Essential Components of Planning a Bowling Training Session
Special Olympics athletes respond favorably to a simple, well-structured training outline with which they can become familiar. An organized plan, prepared before you get to the bowling center, will help establish such a routine and help make the best use of your limited time. Every practice session needs to contain the following elements. The amount of time spent on each element will vary because of several factors.
- Warm-ups
- Previously taught skills
- New skills
- Competition experience
- Feedback on performance
- Time of the season: More skills practice is provided earlier in the season. In comparison, more competition experience is provided later in the season.
- Skill level: More practice of previously taught skills is needed for lower ability athletes.
- Number of coaches: The more coaches present and the more quality individual instruction offered, the more improvement seen.
- Total amount of training time available: More time is spent on new skills in a two-hour session than in a 90-minute session.
If you have decided to establish a bowling league, much of your training will revolve around each week's bowling session. Training can take place before, during and after league play. Before league play, you can work on teaching about equipment needed for bowling and have a warm-up period. During league play, you can observe the athlete bowling and make comments regarding what they are not doing correctly, or praise them when they do something correctly; i.e., "Way to follow through" or "Great strike." Instructions in scoring, bowling etiquette and sportsmanship can also be accomplished. After league play, you can work on new skills or work with athletes on improving previously learned skills. A recommended training plan is outlined below.
Warm Up and Stretch (10-15 minutes)
Every player participates in a warm-up period on the lanes (i.e., shadow bowling). Stretch each muscle group while waiting to practice bowling.
Skills Instruction (15-20 minutes)
- Quickly review previously taught skills.
- Introduce the theme of the skills activity.
- Demonstrate the skills simply and dramatically.
- Physically assist and prompt lower ability players when necessary.
- Introduce and practice new skills early in the practice session.
Competition Experience (1, 2, or 3 games)
Players learn a lot by simply bowling. The game is a great teacher.
