Bowling is normally seen as an individual sport, but using teams can expand its reach to multiple players. If you are trying to build trust and team effort for students, coworkers or family members, bowling is the perfect activity for learning and growing within a team. In addition to team bowling, there are several different games you can play to build trust and get people working together.
1) Save Me
Instead of bowling for your own score, players bowl for the same score. For example, Bowler #1 takes the first shot and knocks down seven pins. Bowler #2 would then go and try to get the last three pins. The bowlers alternate who goes first in each frame. This teaches players to work together to get the best score.
2) Blind Bowl
Players form teams of two. In one frame, one player blindfolds the other player. They must guide them to the lane and help them throw the ball in a straight line. The challenge is to get a good score and keep the player from stepping over the foul line. Players alternate the blindfold after each frame. This exercise helps build trust in each player as they guide each other to the lane.
3) Strike Attack
Players aim to achieve their best scores so their teammate can get a higher score. In "Strike Attack", a team of two each bowls their own frame. The higher score of the two is transferred to the other player. This will result in much higher scores and the ability to share and work cooperatively to win.
4) Bowling Buddies
Use two bowling lanes for this next teamwork exercise. Form teams of two and have the two players tie one leg to the other player's leg. The team must play on separate lanes like this and figure out the best way to work together, play and score the most points. An elastic cord may work better than rope for quick removal and reattachment between rounds.