Youth Ball Weight

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BeanBowls
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Youth Ball Weight

Post by BeanBowls »

My son is 8 years old. He's about 5'1" and 135 lbs. I'm caught up in a situation where his size doesn't match his age where my concern is primarily joint development. He's currently throwing 12lbs and has made great strides recently in hand position and release. His physical game is constantly evolving as he begins to understand the game better. His ball speed currently gets into the mid 15's if he's not conscious of foot speed. It can be a struggle to keep it under 15. We focus a lot on foot tempo and timing in correlation with his swing to better manage it. He can get up into the mid 17's without much effort.

I intend to keep him at 12lbs through Junior Gold this year but was considering moving up weight afterwards. Ultimately the question here is how concerned should I be about long term effects on his young joints? I see kids his size handle 13 to 14lbs without issue. Despite his size, he is just 8.
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kajmk
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Re: Youth Ball Weight

Post by kajmk »

Welcome to Bowlingchat BeanBowls.

We have some folks on board that coach youth bowlers, hopefully they will share their experiences and opinion soon.

A very important question indeed. You are wise to be wary of stress on his joints.
First and foremost, check this out with your sons doctor. The doctor can give you his professional opinion.

Here is an article I found on Mayo Clinic

Strength training offers kids many benefits, but there are important caveats to keep in mind. Here's what you need to know about youth strength training.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-life ... t-20047758

Regardless of age, all bowlers should have and use a proper warm up routine.


Supposition, if at some point, the ball gets ridiculously light for him, he might tend to overthrow the ball. Stress form and technique.

I'd suggest putting a pap marker and ref tape to watch to see if becomes more and more speed dominant.

Again, I would advise consulting his doctor.

Take care
May all beings everywhere be happy and free,
and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life
contribute in some way to that happiness
and to that freedom for all.

John
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kajmk
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Re: Youth Ball Weight

Post by kajmk »

BeanBall, Jim Harding sent you a PM.
He is a very experienced coach and PSO. Jim is not a USBC coach, so he could not respond.
I have a great deal of respect for Jim and highly regard his knowledge.
He speaks from EXPERIENCE!

Here is Jim's note to me, which includes his note to you
I saw your response on Bowling Chat about the 8 year old bowler. As I am not a USBC Coach I could not reply to the post so I thought I would send a PM to him. My message has been sitting in the Outbox for a few hours. Do you know a way around the problem.

Here is what I wrote to him

"You are right to be concerned about the development of your son's joints. His height and weight are comparable to a young teenager, however his joints are probably not. Let's assume his joints have reached the development of an 8 year old. It is difficult to advise at this distance without seeing your son, but here goes. I have discussed the situation with 2 other coaches who have worked with children and we agree on a few things.

Treat him as an 8 year old, not a teenager.

Reduce the ball weight to 10 pounds.

Emphasize the fun aspect of the sport rather than the competitive aspect.

Don't get too technical about his style, it will develop as he matures.

If you would like to discuss this further please PM me.

Jim"

./color]
May all beings everywhere be happy and free,
and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life
contribute in some way to that happiness
and to that freedom for all.

John
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kajmk
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Re: Youth Ball Weight

Post by kajmk »

PM Jim to discuss if you wish ...
May all beings everywhere be happy and free,
and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life
contribute in some way to that happiness
and to that freedom for all.

John
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kajmk
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Re: Youth Ball Weight

Post by kajmk »

BeanBowls, please share what you learned via your conversation with Jim.

Good conversation and exchange of ideas and opinions helps us all grow.

Take care.
May all beings everywhere be happy and free,
and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life
contribute in some way to that happiness
and to that freedom for all.

John
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