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Five Step Timing

Add a starting step to make a five-step approach and keep the same timing.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Take a small first step with your non-bowling-side foot.

Core: A light ball. Beat your own steadiest finish.

Ages
11 and up
Time
10 min
Players
Just you
Space
Gym or court
Bring
Line or tape
Level · skill
Developing · Approach

The steps

How it works

  1. Take a small first step with your non-bowling-side foot.
  2. Then do your four-step pattern.
  3. Keep the arm swing matching the last four steps.
  4. Do 12 approaches without a ball, then 6 with one at the center.

Coaching point

Small step, then the four.

Safety: Wear bowling shoes or clean socks on a smooth floor, and keep your slide gentle. Stop if your knee or ankle hurts.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Footwork dance: walk your approach to a rhythm your partner claps and freeze at the foul line with a balanced finish. Swap.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (no ball), Core (a light ball), More (your own ball at a relaxed pace). Beat your own steadiest finish.

Story

You are a dancer sliding to a perfect stop.

My best

Beat your own count

Beat your own steadiest finish. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

Print it now, or save it free

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