Every Sport Has Its Defining Moment
Every sport has its defining moment—that one skill athletes spend years perfecting. In basketball, it’s the shot that could beat the buzzer. In baseball, it’s the home run swing that electrifies a stadium.
For bowlers, it’s the 12th frame—the final shot for perfection.
I’ve been there. The once loud and chaotic bowling alley has fallen silent. Other bowlers have paused their games, stepping back to let me finish. A small crowd gathers behind me. They aren’t just watching—they’re honoring the moment. Because every bowler, whether they’ve rolled a 300 or not, knows what’s at stake.
The perfect game.
I take my steps. I release the ball. It glides down the lane—straight, true. A pocket hit. Strike.
Perfection.
Few sports give you a true, measurable way to achieve perfection, but in bowling, it’s real. And I know what it feels like—I’ve done it four times, earning a ring and a place in the International Bowling Hall of Fame.
But as special as those moments were, my father never saw them.
The Bond Between a Father and Son—Through Bowling
My father and I had a special bond built through bowling. After my parents divorced, bowling became our thing—something that connected us, gave us time together, and created memories that lasted beyond the lanes.
He passed away in 2012, before he ever got to see me roll a perfect game. But I like to think that, in some way, he was still watching.
The last time I bowled a 300, something happened that I can’t quite explain. In the 11th frame, I threw a solid ball—good speed, perfect angle—but one stubborn pin stayed standing. It happens sometimes. A pin defies physics and refuses to fall.
But then, a second later—out of nowhere—it tipped over.
I rolled the final strike, and the game was over. Perfection.
I’d like to think my father was able to help me out on that one.
Sharing My Passion for Bowling Education
Bowling is more than just a sport to me—it’s something I actively work to share with educators nationwide. I have written articles on teaching bowling, conducted webinars on best practices, and presented in-person workshops at major conferences.
I have had the privilege of leading workshops at the **NYSAHPERD Conference**, where I guided PE teachers in implementing bowling units effectively. Additionally, I have worked with the **NYC DOE Office of Wellness**, delivering hands-on training in a **high school hallway**, showing how bowling can be taught in non-traditional spaces with limited resources. These experiences have reinforced how adaptable, inclusive, and engaging bowling can be in any PE program.
Why Bowling Deserves a Spot in PE
Bowling is more than just rolling a ball at pins. It’s a sport of precision, mental focus, and strategy. It’s also one of the few sports where every student can find success, regardless of athletic ability.
✔ Teaches Transferable Skills – Underhand rolling, accuracy, hand-eye coordination
✔ Develops Mental Toughness – Reading angles, making adjustments, handling pressure
✔ Encourages Sportsmanship – Turn-taking, celebrating others’ success
✔ Creates Lifelong Participation – Students can continue bowling beyond school
How to Set Up a Bowling Unit in PE
You don’t need a bowling alley to teach bowling. With the right setup, any space can become a bowling center.
For free setup ideas, check out the Bowler’s Ed Curriculum, which includes step-by-step lesson plans and equipment guides.
This is a resource I created: https://wakelet.com/wake/geSdS75mVuqW1kNBfZR1f
Bowling Unit Overview
Week 1: Introduction to Bowling & Etiquette
• Teach grip, stance, and underhand rolling technique
• Introduce bowling etiquette (taking turns, not crossing lanes, staying behind the foul line)
• Use targets (poly spots, cones) before moving to pins
Week 2: Aiming & Accuracy
• Teach the four-step approach for consistency
• Focus on aiming strategies (adjusting power and angles)
• Introduce peer coaching and self-assessment
Week 3: Scoring & Strategy
• Teach basic scoring (frames, spares, strikes)
• Show how to adjust for spares and pin placements
• Play small-group challenge games
Week 4: Tournament & Reflection
• Organize a mini-tournament with student scorekeepers
• Discuss strategy, sportsmanship, and adjustments
• Have students reflect on their progress and goals
Making Bowling Fun & Inclusive
Adapted PE Modifications
• Use bowling ramps for students with limited mobility
• Offer weighted or lighter balls based on strength levels
• Provide tactile and visual lane guides for visually impaired students
English Language Learners (ELL) Support
• Use visual cue cards for step-by-step learning
• Pair ELL students with peer mentors for demonstration
• Teach bowling terms using gestures and real-life examples
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
• Offer multiple ways to engage (rolling, coaching, strategy roles)
• Use choice-based stations (varying distances, targets, skill levels)
• Encourage student leadership (scorekeeper, coach, tournament organizer)
Final Thoughts: Why Bowling Deserves More Respect in PE
Basketball has the buzzer-beater. Baseball has the walk-off home run.
And bowling has the perfect game—that rare, magical moment when skill, precision, and mental toughness align.
I’ve stood in that moment. I’ve rolled the final strike. I’ve felt the silence, the respect, the thrill of perfection.
But more importantly, I’ve seen how bowling can bring people together—between a father and son, between teammates, between a PE teacher and their students. That’s why bowling belongs in PE—not as a novelty, but as a sport that teaches focus, strategy, and achievement.
Are you ready to bring that experience to your students?
Let’s roll.
