Tips for more successful youth bowling instructional programs

• 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?

• Kneel or stoop down and look at the bowlers at their eye level. This makes communicating with them much easier.
• Praise the skill rather than the result. Encourage the students to master the skill and the pin fall will happen as a result.
• Repeat the same message frequently. Youngsters have short attention spans and lots of distractions.
• Post helpful information such as lane/board/arrow/pin diagrams. Images such as pictures and diagrams help young bowlers understand concepts faster and better.

• Be tactful and considerate. Bowlers may be embarrassed if corrections are made in front of everyone. Offer advice quietly and off to the side if possible.
• Know your bowler's goals. Some bowlers are there for social reasons more than skill building. Determine their participation goals and help them enjoy the game at their own level.
• Let individuality shine. Most bowlers have their own unique styles. Take into consideration these differences in a group instructional setting.

Adding instruction to “Learn to Bowl” programs
Many youth start bowling in have-a-ball leagues because they are attracted by the ball package offered. Take time to get them hooked on bowling instead of the bowling ball by adding instruction. If they leave after getting the ball, they got the bait, but they missed the hook. USBC also has available programs like “Bowling Rocks” to help implement instruction in these programs. Call (800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3169 for more information.

10 Steps to Starting Successful Youth Bowling Leagues

Ideas for extra practice sessions
Youth bowlers usually welcome extra practice sessions if they are fun and accomplish something specific.

• Keep practice sessions fun. Find creative instructional activities for the bowlers.
• Use “low ball” when teaching spares
• Use the targeting tool to give them something to focus the eyes
• Challenge them to do different things such as miss the pocket right/left (teaches adjustments as well as spares)
• End with a game such as king/queen of the hill. Everyone rolls one frame. Those who strike (or mark, eight pins or better, etc.) advance to the next round. Continue until only one is left and “crown” them the winner. Award token prize and/or ability to defend the title next session.
• At the conclusion, remind them what they have accomplished (individually if possible) so they know it was worthwhile.

• Coaching section of bowl.com
• Youth program merchandise in the USBC Store
• Coaching merchandise in the USBC Store
• BPAA youth resources
• mybowlingcoach.com