Bowling Bowling | Study notes Sport Studies

Changing Expectations in Special Olympics

Jacques Thibault M.Sc. 2018

Bowling

Bowling is the most popular SO sport. There are two disciplines, five and ten

pin, that share the same basic technique. Five-pin bowling is the more popular

of the two types of bowling in Canada, and the main differences besides the

number and the size of pins, is the size and weight of the ball. The weight of a

10-pin ball varies from 10 to 16 pounds (4.5 to 7.25 kg) compared to a ball that

is almost 25% lighter for 5-pin (3.6 to 3.8 pounds). Ten-pin requires more

strength than 5-pin bowling, and ball weight differences can explain why 5-pin is

so popular. Heavier balls have more energy to knock down pins than lighter

ones and the same can be said for fast travelling balls compared to slower

moving ones. Precision, ball speed and consistency of ball deliveries are the

three main elements of basic skill acquisition for both disciplines. Fitting the right

bowling ball to each athlete and finding the appropriate speed are important

parts of a consistent approach and are rarely done in SO.

Bowling is an activity that comes easy to SO participants, it requires little

equipment, and shoes and balls are usually supplied by bowling centers.

Picking up a ball and aiming at pins is both easy to do and with some luck,

strikes are always possible. SO bowler’s skill levels vary a lot. Some deliver

balls with two hands, while others have excellent three steps approaches, and

some even require a ramp for ball delivery due to physical limitations.

There are many skills to learn in bowling such as the step approach, correct ball

speed, straight, curve and hook balls, all with different spin speeds. Although

there are some excellent SO bowlers, most SO bowlers have low precision

because of low consistency in their deliveries. The results are widely

inconsistent games and very little progress even after participating for many

years. Unless a focused approach is initiated with proper fitting balls and

consistent deliveries, participants will be struggling with their scores.

Skills required for consistent bowling deliveries are listed in the bowling basic skill

(upcoming pages). These sheets can be used as a guide, and when all skills are

marked “yes”, bowlers can consistently hit the front pin and are ready for more

advanced intermediate skills where 5-pin and 10-pin techniques are quite

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Bowling Bowling is the most popular SO sport. There are two disciplines, five and ten pin, that share the same basic technique. Five-pin bowling is the more popular of the two types of bowling in Canada, and the main differences besides the number and the size of pins, is the size and weight of the ball. The weight of a 10 - pin ball varies from 10 to 16 pounds (4.5 to 7.25 kg) compared to a ball that is almost 25% lighter for 5-pin (3.6 to 3.8 pounds). Ten-pin requires more strength than 5-pin bowling, and ball weight differences can explain why 5-pin is so popular. Heavier balls have more energy to knock down pins than lighter ones and the same can be said for fast travelling balls compared to slower moving ones. Precision, ball speed and consistency of ball deliveries are the three main elements of basic skill acquisition for both disciplines. Fitting the right bowling ball to each athlete and finding the appropriate speed are important parts of a consistent approach and are rarely done in SO. Bowling is an activity that comes easy to SO participants, it requires little equipment, and shoes and balls are usually supplied by bowling centers. Picking up a ball and aiming at pins is both easy to do and with some luck, strikes are always possible. SO bowler’s skill levels vary a lot. Some deliver balls with two hands, while others have excellent three steps approaches, and some even require a ramp for ball delivery due to physical limitations. There are many skills to learn in bowling such as the step approach, correct ball speed, straight, curve and hook balls, all with different spin speeds. Although there are some excellent SO bowlers, most SO bowlers have low precision because of low consistency in their deliveries. The results are widely inconsistent games and very little progress even after participating for many years. Unless a focused approach is initiated with proper fitting balls and consistent deliveries, participants will be struggling with their scores. Skills required for consistent bowling deliveries are listed in the bowling basic skill (upcoming pages). These sheets can be used as a guide, and when all skills are marked “yes”, bowlers can consistently hit the front pin and are ready for more advanced intermediate skills where 5 - pin and 10 - pin techniques are quite

different due to different “pocket sizes”, space between pins, ball speed and spins required. Guidelines for using the skill sheets (next page) for bowling

Bowlers are fitted with the proper ball and have proper grip.
When this is acquired (usually very fast), it is then time to start on the three-step approach.
Repeat all skills together as they are acquired. For example, an athlete can be working on releasing the ball past the foul line but would have to have correct grip and proper three-step approach.
Follow each step of the skill sheet (next page) until bowling basics are acquired.

