Comments on: Do You “Drift” on the Approach?

By: Robert Hobdy

Robert Hobdy — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 02:51:55 +0000

I use 4 step approach starting with rt foot. I do not slide but rather bend knees a little and release (out, down, back, forward to release). I start on front set of dots with rt foot outside edge on dot 1. I approach directly in direction of 2nd arrow and release ball to travel over 2nd arrow. Any adjustments are made by moving start point left or right a board or two using outside rt shoe edge for start. I am a stroker with hand position behind ball, thumb at 1 oclock at release with fingers lifting ball over arrow. I select ball to match lane conditions, oily or dry, and seldom have to move more than 1 or 2 boards on starting point and always using same arrow. What I describe is not drift but using the arrow as a fulcrum to adjust for pocket. Other bowlers approach straight ahead and throw to arrow, which means they are not consistent as their delivery changes by throwing out or pulling left as their slide can change depending on style.

By: James Ward

James Ward — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 21:27:40 +0000

Old dog trying to learn new tricks: As a 65-y.o. southpaw, I’ve always had a very consistent lateral movement, proportionate with the line being played (usually around 5-12 board). Now I find that with more aggressive equipment, it is apparent it’s time to learn a straight line approach in order to take advantage of the heavier oil in the center portion of the lane. Two videos found here should put me on the right track: Bowling Release Tips to Provide Consistency and Increase Your Average (https://www.nationalbowlingacademy.com/video/bowling-release-tips-to-provide-consistency-and-increase-your-average-005558/) and Footwork Direction Drill (https://www.nationalbowlingacademy.com/video/footwork-direction-bowling-approach-016759/). Going to be a challenge to ‘unlearn’ much of what is so ingrained in my approach! Training the body to get used to walking a straight line while the shoulders and hips are ‘opened up’ is really going to be very strange. So much for ‘being square to the foul line’ at delivery… WOOF!

By: Customer Service

Customer Service — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 16:18:07 +0000

In reply to Jim Carlsen.

Hello Jim,

Thank you for your patience, here is what the experts had to say:

Hello and thanks for the question.

You want to preset your angles with your shoulders and use a straight arm swing.
Opening up in the stance allows you to throw out and when you straighten your angles this allows you to play straight.

Check out this video for more information.
https://www.nationalbowlingacademy.com/video/bowling-release-tips-to-provide-consistency-and-increase-your-average-005558/

Thanks for watching!

Mark
National Bowling Academy

By: Jim Carlsen

Jim Carlsen — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 23:21:58 +0000

If you are throwing across the lane, to accommodate for your hook, then why wouldn’t you want to move laterally on your approach, towards the arrow that you are aiming for? Otherwise, wouldn’t you be required to swing to the side, instead of straight ahead, in order to hit your arrow?

By: okfoz

okfoz — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 16:09:22 +0000

I have found myself to literally wander to the line, I noticed this post and thought to myself, I wonder if I concentrate on walking straight to my target, if I would improve… I bowled the best series of the season..

By: Customer Service

Customer Service — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 15:57:02 +0000

In reply to Trudie Logan.

Hello Trudie,

It’s important to note that it is not a drift if you do the same thing every time it’s a lateral move.

If you end up 6-8 boards away from your starting position 9 out of 10 times and the other time you ended up 10 boards away from your starting position, you drifted that one time.

So you do not need to correct it if you are constant.

It’s always good to get back to fundamentals when your average starts to slip.

Here are a few drills to start with.

Thanks for watching!

Jason
National Bowling Academy Video Membership

By: Easter Warren

Easter Warren — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 13:58:24 +0000

drifting cause me to bowl a low game missing my mark

By: Thomas Ingram

Thomas Ingram — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 19:25:00 +0000

Drifting right

By: Trudie Logan

Trudie Logan — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 02:19:06 +0000

I bowl right handed but am left eye dominant. I line up with my right eye and end up “drifting” 6-8 boards. I have learned to compensate for that. My average has gone down since aging and back problems have taken a toll. Should I try to correct this drift?

By: James Beckner

James Beckner — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 00:12:31 +0000

I used to drift from left to right about 10 boards, I have corrected it and I drift at most two to three boards right, but able to adjust and correct my shot. Great article thanks