Collegiate bowling Dug Barker, coach to Bellarmine University bowlers, observes the differences between a near miss last year and making Nationals this year. Target practice How long has it been since you’ve had target practice? Ron Clifton believes you’re never too old or too young to hone your targeting skills. Coaching the adolescent bowler Did your child go through a lot of changes between the ages of 11 and 13? Rob Mautner uses his experience as middle school teacher and a coach to give us some insight. Youth bowling John Jowdy has some advice for today’s young aspiring bowlers and coaches and doubts the longevity of certain styles. Special considerations Joe Slowinski discusses some of the special problems encountered when train¬ing youth bowlers. Research “down under” turned up some surprising results. Getting prepared for the “majors” Bill Hall thinks that layouts are given too much credit for ball reaction. Bill explains the situations in which you would want to avoid or stick to particular layouts for desired ball reactions. Thumb timing Susie Minshew talks about “thumb-timing” and the importance of a good grip and span to developing a great game. Get revved up for youth tournament bowling Brian Graham takes a look at the wide array of USBC tournaments available to the serious youth bowler. Pro shop recommendations for the youth bowler Ken Webber makes it a family affair this month. He’s back to interview his son Michael, who manages a pro shop, on the special problems a pro shop driller faces when dealing with youth. Hip muscle strength With more insight into strengthening your core, Paul Butcher and Mark Gurulé explain how to work on your glutes. Youth: why they are so important to bowling Rolf Gauger has some tips for high school bowlers; proprietors might take notice too.