Keys To Consistency: Slide Foot

In part 1 of this series we took a look at the trail leg as a key to consistency. In part 2 we’re going to discuss the importance of the slide foot. Remember consistency and the ability to repeat shots is a key to success in bowling.

In order for anything to be balanced it requires a solid foundation. That’s true for anything we can think of. The stability of a table relies on its legs. I’m sure we’ve all had the experience of sitting at a table which has one leg shorter than the other. The table is constantly shifting. In bowling a solid foundation relies on our slide foot.

With that in mind it’s important to realize bowlers have a couple of different styles. Some that actually slide on their slide foot and other who “plant”. The latter implies that they do not slide. You can tell the difference by watching the slide foot as it comes out of the power step. If the bowler steps heel to toe then they are likely a “planter”. If the toe points first they are likely a slider. These two broad categories define the vast majority of bowlers but, it’s no guarantee that a heel to toe bowler doesn’t slide at all. Keep in mind that with bowling there are only a few absolutes. Usually, if movement is repeatable and productive it’s generally fine.

With that said, some important characteristics are common among bowlers. The toe of the slide foot should point to the bowler’s intended shot line. It should complement and agree with the hips and shoulders. If the bowler’s foot deviates from the shot line a loss of balance and accuracy is usually the result.

One extreme example of a problem slide is the “Hockey stop”. I’m not a big Hockey fan but, I have skated using Hockey skates. The way you stop is to move the front foot perpendicular to the line your skating on. This causes the skate’s blade to dig into the Ice producing a rather violent slide and pretty quick stop.

Some bowlers exhibit the same movement where the heel of their slide foot moves parallel to the foul line with the heel pointing away from the ball side, resembling a Hockey player coming to a stop. Why is this a bad idea? Well,  when that happens your hips naturally follow causing them to open along with your shoulders resulting in moving your entire body off the intended shot line. Some slight movement in the heel is not too bad. I’ve seen many bowlers who are successful and do not have their heel perfectly in line with their toe.

The opposite movement is also just as detrimental. If you allow your heel to move toward the ball side of your body the opposite affect is often the result. It can result in closing the hips and shoulders which will result in inaccuracy and a loss of balance overall.

These are examples of extremes but, I’m sure you realize the point I’m driving at here. The key is to keep your slide foot quiet and point at the intended shot line. Once it comes to rest in such a way, it can then provide the solid base you’re looking for.

Take some time to practice the ideas mentioned in this article and see if helps improve your consistency. Watch the same examples I suggested in the last article. Notice the position of their slide foot. All of them create a very solid base which allows them to be consistent shot to shot. In case you forgot the players include: Parker Bohn III, Kim Terrell-Kearney, Stephanie Nation, and Brian Voss.

Author

Fran Varin is a USBC Silver certified coach who coaches throughout Rhode Island. He is also a coach for the Rhode Island Flyers and Bryant University. He can be reached at fvarin@verizon.net