Expert: - 4/16/2009

Question
I been bowling for well over 30 years, but I can't seem to overcome my drifting problem.  My average over the past 4 years has gone from 150-185 but I still drift badly to the left.  I am a right handed bowler with a 5 step approach and no slide.  What can I do to correct this?

Answer
Mickey,
Ball position at setup and your first step (or two) leads to a balanced approach.

Try staggering your feet (right foot back slightly and apart from left) with the ball more in front of your shoulder/arm pit, at set up. Position your body to make the fist step or two and be in Balance. NOT to be balanced with feet together and ball in front of you, so you are out of balance the minute you move.

Your set up should allow your first step (of a four step or second step of your five step) to be well balanced. If you feel yourself leaning (falling) side to side or front or back, your chasing your swing and are out of balance and drifting.

First step should be forward (parallel to the lane) not in front of your body or toward your target. Your feet should move forward, shoulders and torso (even the angle of your legs and hips) should be open, if you are swinging the ball, closed and parallel if your rolling up the lane.

Thanks for the question, good luck with your bowling.