Bowls coaching at Willowbank

Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme

The PVG scheme is the new registration scheme for anyone working with vulnerable groups. This includes

• Children
• Health Care professionals
• Vulnerable Adults

Further details are available from the PVG Website.

Coach Appointment

The club now has a nominated club coach who has completed the national bowling club coach assessment and training scheme managed by the Scottish Bowling Coaching Committee (SBCC). Certification was awarded in February 2010. The Enhanced Disclosure (Scotland) certification is included.

Coaching Certification

This is the club coaching certificate. It has been placed here to provide parents and other stakeholders with a convenient ease of access.

Meet the coach.

Coaching should be enjoyable, informal and always relaxing. These photos were taken at the "Get On the Green" event at Woodend bowling club.

Definition of a Coach

A person who after training and assessment within the framework and guidelines of the SBCC attempts to enhance or improve the performance of any person in the game of bowls using the approved methods .(SBCC (2002) Coaches Manual, p4)

Initial equipment required.

New bowlers do not require to purchase bowls or other accessories. The only equipment required to start bowling is a pair of bowling shoes or flat heelless shoes. Dress code at coaching sessions is informal but players are asked to abide by the club or host dress code when appropriate. This means no shorts or denim on the green please!!!

Aim of the basic Coaching sessions.

The club coaching sessions are informal and intended to provide new players with the essential skills and knowledge to participate in the game from the very start of their bowling career. The fundamental principle of the coaching sessions is the development of a smooth delivery action which grounds the Jack or bowl along the intended line of delivery in a comfortable and constant manner, 100 times out of 100.

Structure of the basic coaching course

The course is split into four sessions , normally lasting between 20 - 40 minutes. These can be combined if time permits.

Club Coaching Sessions.

Session	Title	Content
1	Introduction	Aims of the Game Division of the Green Equipment used in Bowling Identifying Shots Marking the Scorecard
2	The Mat, stance and Delivery action	Starting the game setting the mat. Adopting a suitable Stance Components of delivery action. Delivering the jack
3	Bowls, bias , grips and Angled Stance	How to select a suitable bowl How bias is imparted on a bowl The types of grips used for bowl Angled stance and relation to bias. Line of Delivery Imparting weight on a bowl
4	Lines, Shots and Bowling Terms	Selecting a Line of Delivery Developing consistency. 7 basic shots and their use. How to measure a shot. Terms used in Bowling.

Arranging Coaching sessions

All members are entitled to coaching sessions. Availability is dependent on :

1. Rinks reserved for Club or Controlling Body
2. Availability of Coach
3. If the green has been reserved for a formal match

Precedence will be given to new and young players who have been attracted as part of the youth and community initiatives. Please contact the coach via the contacts page for further information.

Shared Coaching Resources.

The vision of the SBCC is to provide a coach in every club in Scotland. During this development phase coaches are expected to support neighboring clubs in their own SBA districts. The district clubs are expected to reciprocate by providing rinks for coaching sessions on request. This flexibility enables coaches to overcome potential event clashes and shortages of rinks on any specified date or time. Students attending any sessions may be required to travel with the coach to the alternative training venue when this conflict arises.

This opportunity enables students to experience the atmosphere of neighboring clubs and in so doing, extend their exposure to both green and fellow bowlers.

Stances

One of the most important components of a good and consistent delivery action is the adoption of a comfortable stance on the mat. This enhances the players ability to maintain their balance during the delivery action.

Disabled Players and the Fixed stance.

Some players may require to use an aid to support their balance during the delivery action. The following images provide an excellent example of the fixed stance. Note that the player steps out prior to the delivery and only uses the pendulum action to ground the bowl.