NOTE: The information that follows has been provided by the United States Bowling Congress. For more information on bowling skills, instructional materials and coach training, please visit the coaching section of bowl.com. (www.bowl.com/coaching/) or send e-mail to: [email protected]. For information and questions about MassBowling, e-mail Dave Marsh at: [email protected].
Correct technique is fundamental to success in bowling as with any other sport. In a school or physical education program using equipment designed for the environment, this can be challenging because the ball is quite different from those found in bowling centers. The material that follows will provide you with basic technique information to assist you in instructing your students. It is recommended that you attend a United States Bowling Congress Coaching certification course to understand more specifics of the techniques as well as teaching methodology for the sport.
There are several deliveries described below. Each delivery adds new skills in the development of a full approach. The process of adding skills in the order listed below has proven successful and is used by coaches around the world. Incorporating these skills will make the transition from in-school kits to bowling centers more successful and enjoyable for your students.
The progression that follows includes:
1) Proper two-handed delivery technique
2) One-handed delivery without steps or a push away (Develops balance, a free arm swing, understanding of hand position in the ball and proper alignment on the lane.)
3) One-handed delivery without steps. Adding a push away (Develops balance with changing momentum and control of the push away direction with the continued free arm swing.)
4) One-step delivery (Develops the change from one balanced position to another and the coordination of a swing with footwork.)
5) Four-step approach - Part 1 (Develops timing and coordination of arm swing and footwork.)
6) Four-step approach - Part 2
There are instances where the content of the material provided by the USBC does not apply to MassBowling. For example, the four-step approach is not used in MassBowling. However, Physical Educators who teach bowling skills with the traditional ten pins will benefit by reading that section. Also, there are many references to the markings found on the approaches and the lanes in bowling establishments. These lines and dots are usually not found in a gymnasium. It is also important to understand that balls used in playing MassBowling are much lighter than even the lightest balls found in bowling establishments. Proper techniques need to be stressed in order to ensure a successful and safe transition from gymnasium to bowling alley.