2. The Stance

I can't impress upon the bowler the importance of taking a starting stance in the proper manner. If your stance isn't right, your delivery won't be right; and then the pins are go­ing to be particularly stubborn. Just as in golf, if you don't address the ball properly the chances are pretty good you won't hit it properly. So take time with your stance—get yourself properly set before you bowl.

First, where to stand? Since I teach the four-step delivery, I recommend that students count off four walking steps back from the foul line plus one half step for the slide. Count off these four and a half steps in the manner I've suggested and you'll arrive at what I call the point of origin. It's from this point that all of your shots—whether they be strike shots or spare shots—ought to begin. Your point should be the same for every lane and every bowling center.

Be sure and check the approaches before you bowl, to be certain that they're not too sticky or too slippery.

Now that you've found your point of origin, here's how I recommend you line up for a strike shot. (On spares, of course, you'll line up diametrically opposite the pin leave.) Set your left foot in the exact center of the bowling lane, your shoulders perfectly parallel to the foul line. With your left foot so placed, your right foot and the right shoulder will be lined up with your target. You'll have to try it a few times before this becomes natural, but stay with it.

Marking off four and one-half steps to find the "point of origin."

Your left foot should be set in the exact center of the lane in the starting stance.

Check your feet. Be sure they're placed in the exact same line of direction as the boards in the approach. Position the left foot slightly ahead of the right—this will make it more natural for you to begin your delivery on the right foot.

The proper position of both feet in the stance.

Keep the weight of the ball in your left hand while in the stance position.

The bowling ball should be supported by your left hand and held a bit to the right of the body. Keep your elbows in and bend your knees a bit. This will help you to relax.

Some people ask me whether it's wrong to crouch in the stance position; or if it's wrong to exaggerate the bend of the knees, or whether I think it is improper to sight over the top of the ball. If you do any of these and they are comfortable, if you feel natural doing them, then don't stop. Your stance should be of your own creation; it should be natural.

Your stance should be natural, and ought to "feel" right. My own stance is pictured above.

Many bowlers I've seen in recent years, particularly the youngsters, seem to emulate bowlers they've been watching on television. This is a mistake. Follow the basic rules I've set down for the stance, but tailor them to your own physical make-up.

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