How do I find a coach?

[Bendial]

Hi Guys,

I want to get some lessons, I feel like my game is all of a sudden getting a lot worse and I think it's because I've developed some bad habits due to lack of instruction. How do I find a coach in my area? I live near San Francisco so it shouldn't be too hard, yet I can't find any resources online and nothing on craigslist.

[e-tank]

have you tried asking the front desk at your alley?

[Bendial]

I've asked them several times and each time they said to ask later so they could get the guys phone number, and they never do. So I gave up on them.

[e-tank]

try this

http://membership.bowl.com/USBCsearc...oachesMain.jsp

[Greenday]

try this

http://membership.bowl.com/USBCsearc...oachesMain.jsp

Yea, bowl.com is how I found my coach.

And my coach is awesome. Gave me one of his bowling balls for free. This weekend, he's getting his silver certification. As a result, they are giving out free lessons on Sunday so I'm going to go and get some free lessons to get some perspective from other good bowlers. Very nice of my coach to let me know.

[WolfGirl1980]

Try asking the pro shop at your bowling alley if they give lessons thats what I would do.

-Sara

[billf]

Go through bowl.com for a certified instructor. Pro shops usually offer lessons BUT not all pro shop personnel are qualified to do so. Just like many businesses, anybody can charge for lessons, certified or not. A person who is serious about their coaching with have references available, vendor/business license and a copy of all certifications (that can be verified through bowl.com).

[WolfGirl1980]

Only reason I said ask your Pro Shop is because the Pro Shop I usually go to the owner is a Professional Bowler eventhough he is not a USBC Certified Coach I also would think that he is way more then qualified to give lessons.

-Sara

[Mike White]

Go through bowl.com for a certified instructor. Pro shops usually offer lessons BUT not all pro shop personnel are qualified to do so. Just like many businesses, anybody can charge for lessons, certified or not. A person who is serious about their coaching with have references available, vendor/business license and a copy of all certifications (that can be verified through bowl.com).

Dammit Bill, look what you started.

First is was a simple online class to be a Level 1 coach.

Then when I heard that the guy in the pro shop wanted to retire after 30+ years I signed up with IBPSIA, and have just completed their Pro Shop Certification Class.

Next up, I'll buy the current guy's shop equipment and have a new part time job.

Life was nice before you opened your mouth

[billf]

Mike, sounds like you're living my dream lol

Sara, that's odd seing as most pro bowlers ARE USBC certified coaches. Mike Fagan and Jason Belmonte are two Silver certified coaches that come to mind immediately. Which others are Bronze and Silver I would have to double check.