So on a whim I decided to change from a 5-step back to a 4-step just to see what would happen. It felt better than my 5-step so I think I'm going to stay with it for a little while because the big issue with the change last night was my timing and balance. That is the obvious area that is going to be affected the most with that adjustment but I didn't do too bad.

I was able to free up my swing a little more, but I was having lots of trouble with my release due to a whole slew of things like: grabbing the ball, starting too early, starting too late, too much knee bend, not enough knee bend, wrist hurting, oh and a still muscled swing.

I guess right now is more of a period to feel out and fine tune these things before winter league starts or at least get them to be managable. Any advice is as always, much appreciated.

Are you sure your bowling ball fits properly? That could be your worst demon as far as still having a muscled arm swing. Your arm swing is either free or it isn't. There's not much gray area here. In a four step approach I start my push away as my heel is coming to the ground during the first step. This works for me, it may not work for you. You have to figure out your timing. I'll beat the dead horse... find a coach or a bowling buddy that has a keen sense to bowling and its importance of timing.

From what I learned last night, alot will fall into place when you have good timing. I know that I muscle the ball and pull to make up for my timing issues. When my timing is spot on, I don't pull or muscle and my balance is there too.

Your approach is 80% of your game, and timing falls into that category (IMO). If you have a solid approach it will show in your bowling scores. I'm slowly getting mine down, and this is after seeing a coach for over a year now. I've only been throwing a hook ball for about 20 months now, but my average has gone up drastically.

I heard nothing will fix a bad fit. So if your ball doesnt fit properly get that fixed first.

I had another session with my coach this week, and the #1 issue with me is timing. In my four step approach I have a tendancy to start my ball a fraction too late. This creates the need for me to "muscle" the ball forward ,trying to catch up to my feet. When my approach/timing is correct, its almost effortless. My trail leg falls into place, I get low and I'm in balance. Its a real struggle for me to stay in time for three consecuative games. But its coming along. Its something I have to focus on every shot.

I'm right there with you, Eraser! It was even more difficult putting the things together, that I learned a couple days before, in the ABT I bowled on Saturday lol. Though I progressed every game, even though I had an ill fit as I didn't have the usual thumb slug that I use. It was at home right where I left it.

give it a full night of practice and you'll work out the kinks. Do some dry runs at home and on the lanes too.

I never said anything about fit.

oops double quoted. Was agreeing with Ample.