Footwork and Approach

It is extremely important to keep all steps short, particularly the first step.

In a rhythmic approach, the head must be kept level throughout the delivery and performed as though a glass of water rested on your head. Attempt to go through the entire approach without spilling a drop. Keep the head still and eyes on the target until the ball has passed over the desired spot.

All steps, except the third step of a four step approach, or the fourth step of a five step delivery, should be performed in a natural manner, as if it were casual brisk walk. All steps should be made in a brisk, rhythmic manner and should never be controlled or slowed down. The approach should be performed like a dance, namely a fox-trot. Slowing down the feet is detrimental to a nice flowing rhythm and is akin to dancing a waltz to a fox-trot rhythm.

The third step in a four step delivery is regarded as a power step; that is, one must push off strongly on this step to create two important ingredients in a quality execution. One, it will develop a strong slide, but more important, it will permit the body and slide to arrive at the foul line a fraction of a second ahead of the release, thereby preventing a release point beyond the "sweet spot", much like a sweet spot in a golf swing that is struck before the swing begins it's upward thrust.

The third step should be shortened enough to permit one to take sitting position before powering into the sliding step (it will be the fourth step in a five-step approach). By assuming a sitting position in the step prior to the slide, it will force a deeper knee bend in the sliding step and prevent "rearing up" at the release point because the body has already descended before the slide is completed. By assuming a sitting position on the step prior to the slide, it will accomplish two important ingredients for quality shots. One, it will be a great aid for good balance. Two, it permits a release closer to the lane.