Two-Handed Bowling: Pivot Step

Two-handed footwork has some specifics that need to be considered. For one, the swing starts later and is directed downward to start. Another is good timing. When the feet are moving in partnership with the ball, then and only then do you “have good timing.”

In this free video, Scott Pohl, owner of On Track Pro Shop, explains how the pivot step (aka power step) works within the two-handed bowling game.

The Pivot Step

The step before the slide is the pivot step or power step. Typically, this step is short and fast for two-handed bowlers. At this point in the approach, the ball needs to be at its highest point in the backswing to be considered in time.

Specifics

Acceleration is created going into the slide allowing for the hips to rotate going into the release. This is a key component to create a powerful release with good leverage. When compressed, the pivot step foot for two-handed bowlers can be anywhere angled somewhere between 40º – 90º.

A bowler’s height and the height of their backswing determine the positioning of the pivot step. When timing is off, you will see less leverage and weaker ball reaction. You could also see your ball miss the target left because you pulled it.

Again, good timing is a requirement for hip rotation leading to a balanced finished position and a good release in the two-handed game. Errant shots will occur when your timing is off. The pivot step, in time with the height of the backswing, will tell a big part of the story when you question, “what happened with that last shot?”

Check out “Two-Handed Bowling: Footwork” and “Two-Handed Bowling: Timing” for more expert instruction.