Slowinski's Approach to National Development and Elite Team Preparation

Coaching & Player Manuals Developed

•  Webber International University Training Program (men's team earned national semi-final in year one & women won a national champion in first season)

• Level I Coaching Manual (Beginner to U12)

• Bronze Coaching Manual (Intermediate)

• Silver Coaching Manual (Elite to World-Class, National Team)

• U12 Implementation Curriculum, week-by-week implementation guide

• Bronze Implementation Curriculum, week-by-week implementation guide

• Silver Implementation Curriculum, week-by-week implementation guide

• Mental Game Improvement Workbook

• Ten Year Youth Development Plan

• Elite Team Development Program

• Center for the Scientific Study of Tenpin Bowling 

Here is an overview of Slowinski's approach to national development or elite team preparation.  Slowinski has served in the roles of national coach, Director of Coaching and Coach Certification for a national federation as well as oversaw a national youth development program.  He subscribes to a holistic approach to developing elite teams for competition as well as the evolution of a national program.  His innovative approaches will help you achieve more and he has been described as a "working machine" for his  professional work ethic and committment.  For more information, contact him at joseph_slowinski@yahoo.com

In my August 2007 Slowinski at-large column, in Bowling This Month, I discuss the MINUMUM design of an elite training program for competitive programs or individuals who want to become an elite bowler.  Click here to download the article

Elite Team Preparation

In addition to skill and knowledge development (releases, lane play, equipment, etc.), Slowinski focuses on the development of a complete training program (e.g., sport psychology, nutrition, fitness, strength training, etc.).  In addition, I focus a great deal of effort in building team rapport, trust and respect which are important components to successful teams. 

Youth Development and Evaluation of Bowler Talent

Slowinski is  an expert in youth development program design and has developed  the current elite youth training program for Malaysia.  He can customize a program to fit your needs or structure.  The development of a successful program requires investment in training youth bowlers, starting at a young age (6 & 7) and builds developmentally in a progressive manner based on the individual skill growth of the individual.  In addition, Slowinski has a proven method for identifying bowling talent through an evaluation process.

Developmental Drills and Developmental Sequence

Slowinski has designed several new drills that support the mastery of several key fundamental elements of great bowling.  In addition, he has designed developmental drill sequences that support sustained skills or improving skill at every level: beginning, youth, elite or national team.  Each drill sequence is designed to support improvement at each level and is embedded within the training program.

Coach Training and Development

Slowinski is unlike most international coaches.  In addition to world-class bowling knowledge, he possesses experience as a university teacher trainer and a K-12 teacher.  These experiences have helped him become an outstanding coach trainer and coach of athletes.  Fundamentally, the overall development of a world-class training program requires outstanding coach training at the local level.  Slowinski has 15 years of experience as a trainer of teachers and coaches.  Knowledgeable coaches at the grassroots level should be the goal of every federation, congress or association.  In 2006 alone, Slowinski trained over 250 coaches.  Click here to review participant evaluation numbers of Joe's courses.

Bowler Reference System

At the core of Slowinski's development program is his Bowler Reference System.  After learning the Bowler Reference System, bowlers will possess the knowledge to create more than 1000 ball reactions by changing the axis of rotation, axis tilt, ball speed and rev rate.  The system is easy to use and allows bowlers to repeat shots more consistently.

Advanced Lane Play System

In addition to the Bowler Reference System, Slowinski has developed an advanced targeting method and lane play method based on research.  This method provides bowlers with knowledge that will allow them to play the lanes more appropriately and consistently.

Data Collection and Individual Portfolio Development

All bowlers possess strengths and weaknesses.  Through the use of technology (Bowlers MAP, DigiTrax, CATS) individual strengths and weaknesses are identified.  This data is utilized to develop short and longterm goals for individual elite players.  Data is collected frequently to determine individual progress.  In addition, Slowinski utilizes a Bowler Rating System that he developed to measure data such as pocket %, carry %, double %, single-pin spare conversion %, etc.  This data also becomes part of the individual portfolio along with video, audio, still photos, etc.

