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How to Find a Bowling Coach: In-Person & Virtual Lessons

Sign at the central bowling desk or front desk with black letters on white background how to find a bowling coach

Are you ready to take bowling seriously? Then, maybe it’s time to find a coach to help you perfect your skills and bowling strategy. It just so happens that many of them don’t do a ton of advertising.

So, how are you supposed to find one? That’s what we’ll help you within this article. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to find a bowling coach. Let’s get right into it! 

How to Find a Bowling Coach

It can be difficult to find the right bowling coach for you, but with a bit of research and effort, you should be able to do so. Here is a five-step process to make it easy:

  • Ask around
  • Research suggestions
  • Schedule consultation or interview
  • Know your budget
  • Get the coach

Key Takeaways

  • Finding a Coach: Start by asking friends, family, or local pro shop operators for recommendations, and conduct an online search for bowling coaches in your area.
  • Research and Interview: Investigate each coach’s background, experience, and student reviews; set up interviews to discuss their coaching approach and success rates.
  • Budget Considerations: Determine your budget for coaching, accounting for session fees and potential extra costs like travel expenses.
  • Certification and Qualifications: Look for a certified coach, preferably with a USBC (United States Bowling Congress) certification, and consider their teaching methodology, communication skills, and experience.
  • Making a Choice: Choose a coach who aligns with your needs, budget, and learning style, ensuring they can provide effective training and motivation.
  1. Ask around.

Word of mouth from trusted friends and local bowlers is incredibly important when choosing a coach. Reach out to friends or family who play bowling regularly and see if they have any recommendations. You should also ask your local pro shop operator for advice. Many bowlers and coaches frequent pro shops, so these operators may just have some information you can use. Do some digging online as well and see if there are any coaching resources in your area. It can be as easy as a Google search.

  1. Research the coaches. 

Take some time to research each coach’s background and coaching experience. Look for reviews or testimonials from previous students as well. This will give you a better idea of the quality of their coaching.

  1. Set up an interview. 

Once you’ve narrowed down your list, it’s time to set up an interview with each of the coaches. Ask questions about their coaching philosophy, how they would approach teaching you or a group, and their past success rates.

  1. Consider your budget. 

Consider how much you’re willing to invest in a bowling coach before making your final decision. Some may charge per-session fees, while others might charge for a bulk package. Be sure to ask about any additional fees you may incur, such as travel expenses.

  1. Choose your coach. 

After you’ve completed your research and gone through the interviewing process, it’s time to make your decision. Choose a coach that best fits your needs and budget while providing an environment conducive to learning and improvement.

Coach sitting with the bowler showing how to insert fingers into bowling ball because it's new physical game changes for the bowlers hand

What Is a Bowling Coach?

Before we get into some of the tactics you can use to find a bowling coach, we’ll get into exactly what a bowling coach is. A bowling coach is someone you trust to help you improve your bowling skills.

They have a wealth of knowledge on the sport of bowling and have the ability to pass that information on to you. They work with you on an ongoing basis to ensure that you’re making progress in the sport. 

Note: This is a very general bowling coach definition. Not every bowling coach is going to fit this definition, but ideally, they will. 

Bowlers and Bowling Coaches

Do You Need a Bowling Coach?

Now that you know what a bowling coach is, it’s time to decide whether you need a bowling coach. Though most will benefit from either meeting with or having online training with a professional coach, it may not be the right choice for everyone. Here are some reasons people might need a bowling coach:

