Brian Voss joined me for a quick hit to discuss what he is up to these days and what to expect if you pick up his new book, “Bare Bones Bowling“. Brian is with 900 Global, and he discusses what he feels can be done to improve our sport. Brian talks about why he feels most bowlers do not have a coach and what he feels is the number one thing people need to work on in their game.
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Today’s youth is addicted to instant gratification and success. Bowling takes time, practice and hard work, as well as patience and concentration, which our youth lacks. Add the overall expense involved and you have a sport that is second in cost to golf. And with the lack of fame and fortune compared to other sports or activities, bowling drops out of the top ten of things kids want to do. If bowling is to be a success, it has to start as a family event that all can participate at. Unfortunately, a night out bowling for a family of four, with $12 for shoes, $4.00 per game, means two game will cost $44,00, or the cost of today’s move admission. Inner city families are priced out completely. And the average middle class family will only go bowling 3-4 times per year. I started to bowl in the early 1970’s, and I could bowl league for $5.00 a night, and open play was 25 or 50 cents a game. A ball was $25.00. And I had a low paying job of $4.25 per hour.. Bowling on Saturday afternoon with Chris Schenkel was mandatory viewing. And bowling is not electronic and user friendly for today’s youth who is addicted to I-phone apps. Put a bowling ball in front of a 4 year old child and a TV Remote control and see what is grabbed. Then do the same again with a plain cell phone and you immediately see where the focus is. I don’t know what the answer is, but bowling has the look and feel of rich white mans sport
Marvin,
Thank you for your comments.
Very nice interview.
Bowling has been mismarketed for 40 years and that is the reason it is considered a escapist “fun” thing to do. Market bowling as a sport again, as it was done in the late 40s thru the mid 70s and the institution of bowling WILL blossom again. It can be done. There IS a way.
Why do people bowl? Fun, enjoyment, challenge/achievement. It is certainly not money (it could be) as why would anyone bowl on “Tour”? Not for money but bowlers still come out and bowl PBA events for the prestige of beating the best and winning a PBA event.
The PBA could lead the way and do it on “the cheap” while building a base of bowlers/aspiring players. It can be done. It must be done bottom up via cross TRAINED coaches/ambassadors for bowling as well as top done. It can be done and there is a way. Do NOT look to Arlington as they are clueless. An enlightened PBA can turn this game/sport around. There is a way and it is NOT expensive.
Marvin, one comment. I live right outside of Washington DC in the Maryland subs. I live in an overwhelming “black” geographical neighborhoods(s) and all I have to say is, black folks love to bowl and bowling should not be reduced to the appearance “a rich white mans [sic] sport”. “Black folk” ARE getting better and better at this game.
BARE BONES BOWLING is a solid contribution to the literature in bowling. Recommended.
Maybe Mr. Voss needs to get political?