Debating with your friends who’s the best Bowling coach?
Fred Borden, Del Warren or Bill Hall?
Here is our list of the best Bowling coaches of all time.
Do you agree with our picks?
Best Bowling Coaches:
- Fred Borden
- Del Warren
- Bill Hall
- Dick Ritger
- John Jowdy
- Susie Minshew
- Joe Slowinski
- Ron Hoppe
- Parker Bohn III
- Chris Barnes
Table of Contents
#1 Fred Borden
- 🏆 Achievements: Renowned coaching author, USBC Gold Coach, Hall of Fame Inductee
- 👕 Teams Coached: Team USA, Professional and Amateur Bowlers
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Fred Borden was widely recognized for his coaching expertise, particularly his ability to improve the skills and techniques of both amateur and professional bowlers. As a USBC Gold Coach, he was among the elite ranks of certified coaches in the sport.
His methods and philosophies have been shared worldwide, with Borden known for authoring instructional bowling books and producing a number of influential training videos which have shaped the careers of many bowlers.
Fred Borden’s legacy extends beyond the lanes, with his contributions earning him a spot in various halls of fame, solidifying his status as one of bowling’s most effective and knowledgeable coaches.
#2 Del Warren
- 🏆 Achievements: USBC Gold Coach, Vice President of Kegel Training Center
- 👕 Teams Coached: Various individual professionals, Collegiate Teams
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Del Warren is recognized as one of bowling’s leading authorities, functioning not only as a coach but also as a mentor shaping the careers of countless athletes. His expertise as a USBC Gold Coach is a testament to his deep understanding of the sport.
Del is well respected for his role as Vice President of the Kegel Training Center, where he’s instrumental in developing programs that have nurtured and honed the skills of bowlers at different levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals.
His impact as a coach lies in his innovative approach, dedicated mentorship, and unwavering commitment to elevating the standards of coaching and player development within the bowling world.
#3 Bill Hall
- 🏆 Achievements: Coach of multiple PBA champions, USBC Silver level coach
- 👕 Teams Coached: Individual Professional Bowlers, International Teams
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Bill Hall has an esteemed reputation as a coach of professional bowlers and is known for his technical expertise, particularly in the realm of bowling ball dynamics and physical game mechanics. His coaching style places a strong emphasis on precision and adaptability.
Hall’s accolades include coaching numerous PBA champions, a testament to his ability to refine the skills of elite-level bowlers. He is a USBC Silver level coach, recognizing his proficiency and commitment to the sport.
His global impact on the sport is highlighted by his work with international teams, where Hall’s knowledge and coaching expertise have been sought after to raise the competitive bar within bowling communities around the world.
#4 Dick Ritger
- 🏆 Achievements: PBA Hall of Fame, Founder of the Dick Ritger Bowling Camps
- 👕 Teams Coached: Amateur Bowlers nationally and internationally
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Dick Ritger’s legacy in bowling extends beyond his illustrious career as a player, he is inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame, to his long-standing dedication to coaching. His contribution to the sport includes founding the Dick Ritger Bowling Camps, which have been instrumental in teaching and developing bowlers of all ages.
Ritger’s philosophy of simplifying the bowling process has empowered many bowlers to improve their game fundamentally. His methodical approach emphasizes consistency and solid technique.
Through his camps and coaching efforts, Ritger has fostered a love for the sport among countless bowlers while providing them with the tools necessary to enhance their performance and enjoyment of the game.
#5 John Jowdy
- 🏆 Achievements: Bowling Writers Association of America Hall of Fame, Renowned author on bowling techniques
- 👕 Teams Coached: Professional Bowlers, International Athletes
- 🌐 Nationality: American
John Jowdy stood as a pillar in the bowling coaching community, with his expertise chronicled in his extensive writings on bowling techniques. His contributions to the literature of bowling coaching offer valuable insights into the sport.
Inducted into the Bowling Writers Association of America Hall of Fame, Jowdy’s influence can be felt throughout bowling’s coaching circles, stemming from his rich experiences and knowledge base.
