32 Comments on “The 5-Step Bowling Approach Explained. Achieve the Perfect Footwork.”

  1. Love the way Mike Shady explained the 5 step approach. I do a 4 step, so I assume the only difference is that the first step of a 4 step approach is a crossover step and the ball moves right away? One of many things I am still struggling with is getting my right leg out of the way, as well as keeping my footwork straighter. I tend to drift left on my second step. Thanks for the tips, guys.

    1. If your last 4-5 steps are coordinated well with your upper body, it doesn’t matter how many you take. Only your personal timing needs to be correct.

  2. I switched from 4 to 5 two years ago and my timing and consistency improved dramatically.
    Thanks Coach Mike and Mr. Machuga!

  3. Is there much difference between 4 and 5 step approaches? I currently use a 4 step but have been working to improve all areas of my game.

  4. What can I do to over come my problems I have tried to do everything in this video but I can’t get the steps right I am a right handed bowler but I always end up with my right foot forward on my last step into my slide

  5. Thanks for the great Video! 🙂 … I ask me: Whats the reason to differ from the 5-Step/4-Step Approach like Shannon O’Keefe? Called it a late swing Approach?

    1. Think about that question, and then answer this one: WHY would you want to walk in any direction that is not line with your target? Going away from your target only makes it harder to hit that target.

    2. I had the same question but by watching videos and working on my approach it clicked for me. I cleaned up my footwork and that last slide step I realized I had to point that foot towards the target. At 52 I’ve only been bowling for 3 years now. Love how I’m learning and improving with time. I’m now going to the alley and just working on the one step drill for 20-25 times…then moving back to a 2 step etc.

  6. I’m 37 years old and have been bowling for 30 years.
    I’ve averaged just over 200 for years and I’m trying to take it further.
    I’ve tried this 5 step approach and also sometimes go to a 6 step approach
    if I need to speed my ball up a bit in case I’m hitting a little high on my strike shot.
    Doing this cross over step has always been a nightmare for me however.
    Even if I have the proper footwork down I’ve had issues with crashing the ball
    into my left ankle outer calf area and all it takes is a couple before you start to
    really over think the entire process. Because of this I’ve avoided the cross step.

    1. if you pause right at 1:16 at the exact moment of release you’ll see how close he comes to doing the same thing.
      All it takes is one slightly off swing and you risk tearing up your ankle as I’ve done in the past. No thank you.

    2. @Mista 808 – To keep as tight and consistent as possible is the point! Look at any conventional pro and it will look like they are about to hit their ankles, but they don’t. What does that tell you?

  7. I’ve always been a 5 step bowler but I slide the first step. I’m gonna actually try a step off the ground to see if it helps any.

  8. Thank you! At 52 I’ve only been bowling for 3 years now. Learning something new and improving a little with every time I bowl this is huge. I finally “got” the whole spine tilt and clearing of the hip for the backswing but the slide (or lack there of) has been driving me crazy. We finally videotaped my approach and bingo…I look like a drunk sailor. I will be working on this everyday now down in the basement! Thanks again coach

  9. Excellent video thanks very much. I am 40 and just getting back into bowling. I played a lot and for a few years when I was younger but the coach I had as a kid taught me to bowl straight and with a three step approach. I am now starting to learn to hook, should I move to a 5 step approach or can I stick with a three?

    1. Most of the time 3 step approaches will produce late swing timing causing the bowler to use much more upper body muscle then really needed. Later swing timing can also result in more early turn of the hand, more imbalance and effort through the finish and even a slower ball speed in some cases. Most bowler swill have the ball in motion on four steps during the approach. Bowlers with a four step approach will get the ball in motion with the first step and bowlers with a five step approach will tend to get the ball in motion on the second step. Thank for watching our videos and thanks for the question!

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