Bowler Development

Learn to Bowl is the first introductory stage of bowls specific development. This stage is meant to instil the love of the game and teach the basic fundamentals of bowls to new participants (any age). There is an emphasis on getting participants to roll bowls, develop basic technical skills and achieve enough success to stay with the sport. At this point, participants are social bowlers, enjoying social aspects of practicing, and playing a game with peers while being active. After demonstrating the basic skills, bowlers will decide which path to take: Bowls for Life or Train to Play.

Skill Performance Indicators: These benchmarks are based on practice/training drills and the percentages, which may seem high, are accurate – bear in mind that game standards/percentages will be considerably lower. For full details, please click here.

The main objective of Train to Play is to encourage bowlers to improve their basic skills and begin to learn and use elementary tactics during competition. Bowlers should be introduced to some physical requirements that are needed to improve their performance. Bowlers at this stage may compete in leagues, jitneys, or local tournaments. It is important that the athlete learns the necessary skills needed to progress to the next level while having an enjoyable social experience.

Skill Performance Indicators: These benchmarks are based on practice/training drills and the percentages, which may seem high, are accurate – bear in mind that game standards/percentages will be considerably lower

In the Learn to Compete stage, bowlers have made the decision to participate in more serious competition. This is the beginning of the “Excellence Stream”, which is made up of the Learn to Complete, Train to Compete, and Train to Excel pathways. Bowlers in this stage are competing from club through to provincial play and may aspire to compete in national competitions. There is an expectation of more advanced knowledge of the rules and application of more advanced strategies. Additional skills, tactical elements, physical and mental capacities need to be introduced to optimize performance.

Skill Performance Indicators: These benchmarks are based on practice/training drills and the percentages, which may seem high, are accurate – bear in mind that game standards/percentages will be considerably lower.

In the Train to Compete stage, bowlers are now consistent competitors and can play under pressure. Many national championship competitors are found in this stage. Bowlers are more likely to apply advanced strategies and techniques at this stage. Training is very specific and there is an increased emphasis on mental preparation and game focus. While many bowlers in this stage have a goal of competing at the international level, many choose to transition into the Bowling for Life pathway.

Skill Performance Indicators: These benchmarks are based on practice/training drills and the percentages, which may seem high, are accurate – bear in mind that game standards/percentages will be considerably lower

Bowlers in the Train to Excel stage aspire to be international champions. Significant time is devoted to further the development of tactical and technical playing skills. Athletes are striving to reach the highest pinnacles of bowling success in this stage. Therefore, the training is much more specialized to meet their needs. This is the final stage of the “Excellence Stream”. Athletes who retire from this stage often transition to the Bowling for Life pathway.

Skill Performance Indicators: These benchmarks are based on practice/training drills and the percentages, which may seem high, are accurate – bear in mind that game standards/percentages will be considerably lower.

The Bowling for Life stage is for bowlers who have learned the basics of Bowls and completed the Learn to Bowl stage. They may have left an “excellence stream” stage, or have simply chosen to bowl in a social, less competitive setting. The Bowling for Life stage aims to make sure that bowls is a sport for life, regardless of age, development or progression pathway. There are thousands of bowlers in this stage, making up the biggest category of bowlers in Canada. Their physical ability, competitiveness and skillset can vary drastically, but they are united by a desire to enjoy the sport for life. Many players in the Bowling for Life stage also choose to “give back” to the sport as valuable volunteers.