Expert: - 1/27/2008

Question
Two questions. I recently bought a new pair of bowling shoes and they are rather inconsistent. On one shot, I will stick and the next shot I will slide to much.  Could it be the shoes or my slide?  Second, I stop about 6-8 inches from the foul line in my slide ( 4 step approach).  What can I do to get closer to the line?

Thanks,

J Cantwell
Anchorage, AK

Answer
Jon,
Do you have a starting point in your set-up that is consistent each shot?

If so, it sounds simple but move forward half the distance you want to cover, identify some marking on the lane, ball return, wall, something, to allow you to line up at the same point for each shot and see where you finish.

Your desire to reach the foul line may have you rushing some shots, and slower on others. You also may be picking up moisture or debris as you move around the bowlers area, or the center concourse, between shots, is that possible?

You may need a little more play to better break in your shoes. Or, you may be finishing with a little more knee bend on some shots, allowing for more slide. Or, less knee bend, a straighter leg will cause the heel of your shoe to slow you down/stop you.

A little break in period is not a bad idea for the shoes, if you find things starting to get better each week, it's probably the shoes. If you are lucky enough to have a pro shop in the center where you bowl, ask to use a scuff brush on the sole of your slide shoe or some Easy Slide or Ultra Slide to help with the sticking, seek their advice. If you still struggle after 4 or 5 weeks of additional play, you may want to consider evaluating your set-up and approach for inconsistency that your new shoes helped you uncover.

Good luck with your bowling. Keep an eye out for stuff that might foul up you new shoes.