Tips for youth head coaches

Hold regular coach meetings. Use this time to convey information on various topics, share successes and build teamwork among your coaches. Be sure to:

• Discuss what is working well and what is not. What can be done to maximize the positives and improve where needed?
• Alert your fellow coaches of all upcoming tournaments and events inside and outside the bowling center. Who will coordinate registration? Which coaches are available to attend?
• Select a “Bowler of the Week/Month” or other awards for sportsmanship and willingness to try what the coach suggests. Adding criteria and prestige to the award makes a difference with bowlers and their parents.
• Make all coaches aware of safety procedures. Where are the fire extinguishers and emergency exits? Has an alternative meeting place been designated? Are ice packs available in case an injury occurs? Do any coaches or parents have safety and first aid training? Develop and communicate a crisis plan to bowlers and parents.
• Make sure that all the coaches work together. Nothing frustrates a bowler faster than several coaches advising different things. Work and communicate as a coaching team. Decide by yourself or as a team how best to implement this collaborative effort.
• Determine when to introduce the second arrow target in the skills progression of younger bowlers.
• Work on improvements in the same order with all bowlers. This way, bowlers won’t get confused with different coaches saying different things. For example, work on balance before arm swing and arm swing before release.
• Find out if any coaches are having difficulty with bowlers or techniques. Can other coaches offer ideas on how to reach the goal?
• Work with your team to create a lesson schedule and record-keeping system for your coaches and students. Which bowlers are working on which things? This helps remind coaches of their students’ progress and will foster better communication with other coaches.
  
  Post bowling charts in a visible location. This helps bowlers and coaches and sends a positive message to parents about the instructional program in which their children are involved. Examples of charts include:
  • Lane/board/arrow/pin diagrams
  • 3-6-9 spare system
  • Score keeping
  • How to fill out recap sheets
  • Balanced stance and finish position photos