Bowl Abilities evolved from TBA’s national junior participation program, Bowl Patrol, and the success of teaching primary-school aged participants how to bowl.  Bowl Abilities is an adapted version of Bowl Patrol, designed with older teens and adults with a disability in mind but suitable to any body. Sessions are designed to be inclusive and to develop fundamental physical, social and cognitive skills, encouraging participants to be more active and have fun in a safe environment.

Here is the Program Overview which outlines what happens each session. We have a theme and focus each session that teaches participants more than just bowling, we discover the pin setting machines, look inside the pin, learn how to score and so much more.

Whilst we try to stick to the program schedule and encourage the Lane Rangers to broaden the experience for participants with Back-of-the-Lane activities and learning experiences; Bowl Abilities is flexible and should meet the needs of every participant where possible. To be able to do this effectively, we encourage every participant to bring a carer/relative/friend to help if they’d like.

Here’s how your progress is made, each session offers the opportunity to be rewarded with a coloured wristband when the required score is achieved:

1. Score 30 on 9 metre carpet = white wrist band
2. Score 30 on 6 metre carpet = yellow
3. Score 30 on 3 metre carpet = orange
4. Score 30 on full lanes = green
5. Score 60 on full lanes = blue
6. Score 80 on full lanes = black
7. Personal Best
8. Vs Parents/Friends

We love that learners go at their own pace, whilst we might teach the group collectively, there’s chances for you to continue learning how you like. It might take one session, it may take eight to hit your target score and progress – we’re here to help you on your learning journey.

We’re also proud to present resources designed to include and enhance the experience of a participants who benefit from a little more assistance, such as a Word Board, Schedule, Social Story and Low-Sensory Sessions, ensuring every participant has a positive experience and achieves their best!

Word Board
Social Story
Visual Schedule

We’ve also partnered with world-champion bowler Jason Belmonte to teach our Patrollers how to coach 2-handed delivery.

Where possible learner bowlers might like to visit the centre before their first session to become familiar with the atmosphere. Feel free to bring along your own support aides such as headphones, wheelchairs, enhancements to make your learning easier.

Contact us for more information or chat to your centre’s Lane Ranger.

bowlabilities@tenpin.org.au or via Instagram or Facebook @BowlAbilitiesAus

We’d like to acknowledge our partners and friends who have helped to develop the Bowl Abilities program to make it suitable for everyone:

– Sport Australia

– Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) & Waratah West Primary School

– Special Olympics Australia

– Reclink Australia

– Centre staff and coaches across Australia including ZONE Bowling, Logan City Tenpin, Bunbury Bowl and many others

– Lane Rangers

We’re far from perfect, if you’ve got ideas on how we can improve, please contact us.