Finally! Huge improvement in my timing issue!

[J Anderson]

Rather than sarcasm, I prefer to think of it as verbal irony! Yes, there are definitely differences between good coaches and bad coaches. This is why, despite negativity from many bowlers, I always recommend finding a USBC Certified Coach. Some are definitely better than others, but at least you know they were taught the proper methods, and at least paid enough attention to pass the exams.

What I have observed among my fellow coaches is that some of the Level 1 coaches, even though they passed the exam, completely ignore the actual USBC teaching philosophy and methods for beginners, and instead either parrot what they were taught as junior bowlers or make up their own methods based on their own experience. On the other hand we have at least one Level 1 coach who could easily pass the Bronze or maybe even the Silver certification, but can't afford the class. On the whole though,Level ones tend to be more "cookie cutter" in their approach. Bronze and Silver coaches tend to be more flexible and work with the bowler rather than on the bowler.

[JasonNJ]

To me a good analogy for Level 1 is someone with a learner's permit. All it takes to get level 1 is to read the online manual and take the test. They may have learned the basic but still don't know how to drive/coach. The Bronze class is where they really teach you how to coach and it usually taught by someone who is an excellent coach. My Bronze class was awesome and led by Ron Hatfield and I learned a ton.

The exception for a Level 1 coach is maybe someone who has coached a long time and just never bothered to advance higher in with the certification and that is where you need to talk to folks and ask them if they know of any good coaches.

[Tony]

I'll say it: Golf is 10x a harder sport than bowling. You can accidentally get strikes and even 200 game (THS). You can't accidentally shoot under par in a round of golf.

I'll agree it's hard to shoot under par for a round of golf, but why would you equate that with a strike or a 200 game, lets say its more like an 750 series and now you're at a much closer level of difficulty. It's possible and happens all the time were an inexperienced golfer will par a hole, just like a bowler might double up on a strike.....
In my experience having played quite a few rounds of golf and bowling quite a few games, they are both sports where you can get lucky and get a decent result but I personally don't think golf is 10x harder than bowling, I would say for my own results they are pretty similar in difficulty.

[RobLV1]

Level I coaches are just that... they are qualified to teach beginning bowlers... period. There is a huge philosophical difference, however, between Bronze Level and Silver Level Coaches. Bronze Level teaches coaches to coach from the back of the approach, forward to the foul line. So, if a Bronze Level Coach sees that a mid-level bowler is late at the foul line, he/she will likely look at the push away in relation to the steps and alter it to correct the timing issue. Silver Level Coaches look at a bowler from the foul line backward and notice potential problem issues in relation to the finished delivery position.