Even with bumpers there should be some coaching.  The idea is to eventually wean them off of bumpers.  Without coaching, they will not be ready to make the transition.  The coaching is to teach them to keep the ball in the center of the lane and not use the bumpers.

As for what age to begin coaching, when they are ready to listen and try what you are suggesting.  While some younger children can be coached, I'd say most can coached be by the age of around 5.
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USBC Bronze Coach

"I cannot change the direction of the wind but I can adjust my sails to reach my destination." Jimmy Dean
Quaker 10/93 - 4/07
Quaker

Edited on 10/11/2008 3:36 PM

There are a lot of things that younger bowlers can be coached on.  All youth bowlers should be coached on the basics of scoring and courtesy.  Taking turns and learning to count are good things to teach.  They should also learn the very basic concepts of the sport. Safety in bowling is something good to teach. Many kids start bowling at 3 and 4 years of age. I see a lot of bad habits that start out at early ages ie. run and dump, banking balls and other problems.  Kids doing this are just throwing the ball.  If that is all they want to do then ok but actual learning to bowl depends on the child and their parents.

Smash49

USBC Silver Level Coach,
Dick Ritger Level 2, ASEP,
USBC Level 1 Instructor,
IBPSIA Certified Pro Shop Technician,
Rated Outstanding Bowling Coach in the State of Texas, Bowlers Journal 2006,
Bowlers Journal Top 100 Coach, 2007, 2008
Head Coach Irving High School Bowling Program 2004-06-08, Irving Academy 2007.

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Smash49

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