Whether you use the bumpers or not, bowling is a fun American pastime that offers so many amazing benefits. My boys have been bowling since they were big enough to pick up a bowling ball. Every summer we sign up for the Kids Bowl FREE program and try to get some games in on rainy days. Here are some reasons why you should pack up the family and head to your local bowling alley!
10 Benefits of Bowling
Enhances Gross Motor Development
No matter what size bowling ball you use, bowling definitely helps build gross motor skills. Picking up the ball and rolling it down the lane helps build those large muscles in your arms and legs. Building those muscle groups helps kids improve other skills such as running, throwing, and simply playing on the monkey bars at the local playground.
Improves Motor Planning
Although some people make it look easy, bowling is not a simple sport/game. Bowling takes a great deal of motor planning. Players have to use their arms and legs at the same time which is difficult for many. It can also be tricky to use one hand for the ball and the opposite leg to step forward. This takes a lot of communication between your brain and body. Building motor planning skills helps kids succeed in school and in sports.
Enhances Problem Solving Skills
Bowling isn’t simply rolling the ball down the lane. It involves so much more planning and problem solving than that. For each turn, you have to release the ball at just the right time, at just the right angle. Then once several pins are down, you have to figure out exactly where to roll the ball next to get the rest of the pins to fall. Bowling helps improve strategic thinking skills as well as encourages the use of trial and error.
Builds Confidence
It is so much fun to watch your child when they knock over their first pin or get their first strike. With each game, they get stronger and stronger which builds their confidence. Confidence leads to a higher self-esteem which leads to greater success.
Helps with Coordination
As stated above under motor planning, bowling takes a lot of thought and the coordination of muscles. When kids first start playing, they may lose balance or even fall over (I have seen it happen), but as they practice, their coordination and balance improves. They learn to use their entire body to play and win.
Strengthens Math Skills
Have you ever tried to keep track of the score when bowling? It can get a little tricky. Bowling is a wonderful way to enhance math skills. Little ones can simply count the pins while older kids can add up their score. Make it even more challenging by having them figure out how many more points they need to reach their score goal.
Builds Core Strength
Having a strong core helps with everything in your life! Kids need a strong core to sit at a desk, complete work, and engage in virtual learning. A strong core also helps in every sport. It even helps with playing an instrument and performing in a play. Bowling helps build core muscles that not only improve their game but improve all aspects of their life.
Enhances Social Skills
Although bowling can appear to be an individual game, playing on a bowling team is a popular pastime all over the country. Many bowling alleys offer bowling leagues for kids that help build social skills. As kids play, they make new friends and learn to work together as a team. They also learn to help each other out when needed.
Reduces Stress
For some bowling is a profession or competition, but for many it is a way to have fun and destress. I am not great at bowling. In fact, I always ask to use the bumpers. I don’t bowl to win, I bowl to have fun. For me, bowling helps reduce stress and anxiety. It allows me to have fun with friends and family and make great memories.
Fosters Family Bonding
My family loves bowling together! It is a fun way to spend some quality time together and bond as a family. My husband helps my boys improve their game while I just try to knock over a few pins. We also engage in some friendly competition.
These are just a few of the amazing benefits of bowling. Why do you love bowling? Share your answers in the comments section below.
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As I am a youth bowling coach, I agree with everything you have said. What impresses me the most is the social skills they learn. On more than one occasion, I have seen introverted kids move on to be extroverted kids in a manner of a few winters. Our youth bowling league has an average of 65 kids per year and I never get tired of seeing kids get awards for performance and how hard they work. It warms my heart to see repeat bowlers. I’ve seen kids be peewees and before you know it, they are bowling for their high school or have gotten bowling scholarships. A bowling family is a cool family. Thanks again for the great article.
That is so wonderful!! My boys have been bowling since they were big enough to hold a ball. I have loved watching their confidence and strength grow over the years. Thank you for your work as a coach! You are helping change lives:)