Tips for Coaching Bowling
Many people who go bowling do not have any formal training. Bowling is a game that attracts amateurs and does not require a lot of know-how. However, in order to bowl well, some people would benefit from coaching. A bowlling coach must remember the basic techniques of bowling and teach them to her students.
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Mental Focus
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Like most sports, a bowler must be able to focus on the goal of the game. If a bowler is distracted, talking and laughing with friends rather than focusing on where he wants his ball to go, he is more likely to throw a gutter ball or only hit a couple of pins on the edge. Teach a student to clear his mind and imagine the ball leaving his hand and knocking down all the pins. Visualization is a technique used in many different sports.
Ball Selection
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Many beginning bowlers do not own their own ball. Bowling alleys carry balls in all weights and finger sizes. Help your student determine which weight she can easily handle without adding stress to the body. Start with a lighter ball and work your way up as you become comfortable. Proper finger fit is important for a good throw. Teach your students the proper way to select a ball so that their fingers do not need to physically grip the ball. The fit should be snug, but not too tight.
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Stance
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The starting stance is one of the most important aspects of bowling well. Teach your student to stand with knees slightly bent and her body leaning slightly forward. Hold the ball in front of her body with fingers in the finger holes and use her other hand to steady the ball. A good stance leads to a good throw.
Lining Up
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Lining up the ball ensures that the ball hits the pins exactly where you want it to. Students should begin by throwing a ball straight down the lane before learning tricks, such as hooking the ball. A straight ball is easier to line up than a hook shot. Teach your student to line up so that his swing is in line with the center arrow. As long as the student keeps his arm straight, the ball should roll straight down the center of the lane. Moving just slightly to the right or left will increase the odds of a strike.
Approach
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A proper approach ensures that the ball goes where it is meant to go. Teaching the approach in four steps is commonly used. The four steps include pushing the ball away from the body, swinging the ball back as you step forward, swinging the ball forward as you continue to move forward and releasing the ball at the bottom of the swing. Followthrough is another important technique to teach. The ball will not move as effectively if the bowler stops as soon as he releases the ball. Make sure the student knows to keep his arm as straight as possible.
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References
- Photo Credit bowling position image by Geoffroy LEME from Fotolia.com
