I just wanted to put my two cents in on the value of the Level I and II coaching clinics that YABA holds.

Every year in August, our center receives our credit (100 kids in the program = 1 coach attending level I free). Otherwise the program is $45. Level II is suggested at least a year later, and costs $75.

If you have the opportunity, take the series. The 8-hour courses are full of information, ideas, suggestions, and interaction. And if you have children that belong to a program, thank your coaches for taking the time to attend.

Things may be changing under the merger of YABA coaching and USA Bowling Coaching, but I would recommend the YABA class to anyone involved with kids. We had a fantastic instructor, and I only wish there was a third course for followup.

Rocket,

Although I'm posting this reply a bit late, I just feel compelled to add a few comments...

You are absolutely correct in that the Level I and II classes (or whatever they will be called under USA Bowling certification) are definitely worth the time and money to attend. New bowlers, whether they intend on coaching or not, would discover a wealth of information about the fundamental skills of bowling. Seasoned bowlers that intend on coaching find it worthwhile because it addresses basic challenges that a coach faces with bowlers that lack established 'muscle memory'. Try hiring a coach to get eight hours of training. Many charge $45 for an hour (like me), much less eight hours that includes classroom instruction and certification when you're done! If taught properly, the class can also be a lot of fun. (Especially the on-lane session.)

The level II class is also unique in that it addresses sport Psychology, Psychology of coaching, all of the physical skills, troubleshooting performance problems, ball fit analysis, coaching tools and bowler-video analysis. Try finding a class like that in any sport for $75!

Okay, I'll climb off my soap box

Thank you for making this post. I was wondering what type of classes these were.

I will be attending one of these classes on Sunday.

I have two children in YABA. These coaches have helped my kids and I a great deal. They recieve no compensation .(sometimes they recieve free game passes from the house}. Its a voluntary position on YABA league. The ones at our house are all very nice people and even stay after league to help some kids that are interested.{this is where some of the passes are used}

I have even seen them help kids ,who are at the centers recreationally with their families ,and seem to be struggling with how everything works. You should see everyones face light up when the kids try the advise they were given and the ball finally stays on the lane to hit some pins!!! They are already working on a goal and the bowling "bug" can be seen planted in that very moment!!

All of this happens quite frequently while the coach is there to practicing themselves .

I hope to learn quite a bit this weekend and maybe I can pass it on .

Susan

I took the class yesterday. Very informative. The on lane part was a big laugh. I lofted my ball out past the arrows.

I don't feel so bad though, as one of the girls lofted hers into a lane not even in use! It was a great big laugh session as we all had our problems. (wrong feet, bad timing etc.)

Some of the more interesting parts were looking at the lanes from a childs height. Seeing the back mechanical area, and an up close look at the lane oiling.

The gentelman who put on the seminar was very good, and friendly.

I'm now a certified coach. hahaha (level 1)

I would love to take the next two courses.

CoachRich, I know you have another post about possible changes when/if the merger takes place.

He said they are now considering recertifying active coaches automatically for level 1. As he said " the very basics of bowling do not really ever change." They are also considering lenghtening the time between recertification on the other levels. You probably already knew that.

As Rocket suggested anyone who gets the chance should take this course.

Untill next post,
Susan

Susan,

I find that most attendee's of the Level I class remember the challenges of the on-lane activity. (It's also the most enjoyable for the instructor )

I have been in contact with bowling headquarters concerning the up-coming changes. I'm not permitted to print the details, but it will be a very positive change for both the YABA and USA Bowling program.

I can tell you that the new program will recognize and support the certification you just received (congratulations) and any further training you receive under the current program.

Now I'm going to be totally honest with you.. When I first became Junior Director at our center, it was to work with the kids and have fun. I had no clue there were coaching classes out there until our Cooridinator came to me and asked if I would be interested in taking the Level I class. Of course, I jumped at the chance (helped that it was free).

I remember that course so well. I still have my book and refer to it OFTEN!!! I'll never forget being out on the lanes in house shoes with a house ball. What a trip!!!! I will always remember and know how the first timers feel.

I have also become Level II certified as well. I have to say that those classes were the best thing I could have done. They really opened my eyes and I'm a much better coach because of it.

Now I'll be really honest.. those classes also improved MY bowling as well.

If anyone has some good coaching tips.. they are greatly appreciated!!!!

Lisa

I live in Costa Rica and I'm intereseted in getting some additional training on coaching. Coaching is one of the parts about bowling that I like the most, specially when your teaching young kids. I haven't been able to decide which course or courses to take.

What's the difference between the YABA certifications and the Bronze and Silver certifications?

Is there any way to have coaching training here in Costa Rica?

Is there a place were certification are given contantly?

Thanks for your thoughts


PD Are the three ritger videos any good for advanced bowler's?

Southpaw 300,

YABA no longer has a coaching certification program. All coaching now falls under USABC.

There are several 'tracks' you can take after USABC Level I. (Level I is the prerequiste to all USABC coaching classes, either Level II or Bronze.)

First the youth coaching Track..

If you have limited time and finances, the Level II class is offered as an 8 hour class that focuses on coaching the more advanced youth bowlers. However, the limited 8 hours of classroom time restricts the class to just presentations, no on-lane time. The cost is currently $75. A $45 credit can obtained if using a free training credit as mentioned in an earlier post.

Then there is the Bronze and Silver Track...

The Bronze class is for those coaches who would like to get real serious about thier knowledge and skills. It starts on a Friday evening, eight hours on Saturday, finishing early Sunday afternoon, It includes more in-depth information on coaching bowlers and includes on-lane time coaching volunteers interested in getting lessons for free. I also tape the volunteer bowlers so the class can do a video analysis. The cost of the class is $245.

Silver is taught by professionals that have advanced coaching knowledge and skills. It's also a weekend class. It's $395.

I WOUD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO CONDUCT ANY CLASS YOU WOULD LIKE IN COSTA RICA! I'M LOOKING OUT MY WINDOW AND IT'S SNOWING LIKE CRAZY!


(Pardon my caps, I've calmed down...)


Go here to get the coaching class schedule for 2004:

http://www.bowl.com/bowl/usa/common/static.html?page=coaching_training_mainpage

Dick Ritger has an excellent set of drills that I use for some of my better students. He also has a spare shooting system that is excepetional.

Hope this helps,