Day #8: January 8th, 2026
A four-step and five-step approach both build a smooth, repeatable walk to the line; the big difference is that the five-step approach adds an extra “tempo” step before your normal four-step timing begins. Learning the basics of each gives bowlers options to match their natural rhythm and improve timing, balance, and power.
What the approach does
The approach creates rhythm between your footwork and swing so the ball reaches release right as your slide finishes.
A consistent approach helps accuracy, leverage at the line, and repeatable speed without muscling the ball.
Both four- and five-step methods use the same core timing once the ball starts into the swing, so switching between them is easier than it looks.
Four-step approach basics
For most new and developing bowlers, the four-step approach is the simplest way to learn solid timing.
Stance and start: Take about four and a half steps back from the foul line, get into an athletic stance with knees slightly bent and ball held near your body.
Step 1 (ball-side foot + pushaway): For right-handers, the right foot and the ball move together; as the foot steps, the ball moves slightly forward to start the swing.
Step 2: The opposite foot steps as the ball falls into the downswing, with the non-ball arm going out for balance.
Step 3: The ball continues into the backswing and reaches the top of the swing as this step finishes.
Step 4 (slide and release): The slide foot finishes at the line while the ball swings forward and is released near the ankle, followed by a relaxed, high follow-through.
Five-step approach basics
The five-step approach is essentially a four-step approach with a small “get-started” step added at the front.
Zero-step concept: The first step is a short, soft step with the non-ball-side foot and no ball movement, used to create tempo and momentum.
Key step: The second step becomes the “key” step where the ball starts its pushaway, just like step one in a four-step approach.
Steps 3–5: From the second step on, the timing mirrors the four-step pattern—downswing, backswing, then slide and release on the last step.
Who it fits: Many bowlers who like a little more movement or a smoother build-up in speed prefer the five-step because the extra step helps them relax and stay in rhythm.
Comparing four and five steps
Both approaches can produce high-level results; the “best” one is the one that matches a bowler’s natural cadence and lets the swing stay free.
| Aspect | Four-Step Approach | Five-Step Approach |
| Total Steps | Four | Five (1st is an extra "zero step") |
| When Ball Starts | On step 1 with ball-side foot pushaway | On step 2 with ball-side foot pushaway |
| Feel/Tempo | Simple, compact, easy to learn rhythm | Smoother build-up, added tempo and momentum |
| Typical Learner | Great for beginners and youth bowlers | Popular with players wanting more flow and speed control |
| Key Coaching Cue | “Step and swing together on the first step.” | “Short first step, then start the swing on the second step.” |
Practice tips for your approach
Start without a ball: Walk your four or five steps in a hallway or on the concourse to groove footwork and tempo first.
Add a light ball: Focus on letting the swing fall naturally with your steps instead of forcing it with muscle.
Film from the side: Check whether the ball reaches the release point as your slide finishes; adjust where you start or the length of your steps to line up timing.