  • You’re just starting out: If you are a novice bowler, you may want to get some extra help from a coach. A bowling coach can teach you the basics and go over different techniques that will help you improve your game.
  • You’re stuck in a rut: Even experienced bowlers can find themselves stuck in a rut with their game. A bowling coach can provide insight into how to begin making progress once again.
  • You want to take your game to the next level: If you’re already an experienced bowler, a bowling coach can help you further refine your technique and move on to more advanced strategies. They can also help you improve your physical and mental game, educate you on lane play, evaluate your current delivery system, and more. If you need to work on your arm swing and stance, tweak your finishing position, or alter key components of your game, certified coaches can be very helpful.
  • You need motivation: Sometimes, we all need a little bit of encouragement and motivation to keep us going. A bowling coach can provide that support and help you stay focused on improving your game.
  • You need feedback: Feedback is always important when it comes to any skill, and a bowling coach can provide valuable feedback so you can make the necessary adjustments to reach your goals.
  • You want to compete: If you’re looking to take your bowling to the competitive level, having a coach can pave the way. They can provide guidance on how to achieve success in tournaments and competitions.
Bowler sitting in orange chairs with bowling coach looking for the right coach for her needs

Where Can I Find Certified Bowling Coaches?

One thing to remember in your search for a bowling coach is that not every coach is certified. Certification provides a level of assurance that the coach has the necessary skills and knowledge to provide you with quality instruction.

The best way to find certified bowling coaches is by using various search engines or directories. The United States Bowling Congress handles certifications at three levels – bronze, silver, and gold – you can use their USBC Coach Search to find a certified coach in your area. Your Bowling Coach with Michelle Mullen and Aleta Sill is a great resource as well, offering multiple coaching options!

What Qualifications Should I Look For in a Bowling Coach?

If you want to find a good bowling coach, it’s crucial to know what exactly you’re looking for. Here are some qualifications most good bowling coaches have: 

  1. Certifications: At a basic level, ensure your coach has some official certification. A coach who’s invested time in becoming certified is likely serious about their craft.
  2. Experience & Expertise: While formal qualifications are great, nothing beats hands-on experience. A coach who’s been in the trenches, competing and continuously refining their craft brings a wealth of practical knowledge. Don’t shy away from asking about their personal achievements in the sport or their years of experience.
  3. A Solid Teaching Methodology: It’s one thing to know how to bowl, and another to teach it effectively. A good coach should have a structured approach to training and be able to explain complex techniques in understandable terms. This is where a balance of casual and formal comes into play. You don’t want someone who’s too technical that you can’t relate to, nor too lax that you don’t feel you’re learning.
  4. Communication & Listening Skills: This might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s paramount. Your coach should be approachable, open to feedback, and good at listening to you and articulating themselves. 
  5. Adaptability: Each bowler is unique, with different strengths, weaknesses, and learning curves. Your ideal coach should recognize this and be willing to tailor their training techniques to match your specific needs.
  6. Passion & Enthusiasm: A coach who’s genuinely passionate about bowling and teaching will naturally motivate you. Their enthusiasm can make even the toughest training days feel rewarding.
  7. Recommendations & Reviews: Last but definitely not least, look for recommendations. If other bowlers have had positive experiences with a particular coach, there’s a good chance you will, too. Online reviews and testimonials can speak volumes.
Male and female taking selfies after a successful bowling session

How Much Does It Typically Cost to Hire a Bowling Coach?

The cost of hiring a bowling coach varies based on location, experience, and duration of sessions, but typically ranges from $20 to $50 per hour. Certified and highly experienced coaches might charge on the higher end. Occasionally, you may come across a coach whose prices fall outside of this range. To learn more about bowling lesson prices, read this article.

Bowling coach and bowler will explore multiple options for releasing their ball

Can I Find a Bowling Coach Online for Virtual Lessons?

Many bowling coaches offer virtual lessons nowadays, utilizing video analysis and online platforms to teach techniques and strategies. Just ensure you research their qualifications and reviews for the best experience. The best place to start is with a search “bowling coach online” or “virtual bowling coach”. Or using our suggestions above. But it’s important to remember that bowling is a physical game, so virtual bowling lessons might not be as beneficial as in-person bowling lessons.

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So, there you have it – how to find a bowling coach – we hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best as you endeavor to refine your bowling craft! With the expertise of a qualified bowling coach, you’ll be in a great position to improve your game.