Bowling (10-pin) Basic Skills Basic Skill: YES NO Comments Sub Skills (one hand delivery unless limited by physical disabilities) Using a properly fitting ball 4 - step (start and end points) Always the same and straight line Release ball past foul line Watching the target Ball close to body (side) Shoulder square to pins Perpendicular back swing Arm holding ball Always straight (throughout) Low-ball delivery (knee 90°) High Follow through Minimum speed (Men 2 .5 sec.or less-release to pins) (Women 4.5 sec.or less-release to pins) Hitting top pin (7/10) Hitting top 3 pins ( 9 /10) ( 4 Steps approach) Curved ball capable Hitting top 3 pins 7/ When athletes achieve all “YES”, they have acquired basic skills. Expectations are critical to skill’s acquisition.

20 - hour acquisition Skill Breakdown: Examples of priority elements to focus on during practice Spend time on each one until acquired

Approach: Three or four steps - Starting and finishing always at the same sport - Holding the ball – Having the right ball
Delivery: Spot bowling – Acceleration throughout – Low delivery (front knee at 90•) - Follow through – Balance at end of throw
Straight Ball: Hands position – Leg action –
Curve/Hook Ball: Hand position - Arm delivery – Accuracy – Rotation speed Each skill requires a 20-hour program. The most important one, Delivery (without three steps approach) is acquired first. The other ones will follow later. Home skill practice is possible for bowling: Most SO bowlers don’t get low enough on ball delivery. Practicing correct delivery position can be done at home. or using weights Bowling Example: Focused Basic Skills Session (1 hour) (Performance objectives of 50% accuracy: hitting front pin) Practice only one skill at a time and don’t worry about perfect technique, bowl as much as possible: Example “Delivery” (15’ = 15 minutes)

15’ One game (keep track of scores) Don’t worry about delivery quality, just try to hit each target and finish each delivery with high hand follow through. When precision is around 50% (5- pin) and 80% (10-pin) incorporate a three or four steps approach. Ten-pin should use the curve ball technique as soon as possible. Conclusion: Unless consistent deliveries are achieved, SO bowlers will continue to struggle with precision and inconsistent scores. Many SO bowlers have functional disabilities making “normal” deliveries difficult. In these cases, special lighter balls and ramps should be used. It is possible to have consistent deliveries after a 20-hour program. Using the skill sheet is an excellent way to learn basic bowling skills and encourage athletes to practice often. The more time spent practicing with a focused approach, the better each SO athlete will become. More advanced skills such as reading lanes and pin behavior, different spins and different balls will follow when basic skills are acquired. Bowling does not elevate the heart rate high enough to significantly contribute to healthy living, therefore Club Fit sessions, personal training and participating in another sport are necessary.

Lesson Plan Basic Skill Acquisition Program (weekly or monthly) Sport __________________________________ Athlete Name:_____________________________________

Program Expectations

1 - Weekly Practice (attend all practices) Day (S) ______________________________________ Time _________________________ Location _______________________________________________ “What the group is working on”: 2 - Club Fit 100% attendance (Including Functional Testing exercises) Day _________________________________Time _________________________ Location _______________________________________________ “What you need to concentrate on”: 3 - Basic Skill Development Homework (4 times per week - 1 hour per day) Skill _________________________________________________________ “Individual Home Practice Objectives”

Bowling Bowling, Study notes of Sport Studies

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