Jowdy’s impact on the sport also included coaching professional and international athletes, where his strategies and improvements to bowler’s games were instrumental in elevating the performance levels of many top competitors.
#6 Susie Minshew
- 🏆 Achievements: USBC Gold Level Coach, WBW Coach of the Year
- 👕 Teams Coached: Professional and Amateur Bowlers, Youth and Adult Education Programs
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Susie Minshew is one of the few USBC Gold Level Coaches, a distinction reflecting her deep commitment to excellence in coaching at all levels of bowling. Recognized as the WBW Coach of the Year, she has made lasting contributions to the sport.
Her emphasis on the mental game, combined with a technical understanding of bowling, allows Minshew to offer comprehensive coaching to both professional and amateur bowlers alike.
Beyond individual coaching, Minshew’s commitment to the sport has seen her active in youth and adult education programs, ensuring the growth and development of bowling through sharing her extensive knowledge and passion with the wider community.
#7 Joe Slowinski
- 🏆 Achievements: USBC Gold Coach, international coaching experience
- 👕 Teams Coached: National Teams, Professional and Collegiate Bowlers
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Joe Slowinski is recognized among bowling’s coaching elite as a USBC Gold Coach, an acknowledgment of his superior knowledge and dedication to the highest levels of coaching competence. His work extends globally, as he has brought his expertise to numerous countries.
Slowinski’s coaching philosophy is centered around strategic development, biomechanics, and maximizing a bowler’s potential through personalized attention to their physical and mental game.
He has successfully coached national teams, professional, and collegiate bowlers, reflecting his versatility and capacity to adapt coaching strategies to a variety of performance and learning environments.
#8 Ron Hoppe
- 🏆 Achievements: USBC Gold Coach, Coach to PBA Hall of Famers
- 👕 Teams Coached: Professional Bowlers, National and International Students
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Ron Hoppe holds the prestigious title of USBC Gold Coach, affirming his expertise in the sport and his ability to develop top-tier bowling talent. He has been sought after by some of the best in the sport and has coached several PBA Hall of Famers.
His coaching style incorporates a focus on both the technical aspects of bowling and the psychological components essential to competition at the highest levels.
Hoppe’s influence is far-reaching, with national and international students looking to benefit from his strategic insights and approach to coaching that has proven successful in developing many successful bowlers.
#9 Parker Bohn III
- 🏆 Achievements: PBA Hall of Famer, Over 35 PBA Tour Titles
- 👕 Teams Coached: Youth and Amateur Bowlers
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Parker Bohn III, a legendary figure in the bowling community, carries the dual distinction of being a PBA Hall of Famer and an accomplished coach. With over 35 PBA Tour titles, his illustrious career on the lanes seamlessly transitioned into a coaching role where he imparts his vast experience to the next generation.
His dedication to the sport extends to youth and amateur bowlers, for whom he serves as a mentor and teacher, emphasizing not only the mechanics but also the sportsmanship and integrity of bowling.
Bohn’s hands-on approach and ability to inspire bowlers through his storied career have made him a respected and influential coach in the bowling world.
#10 Chris Barnes
- 🏆 Achievements: PBA Hall of Famer, 19 PBA titles
- 👕 Teams Coached: Junior Team USA, Youth Programs, Private Coaching
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Chris Barnes, celebrated for his competitive success with 19 PBA titles, also shines in his role as a coach. His enshrinement in the PBA Hall of Fame cements his status not only as a top competitor but also as an influential figure in the sport’s development.
As a coach for the Junior Team USA and through various youth programs, Barnes has channeled his first-hand experience and competitive insights to shape and mold the talents of young bowlers.
His contribution to coaching is characterized by a keen understanding of bowling mechanics, a strategic mindset, and an earnest dedication to fostering growth and achievement in bowlers aspiring to reach the levels of success he himself has attained.
FAQ
Who is the greatest bowling coach of all time?
Fred Borden is often regarded as the greatest bowling coach of all time, known for his extensive knowledge and successful coaching career.
Who was the most successful bowling coach?
Del Warren is considered one of the most successful bowling coaches, having coached numerous champions and U.S. national teams, with many victories to his name.
