About
I am a USBC Silver Certified coach. I traveled the country as a USBC Bronze Master Instructior teaching hundreds of students how to coach the sport of bowling. I apply everything I taught and more in my bowling training business. I am IBPSIA certified technician so I am highly qualified to check the ball fit! A well-fitting ball is essential for successful scoring. I am in the Ohio Hall of Fame, I received Bowling Coach of the Year from the U.S. Olympic committe and Coach of the Year from bowling's governing body. I am currently the Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Bowling team for Avon Lake High School. I continue to be very active giving private lessons. I do lessons on the West side at Nautical Lanes in Avon Lake. I do East side lessons at Roseland lanes in Bedford.
I have been envolved in coaching the sport of bowling for over 35 years. Teaching has been my profession for over 40 years. Nothiing pleases me more than to combine those two carreers to help others enjoy the sport at a higher level. My goal with every client is to make it easier for them to bowl. I enjoy watching struggling bowlers discover the fun of bowling by putting less effort into the ball deiivery while steadily improving their average.
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Crystal S.
Kelly C.
Stephanie P.
Debbie M.
Maurice M.
Paul S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
If a bowler has thier own ball I check the thumb-to-finger hole span to ensure it is correct for the bowlers hand size. I also check the hole pitches and verify with the bowler that they have a good fit or give them suiggestions for improving the fit. Next I watch them bowl and give them a plan for improvement. If they would like video I can provide side and back views and text them to thier cell phone. I finish by writing areas to be worked on. If they request another session we schedule them into my calendar.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
In the days of the Young American Bowling Alliance I taught the Level 1 and Level 2 classes throughout Ohio. Following my Bronze and Silver certification I began teaching the Bronze certification classes throughout the U.S. and I was the first instructor to go outside of the U.S. to teach an international Bronze class. I became pro shop certified by the IBPSIA (International Pro Shop and Instructorsd\ Association). Following that I spent several years as the IBPSIA Director of Training. I have completed all of the training required to coach High School athletes.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My fees are listed on my web site: www.bowlertrainer.com. I offer discounts for youth bowlers and senior citizens. My fees do not include the one-hour lane time charged by the bowling center. I have agreements with some bowling centers in northern Ohio to discouint the lane fees. I may have a $10 upcharge if I travel more than 30 minutes from Avon Lake, Ohio. I accept cash and credit cards including chip-supported credit cards.
How did you get started teaching?
I began coaching the sport of bowling in 1982 when my young sons joined a Saturday morning youth league. The staff noticed I was thier every Saturday watching my sons bowl so they sent me to a Level I class in the area. Being a professional trainer I saw room for improvement in the Level I training so I contacted the YABA and they hired me under contract to teach the Level 1 and Level 2 classes. Everything took off from there!
What types of students have you worked with?
I have helped very young bowlers who required a 6-pound bowling ball to senior citizens with age-related health issues. I have coached bowlers who evolved into professional bowler status. I am currently working with special needs bowlers in a Saturday afternoon league. One of the autistic bowlers qualified for my High School varsity squad with a high game of 244.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
As I stated earlier I find real enjoyment in helping the Special Needs bowlers. They provide feedback of appreciation just for me being there. I also like to attend Bowl Expo which is an annual event of training and displays of the latest trends in our sport.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Always look for USBC certification. I cannot emphasize enough how neccesary that is. Just because someone is a really good bowler does not mean that your game should be adapted to their style. Knowing how to check fro proper ball fit is a plus. Their is a saying in the bowling coach community: "You can't out-coach a bad fit."
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What is your goal? Are you a young bowler who wants to qualify for a High School varsity squad? Are you a league bowler who just wants to be more competitive? Do you want to begin bowling in tournaments to earn extra cash? Do you desire to have professional bowling in your future? Also, do you have a budget for a bowling ball? For shoes? I can certainly help you with all of that.