Finding a coach?

[Briantime]

Hi there,



I'm a new forum member and in another thread where I asked for feedback on my bowling, I got the impression that I could really benefit from some coaching.

I want to get the basics down solidly as I think that I will be fighting an uphill battle if I at least don't have a sound foundation.

My question is: How do you find a coach? Is there anyone here from the Chicago western burbs who is, or could recommend a coach?

Your information is appreciated!

[bowl1820]

My question is: How do you find a coach?!

You can try bowl.com's coach finder here just put in your zipcode:

http://www.bowl.com/findacoach/

Also ask at the lanes & Pro-shop they may be able to recommend someone.

[Tony]

Hi there,



I'm a new forum member and in another thread where I asked for feedback on my bowling, I got the impression that I could really benefit from some coaching.

I want to get the basics down solidly as I think that I will be fighting an uphill battle if I at least don't have a sound foundation.

My question is: How do you find a coach? Is there anyone here from the Chicago western burbs who is, or could recommend a coach?

Your information is appreciated!

I don't know how far he travels but there is a Gold Coach in the Rockford IL area, Richard Shockley.
He's the head teaching professional for Bowlers Mart.

[Briantime]

I don't know how far he travels but there is a Gold Coach in the Rockford IL area, Richard Shockley.
He's the head teaching professional for Bowlers Mart.

Thank you for the lead. I actually have heard of him but Rockford is about an hour west of me so I don't think that would work out but appreciate your input.

[Blomer]

Bill Spigner is a coach in Vernon Hills. But probably little to far for you.

[Tony]

Thank you for the lead. I actually have heard of him but Rockford is about an hour west of me so I don't think that would work out but appreciate your input.

The flyer they put out says he coaches in the Chicago and Milwaukee area's as well as the Rockford market, so if you're interested give your local bowlers mart a call and see .... He's an extremely knowledgeable and also a very nice guy.

There is also Bowlers Universe / Tom Carter , he has some locations in the Chicago area. Vernon Hills, Deer Park, Oak Lawn
there are probably some other people working for him that also do coaching. I've never taken a lesson from Tom but have heard he's very good.

Good luck

[djp1080]

Try this link: http://www.zichabowling.com/?page_id=10
Gregg Zicha is an excellent coach in Wheaton, IL out at Fox Bowl. Best in the area!

[RobLV1]

It's amazing to me, the lengths that golfers will go to find good coaching, but bowlers think that an hours drive is too far!

[Briantime]

It's amazing to me, the lengths that golfers will go to find good coaching, but bowlers think that an hours drive is too far!

Well... To be fair to me. I also golf and would not drive an hour each way for golf lessons either :-)

[fokai73]

Thank you for the lead. I actually have heard of him but Rockford is about an hour west of me so I don't think that would work out but appreciate your input.

Depending how serious a person is, or the level or seriousness, an hour can be long or short.

I've been at this game for a long time now after being away for a decade. My second coming I was much more serious than I was when I was a youth/young adult. I've traveled as much as 5 hours to see Mark Baker to 20 mins to see another HOF coach. I've seen other top level coaches which required driving time to learn more about my game and the physical game as whole, and get their perspective about the physical game. I was fortunate to have had many of those hour(s) turn into a classroom session instead of chucking balls down lane. I also made friends and communicate through calls/texts with a few.

But, I also understand the flip side. I know bowlers who wouldn't want to see coaches who work far from town, or spend the money for these sessions. That's okay too. It's just how hungry a bowler wants to learn and at what level. For me, it's about learning from those who are very knowledgable about the physical game and understand their different theories about the game. When I see certain Non paper coaches who had resumes on tour at tournaments, we would talk and I would learn or question it. Basically, I'm a long term student of the game. And that's why I don't mind the drive...

[Briantime]

Depending how serious a person is, or the level or seriousness, an hour can be long or short.

I've been at this game for a long time now after being away for a decade. My second coming I was much more serious than I was when I was a youth/young adult. I've traveled as much as 5 hours to see Mark Baker to 20 mins to see another HOF coach. I've seen other top level coaches which required driving time to learn more about my game and the physical game as whole, and get their perspective about the physical game. I was fortunate to have had many of those hour(s) turn into a classroom session instead of chucking balls down lane. I also made friends and communicate through calls/texts with a few.

But, I also understand the flip side. I know bowlers who wouldn't want to see coaches who work far from town, or spend the money for these sessions. That's okay too. It's just how hungry a bowler wants to learn and at what level. For me, it's about learning from those who are very knowledgable about the physical game and understand their different theories about the game. When I see certain Non paper coaches who had resumes on tour at tournaments, we would talk and I would learn or question it. Basically, I'm a long term student of the game. And that's why I don't mind the drive...

I do see your point and respect your commitment. Certainly part of your decision to travel for instruction was in the discovery that to find what you were seeking required that you travel for it.

I am still in the discovery mode of what I am seeking and may find it in my own backyard. Hopefully my desire to improve my game and enjoyment of the sport in a way that fits comfortably with my other responsibilities does not reflect poorly on me. My goals and my means are modest.

[Tony]

It's amazing to me, the lengths that golfers will go to find good coaching, but bowlers think that an hours drive is too far!

I would travel some distance but it would depend upon what my level of access is and who's the coach.
If I was in an area where there are plenty of qualified coaches, I might start with one of those local coaches, but would consider traveling to seek a higher level of coaching.
In my case I have seen the difference knowing a couple of bronze coaches who are quite helpful but have seen the added value in seeing a gold level coach.
It's kind of like the difference of taking a lesson from the pro at the country club compared to a lesson with Butch Harmon, there really is a huge difference although both can be helpful the top coaches are top coaches because of their ability to see problems offer solutions and transfer knowledge to the student at a level they can comprehend and implement.

[Tony]

I do see your point and respect your commitment. Certainly part of your decision to travel for instruction was in the discovery that to find what you were seeking required that you travel for it.

I am still in the discovery mode of what I am seeking and may find it in my own backyard. Hopefully my desire to improve my game and enjoyment of the sport in a way that fits comfortably with my other responsibilities does not reflect poorly on me. My goals and my means are modest.

It seems likely given your location that you have an excellent chance at finding a good coach a short distance away, the fee's should also be less and travel cost minimal. As you advance you know that have other options available. Good luck !

[Jekyll & Hyde]

i would ask your local pro shop on who they would recommend. also, you will have to feel comfortable enough w/ them on what they have to say. it will take some time you will need to lay down each block before you can build your castle. after like 6 months, a year or two, if you work hard you will see the improvements in your game.