Pictured Above Is: Josh Blanchard. Photo Courtesy Of PBA.Com
Teaching Kids How To Bowl, Begins With USA Bowling's Level#1 Coaches Clinic.
Here, Fundamentals Of The Game Of Bowling Are Taught To Future Coaches.
By Michael 'Chip' Begg - Managing Editor thetenpinexpress.com - Director Mesa Metro Association
Mesa - - - Have you always wondered where the youth coaches of today, got their start in coaching the future bowlers of our sport? Chances are they got started by taking a USA Bowling level #1 coaches clinic, and it mushroomed into something bigger and better for them as time went on.
At least that is what the 25 folks who attend a recent USA Bowling level #1 coaches clinic at Brunswick Zone Mesa on July 28, are hoping for. The two hour clinic, was taught by PBA professional bowler Josh Blanchard of Mesa, who is also co-owner of four Virtue Bowling Supply Pro Shops in the east and west valley.
"I started USA Bowling classes four years ago, with hopes we grow the amount of Youth Coaches we have in the valley, he said, of the various clinics he puts on at bowling centers during different parts of the year. "As we have more coaches and kids who enjoy bowling, the sport is ensured to grow."
What is USA Bowling?
USA Bowling is a mainstream youth sports model that shares a similar team-based structure to other youth sports. Children of the same age and skill level interact with a coach through instruction and regular practice, and then compete with other teams on a short eight to 12 week time frame. Kids benefit from skills instruction by qualified coaches. And learn important life skills including sportsmanship and competitive play, and most importantly have fun.
As long as the tenpinexpress.com has been involved in the game of bowling, its amazing how many people we come across that still don't know what the dimensions of a bowling lane are. A bowling lane is 60 feet in length from the foul line to the head pin. The playing surface is comprised of wood or synthetic material. Gutter are on both sides of the lane. The approach is 15 feet and length And a foul line separates the lane from the approach. The width of a bowling lane is 41 1/2 to 42 inches wide and has 39 boards over one inch wide. The boards run the entire length of the lane from the beginning of the approach to the pin deck.
There are also 10 locator dots on each lane, which are approximately 7-9 feet from the foul line that can be used for targeting as well. There are also seven arrows on each lane, that are located 12-16 feet from the foul line. When counting the arrows, right-handed bowlers start from the right and count left, and left-handed bowlers start from the left and count right.
Beyond the foul line, oil is applied to the lane surface to protect it from damage caused by bowling balls. There are 10 pins that are positioned on the pin deck in a triangle. Each pin is 15 inches tall and weigh between 3 pounds, 6 ounces and 3 pounds, 10 ounces. The pins are 4-11/16 inches in diameter and are made of wood and plastic. When a youth bowler is introduced to the game of bowling for the first time, they are introduced to rental bowling shoes and house balls. It is good for beginners to use a house ball, because the cover is smooth and does not generate a lot of hook. This is good for beginners as it will allow for more control. Depending on the size of a youth bowler, a bowling ball's weight should be about 10 percent of his or hers body weight.
"I have been teaching bowling clinics for 10 years now around the world. It is important to stay on top of the newest coaching techniques, because each year the game changes," said Josh, of how he stays current with changes in the game. "And new styles, releases, oil patterns and other things change in the game of bowling. The game is ever changing and trying to stay on top of it is important as a coach."
But, teaching a youth bowler who is just starting out in the game. Doesn't end with teaching them about the composition of a lanes dimensions. There is a lot more in teaching an adult on how to coach kids like: the fundamentals, lane play, and how to pick up spare.
When teaching beginning bowlers, its best to let them develop their own style. One method for coaches, is to let the beginner try and figure it out on their own and teach them proper etiquette and safety while they are learning the game. Ball-side refers to the hand or side the bowler uses to swing the ball. Balance arm or opposite arm/hand refers to left arm for for right-handers and right arm for left-handers. The slide foot or opposite foot refers to the left foot for right-handers and the right foot for left-handers. For beginners, it is also a good idea for a coach to show them how to pick up a bowling ball with two-hands off of the ball return.This will help them avoid being injured.
Coaches should also use the seven locator dots on the approach when teaching a beginner how to pick up spares. For example. Use the seventh dot on the left to pick up a 10 pin. The 6th dot to pick up a 6 pin, and the 5th dot to pick up a 3 or 9 pin.
"I like when a coach develops their own way of talking to a student to help them learn and understand what they are teaching," said Josh, of developing a trust with a student. "The difference between a coach and a book, is the ability to be able to relate to the student on a personal level."
Other topics addressed in the USA Bowling level #1 coaches clinic are: the fundamentals of the game, how to play a lane, safety on a lane, on lane drills, off lane drills, targeting drills, nutrition/fitness, and how to keep score. Coaches clinics on average run about two hours.
"The next step for coaches after completing the level #1 course, is to get their level #2 certification. Once you have these: Bronze, Silver, and Gold are the next three levels for a coach to achieve," said Josh, of progressing to the next levels of coaching. "I would love for all of my coaches that attended my level #1 course, to at least move on and achieve their Bronze certification."
Going into its third year, the PBA West/Northwest Regional event will be returning to Mesa East Bowl on November 9-11. The event has been growing in popularity as a must bowl tournament by the pros since its inception in 2016. Josh won the first event at Mesa East, and Russ Oviatt took home the title last year. The pro-am sold out the last two years. Josh has three PBA national titles. They are: the 2015 Brunswick Euro Challenge, the Main Shootout, and the 2017 Tamarac, Fl., Open.
"The regional this year at Mesa East, is still in the building phase. It is a lot of work to put on a big event like this," said Josh, who is the 2011-12 PBA Rookie of the Year, and 2009-10 BWAA Collegiate Bowler of the Year. "But, rewarding for me to know that the locals look forward to watching and competing in this event each year."
Josh along with Craig Spencer, are co-owners of four Virtue Bowling Supply locations in the east and west valley. They are located in: Brunswick Zone Mesa, Mesa East, AMF Union Hills, and Glenfair Lanes,
Mesa Bowling News - August 11, 2018