Equipment Layout and Surface Preparation 

Equipment preparation is critical to tournament success.  From layout recommendations for individual bowlers to surface preparation, equipment development is an important part of a national development initiative. 

Sports Psychology

Elite team preparation and development must include peak performance and elite mental training methods.  Due to the importance in preparing elite athletes to excell, mental skills training is part of every training session. 

 Fitness and Nutrition

Overall physcial fitness is important for elite bowlers to be consistent in competition and to reach their full potential.  In addition to bowling skills and sport psychology development, elite team development must have an elite fitness program.

Research

Successful programs require investing time in research to explore what is most effective.  From the influence of specific releases on individual bowlers to training effectiveness, Slowinski builds research into a national development or elite training program.  Data reveals the truth and helps to focus programs on constant improvement.

EXAMPLE of a DAILY TRAINING SCHEDULE

TEAM MEETING (10 Minutes) - Successful teams build team culture.  Set the stage each day with a brief 5-min meeting.  Talk about the practice goals for the day and what will happen.  This is the time to honor effort and remind of upcoming goals.  This time can be used to review recent performances, discuss planning, etc. 

STRETCHING (10 Minutes)- Next should be a warm-up routine including stretching.  As a sport, we need to do athletic activities.  Stretching also builds team unity.  You can add-in claps, team cheers, etc.  But, the stretching should be completed prior to turning-on the lights and beginning the bowling warm-up on the lanes.

DAILY DRILL SEQUENCE (20 Minutes)- A practice should include a series of skill building drills that are good for all bowlers.  For example, many of the Ritger Drills, the USBC new drills, etc.  I have designed a new pushaway drill and a 5-step drill.  But, I also utilize drills that are effective (kneel-down, balance drill, etc.).  Every practice should focus on having some time for drills. 

INDIVIDUAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT (30 Minutes) -  Each practice should have some time set for individual improvement.  As a coach, you should meet with each player individually throughout the season.  Based on your try-out, you should have identified strenghts and weaknesses.  The weaknesses determine the goals for individual development.  SEE my Try-Outs post below We know from research that athletes work harder and gain more satisfaction when they work toward individual improvement.  SKILL NOT SCORE should be the focus.  You can honor individual improvement and set this as part of something that is valued in your team culture.

KNOWLEDGE BUILDING or KNOWLEDGE PRACTICE (60 - 120 Minutes) - Bowling is based on knowledge first.  Knowledge + Practice = Competence.  Competence leads to Confidence.  But, it all starts with knowledge.  At the beginning of the season, the first few weeks should have a plan to teach specific knowledge: releases, lane play, spare system, etc.  Like a teacher, the coach should have a curriculum plan.  At the beginning, you must teach how the following impact ball reaction: ball speed, axis of rotation, axis tilt, rev rate and loft.  This provides the skills to play inside, outside, anywhere.... Knowledge + Practice = Competence & Confidence.  After knowledge is taught, this section of time would be used to practice what has been learned.  For example, strike around is a drill that you attempt to hit the pocket from all angles. The bowler tries to hit the pocket 10 times from each angle: the outside, inside and in-between.  And, you can modify this to include playing different targets and angles down the lane near the breakpoint.  This requires the bowler to implement the knowledge, gain comfort with playing all lines and practicing the different releases. 

TOURNAMENT PREP: For example, in preparation for a tournament, bowlers would be preparing on the specific lane conditions that will be used with the equipment set-up for the conditions.  Bowlers would work on the necessary releases that match-up to master it for the event.  In addition, bowlers would have a transition plan on how to play the lanes as the change.  Dealing with transition would be an integral part of preparing for an event.

PSYCHOLOGY TIME (15 Minutes) -  Use this time to practice mental skills needed for success.  We know that sport psychology can have a major impact on performance.  So, it should be included in every practice.  Goal setting, visualization, etc.   These skills will help both beginner to elite bowlers. 

CLOSING MEETING (15 Minutes) -  Use this time to wrap-up, honor effort, do a cheer, discuss the future, team logistics, etc.

FITNESS - In addition to lane time,  bowlers will be engaged in fitness 5 days a week.  Running, weight room, etc.  This will pay huge dividends during the season.