There are three main categories of bowlers: those who use three steps, those who use four and those who use five steps in their approach to the foul line.A great many bowlers favor taking four steps on their approach as it gives them smoothness, helps their coordination, gives them sufficient time to master release of the ball and radiates rhythm throughout.
Let's take the first step in the four-step delivery. This is where the pushaway comes in and that's the part embraced by the cry: "Out on one." So the first step takes care of the pushaway.
Bear in mind that in the pushaway the ball should be launched forward and slightly to the right in order to make room for your second step and the pendulum swing of your arm. If the ball isn't pushed out slightly to the right you will be prone to hit your right leg with it during the second step.
While you are taking that second step, the left hand (provided you are right-handed) leaves the ball. This is a split-second proposition and will vary. Some bowlers let their left hand drop away from the ball during the pushaway or a split second before its maximum has been reached. But don't let the left hand remain on the ball when you're ready for that second step. That's an invitation to trouble.
"Back on three, and slide." When the slide is completed, the left foot should be approximately 3 inches from the foul line. Don't force yourself into long strides; in fact, short strides are usually your best bet.
The ball goes into its pendulum swing on the second step. Never force it. The weight of the ball itself will take care of everything.
For all bowlers, step No. 3 will find the ball going into the full backswing. By now there's nothing much you can do to remedy any mistakes you may have made already. The "point of no return" actually occurred when you started the pushaway.
Now you go into step No. 4 which is actually the slide and the ball quite easily moves forward, its own weight causing the swing. Once again, it's important that the ball not be forced.
Make sure you bend forward as you go into the slide, and hold your right foot well back to act as balance and, if necessary, to brake your slide. When your slide has been completed your left foot should be approximately three inches from the foul line.
Going from three steps to four, you should bear in mind that the steps should be about the same as you take in walking.
You shouldn't force yourself to take long strides; in fact, shorter strides will be to your advantage. You will even find that some lanes don't give you as much room in which to operate as others and if your approach covers less space all the better for you in the long run.
Another very important factor in your approach regardless of the number of steps, is for you to keep your right arm close to your side. You should almost feel your elbow rubbing your side.
Bowlers should practise this approach and they will never look back!
