USBC Coaching

USBC Coaching

The USBC Coaching department plays a major role in helping to develop the current and next generation of coaches by providing instruction and materials and certifying individuals who have dedicated their time to teach this great sport.

As the only coaching program for bowling recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), the knowledge imparted from USBC Coaching is as good as it gets. In this Source Spotlight, we'll look at the necessary steps to start your journey as a coach and learn how to progress all the way to becoming a USBC-certified Gold coach, which is similar to obtaining a PhD in a field of study.

*All coaches must apply and receive approval through the Registered Volunteer Program (RVP) prior to becoming certified. To learn more about RVP, visit BOWL.com/RVP.

*Coaches also must pass a test at the end of their training in order to receive their certification and be able to move to the next level.

LEVEL I
For those just starting out in coaching, obtaining a Level I certification will get you on your way. Level I is offered as an online class and will introduce coaches to the basic fundamentals of bowling, including topics such as:
- Roles and responsibilities of a coach
- Progression of skills from two-handed delivery to the basic four-step approach
- Sport safety
- Maintaining a positive teaching approach and environment
- Adding fun to your youth program
- An overview of programs and opportunities
- Analyze video case studies

BRONZE
Once Level I is complete, your next step will be Bronze certification. Bronze courses generally are two or two-and-a-half day conferences, and are recommended for high school coaches.

Bronze conferences focus on coaching fundamentals and include topics such as:
- Philosophy of coaching
- Fine-tuning the physical game
- Lane conditions and adjustments
- The mental game
- Components of the bowling ball
- Dynamics of ball motion
- Videotaping and video analysis
- Giving a lesson

SILVER
After you've had the chance to fine-tune your skills as a Bronze coach for about a year, it might be time to look into Silver certification. A three-day conference, the Silver course was designed to increase your coaching skills and professionalism to an advanced level, and is recommended for collegiate coaches.

Some of the skills taught during a Silver course include:
- Finite adjustments to the physical game
- Building a bowling ball arsenal
- Advanced lane adjustments
- Matching ball surfaces to lane conditions
- Advanced mental game concepts
- Video analysis
- Establishing a practice plan to develop and expand a bowler's options in competition

GOLD
If you've gotten through Silver and feel you're ready to be recognized as one of the best in the world, it's time to apply for your Gold certification. Earning the distinction of being a USBC-certified Gold coach is the highest honor and reward for all the time and effort a coach can put into their craft. As of Oct. 2014, only 26 coaches have been Gold certified.

If you choose to go for Gold, the process requires a demonstration of knowledge through practical application and discussion. The final review requires the coach to conduct lessons and clinics for bowlers of all skill levels while being evaluated by the final review board.

If you earn the Gold certification, you'll also receive the Fred Borden USBC Gold Coach Award to recognize the achievement.

When you're ready to start your coaching journey, visit BOWL.com/Coaching to learn more.