Come and Try Bowl Abilities

Bowl Abilities is an inclusive program, originally designed for adults with a disability, now open to anyone to learn the basics of Tenpin Bowling.

Many bowlers may never take an actual ‘lesson’, they’ve honed their skills learning as they go on the lanes, from trial and error, via YouTube or from friends and family offering random coaching points! We know there’s also just as many who are wanting to learn how to bowl (maybe like Belmo!).

Joining a league can seem daunting if you’re not sure of the basics or haven’t spent hours on the lanes with some friendly coaching assistants. This program aims to attract new people to the sport by teaching tenpin bowling technique in an inclusive and fun atmosphere. We want to see people who have maybe never bowled before, be granted the opportunity to learn how and create a pathway for increasing their participation.

To showcase what a typical session of Bowl Abilities looks like, we sent a camera down to a session at ZONE Bowling in Cross Roads, South Australia to capture all the fun that is had by participants in one session of the program. The wonderful and popular Lyn Alexander was Lane Ranger for the day, and as you can see all participants had a ball!

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Bowl Abilities is a 6-8 session program that focuses on the participant’s ABILITY, not their disability. The learning of the fundamental skills of Tenpin Bowling improves co-ordination, balance, and physical activity levels.

Bowl Abilities is run in a safe environment with a focus on fun and giving it a go. The use of carpets on the lanes gets the participants 9 metres closer to the pins and a modified 5-frame game with simplified scoring helps with skill development, a sense of achievement and self-confidence.

Want to know more? Find out more about this great program today!

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Program Features

• 6-8 WEEK PROGRAM: 60 minute sessions, once per week
• ON THE MOVE: Maximum of 3 participants per lane so you’re always active
• SHORTENED LANES: Modified length starting just 9 metres away from pins, then 12m, 15m before full 18m length lanes
• SHORTENED GAMES: Modified 5-frame games (half a normal game) to keep participants focused
• CHALLENGING: Try no bumpers or ramps for additional skill development
• 6 LEVELS of ACHIEVEMENT: progression based on ABILITY, coloured bands reward pre-set target score at each level
• LANE RANGERS: Program delivered by trained facilitators, who have completed TBA’s training and are keen to include participants of all ability. Lane Rangers are encouraged to complete Special Olympics Australia’s sport inclusion courses.
• SUPPORT: staff are ready to assist participants, centres and coaches or support networks to set up a program at your local TBA centre.

For more information on the program, visit https://bowlabilities.com.au/ or contact the guys at [email protected] or via social – Facebook and Instagram. This program was made possible with the help of Sport AUS ‘Move it Aus’ campaign. It utilizes Bowl Patrol carpets – if your centre offers Bowl Patrol, talk to them about also offering Bowl Abilities.