How to Become a Bowling Coach

Coaches can stop after any class and retain that certification level.

Bowlers of all ages and skill levels often turn to coaches to help them cultivate their skills. A bowling coach is a rewarding position, allowing you to share your insight into the game with fledgling players. The most widely recognized bowling coaching program in the U.S. is the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), although there are other programs that offer coaching training. At USBC, aspiring coaches pass through the levels that lead to certification: Level 1, Fundamentals of Team Coaching, Bronze, Silver and Gold.

Instructions

1. Build up your bowling experience by going to the lanes several times a week and working on your approach, release and timing. Have an understanding of methods and techniques such as hand positions. Enter several tournaments a year to hone your skills against other experienced players.

2. Enroll in the USBC program and complete the Level One course online. This class outlines the fundamentals of coaching bowling. You will also learn about safety and pick up some positive teaching techniques. The cost to register for the class is $60.

3. Pass Fundamentals of Team Coaching and the subsequent test. This class introduces principles of team bowling. While this class is not necessarily required, it is beneficial because it covers aspects of coaching such as equipment and the facility.

4. Take the course for Bronze certification, which is offered at various conferences around the country. This course focuses on subjects such as lane play and ball motion. Check the USBC website to determine the most most convenient location. The registration fee is $295.

5. Master the advanced coaching skills taught in the Silver level course, a three-day conference demonstrating advanced topics such as video analysis and choosing bowling balls. This course, which costs $465, can be taken no sooner than one year after you have completed the Bronze course, and you must be at least 17.

6. Demonstrate mastery of the previous levels and corresponding skills in the Gold certification program. Teach bowling lessons and clinics while being evaluated by the USBC. The fee for the final review session is $800.

7. Join a professional organization like the USBC Coaches Association and begin applying at various positions to coach school teams and at clinics.

Tips & Warnings

• Organizations such as Coaching Effectiveness Program (CEP), United States Sports Academy (USSA), American Sport Education Program (ASEP), Program for Athletic Coaches Education (PACE) and the Canadian Coaching Program also offer coaching certification or degrees.

References

• Bowl.com: USBC Coaching Certification Levels
• Bowl.com: About Coaching
• Briggs Consulting: What Does It Take To Be A Bowling Coach