accurate release of the ball.
Set Up
9
9
9
9

Stand with both feet in line, about 4 inches apart

Stand upright, knees without a bend, but not touching each other either
Do not lean forward or slouch
Allow your left hand which supports the ball to bear the majority of the balls
weight

First Step
9 Move the foot on the same side of your bowling arm (swingside foot)
9 At the same instant push the ball (the pushaway) straight ahead, not down.
9 Do this with the non-bowling hand, to eliminate muscle tension of your bowling
hand. It also ensures that you maintain a free swing.
9 Imagine there is a table in front of you. Place the ball on the imaginary table at
the same height you held it in the set up position
9 When the ball you push reaches the extent of stretch of both arms, the heel of the
swingside foot must touch the approach.
- 20 2004, HowToBowlStrikes.com