Junior Training Programs Outline

Children and Young People Safe practices

Bowls ACT Junior & Pathways Academy Training Program and Calendar

Objective:
To develop a structured and progressive training program that enhances junior, U25 and Identified Development Players participation, skill development, and competitive performance in bowls. The program aligns with Bowls ACT’s mission to create sustainable pathways from junior to representative levels.

ACT Junior Representative Training Program

Objective:
This Program has been developed for those juniors that have already been exposed to the game and are currently playing regularly and competing in competitions. It will act as one element to identify juniors suitable to represent ACT at identified Junior tournaments. It will be run mid-week, twice a month from Yass as the current core group of junior representatives are based out of Yass. I will also make myself available to run other group session by arrangement at clubs in Canberra either midweek or weekends and will offer one on one sessions, if requested by a junior player.

Proposed Program

Month 1: Foundation Building (Introduction to Basics) Proposed Start April 2025

Week 1: Orientation & Engagement

Welcome session with parents and players.
Icebreaker games and fun challenges.
Distribution of training guides and feedback forms.

Week 2: Fundamental Techniques

Individual assessments on grip, stance, and delivery.
One-on-one feedback sessions.
Basic drills to refine technique.

Month 2: Skill Development

Week 3: Consistency in Delivery

Targeted drills for drawing to zones.
Relay-style competitive games.

Week 4: Aim & Accuracy Training

Draw shots and weight control drills.
Precision challenges (e.g., red light, green light, off-centre targets).

Month 3: Strategy & Tactical Play

Lead-up to 7-A-Side Championship

Week 5: Shot Selection & Reading the Green

Position-based gameplay and decision-making.
Analysing shot options and green conditions.

Week 6: Team Play and Match Simulation

Singles, pairs, and fours tactical drills.
Full match simulations with rotation of positions.

Month 4: Mental & Physical Conditioning

Week 7: Focus & Positional Training

Customized drills based on playing positions.
Tournament preparation with simulated match conditions.

Week 8: Strength & Endurance Training

Fatigue-based drills for endurance under pressure.
High-intensity gameplay with conditioning challenges.

Month 5: Competition Readiness

Lead-up to Nationals

Week 9: Mock Competitions

Match scenarios emphasizing strategic play under pressure.
Role-specific training for different game formats.

Week 10: Final Prep & Team Bonding

Strategy discussions.
Trial Matches and team-building activities.

Supporting Programs

Yass – Beginner Juniors / Come and Try Participants (Saturdays)

Objective:
This Program has been developed for juniors of all ages and skill sets to be exposed to the game and start to learn the fundamentals. Program held at Yass bowling club on Saturday mornings 9:30am to 11am.

Session Objectives: Introduction to Bowls

Fun-based activities to introduce basic concepts.
Games incorporating fundamental techniques (grip, stance, delivery).
Parent-child participation challenges.

Session Objectives: Skill Fundamentals

Target-based drills for delivery accuracy.
Group relay competitions focused on drawing to zones.
Mini matches with coaching on technique adjustments.

If interested, please register your details by emailing Brett Penyu

Email: Brett Penyu
Mob: 0419 635 676

Belconnen – Schools Competition and Targeted Junior Training

Objective:
This Program has been developed to attract Junior participation and look to develop a recurring school’s program to allow introduction to the sport via schools and develop a school’s base competition. BBC will offer junior training sessions on Thursday afternoons as well as school programs by enquiry or booking.

Session Objectives: Competition Preparation

Understanding competition formats and rules.
Developing consistency in delivery under match conditions.
Shot selection and tactical decision-making.

Session Objectives: Game Awareness & Match Play

Full-length game scenarios with positional rotation.
Strategy discussions and match simulations.
Targeted coaching on gameplay improvements.

If interested, please register your details by emailing Phil Beggs

Email: Phil Beggs
Mob: 0409 392 758

ACT Pathway Players Program (Advanced Training Sessions/Competitions)

Objective:
This Program is a work in progress with the aim to provide recurring opportunities for identified U25s and Pathway players to meet and compete/train against each other. The intent is for those players looking to take their game to the next level and push for Open Representative selection.

Session Objectives: Advanced Skill Development

Intensive drills for precision and weight control.
Tactical training on shot selection and positional play.
Match scenarios focusing on decision-making under pressure.

Session Objectives: Competitive Readiness & Representative Preparation

Match play with structured feedback and possible video analysis.
Physical conditioning drills for endurance.
Mental preparation techniques for competition settings.

Invites will be sent out to identified players with events/session likely to be held at Weston Creek. More Information to come.

Proposed Training Calendar

Location	Target Group	Schedule	Key Contact	Key Focus
YBC or Arrangement	Juniors	Structured Monthly	Matthew Styles	Progressive Skill & Competitive Development
YBC	Beginner Juniors / Come & Try	Saturdays	Brett Penyu	Introduction to Bowls & Basic Techniques
BBC	Junior/Schools Competition Players	Mid-week	Phil Beggs	Game Awareness & Competitive Readiness
TBC Suggested WC	U25 / Pathway Players	Per arrangement	Matthew Styles/ Mac Mclean	Advanced Training & Representative Prep

This structured program ensures players at all levels receive tailored training opportunities, fostering growth from beginner to representative pathways in a progressive and supportive environment.

Communications

For the Bowls ACT Junior & Pathways Academy Training Program a group has been established on the Stack Team App called BACT Junior Bowls. If you go to Team App you can search for the group and request to join. This will be the predominant source of communications so please download the app and join the group. For the Supporting programs communications will be managed by the program contacts.

Thanks
Matthew Styles
BACT Junior Coach
📞 0430 155 451
📧 Matthew Styles