Bank Shot Bowling

A bowling game where the straight path is blocked, so the ball has to bank off the wall to knock the pins down. It builds reading angles, rolling accuracy, and decision-making about the ball's path.

How to play

1. Set up 5 stations along a wall: 6 bottles with a little sand in a triangle 6 feet from the wall, and a barrier of 3 cones blocking the straight path from the start line, 13 feet away (3 min).
2. Make 5 groups of 5: bowler, two pin setters, scorekeeper, and on deck. The bowler rolls the ball along the floor into the wall so it banks back toward the pins.
3. Each turn has two rolls, like bowling: all pins on the first roll is 10 points, all pins in two rolls is 8, and otherwise each pin is 1 point.
4. The scorekeeper chalks the spot where the ball hit the wall so the group can see which angle works. Roles rotate after each turn.
5. Every 5 min, groups change stations, with the pins and barrier in a new position (15 min).

Rules

• Roll along the floor; a bouncing ball is rolled again.
• Pin setters wait off to the side until the ball stops.
• Nobody stands between the start line and the wall during a roll.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: roll the ball down a cardboard ramp or push it from the chair.
• Hearing impairment: the scorekeeper shows points with fingers, and each roll starts with a raised hand.
• Skill level: anyone who rolls a strike moves to a start spot farther away or at a sharper angle.

Learning goals

• Predict the path of a ball that rebounds off a surface.
• Adjust direction and force based on previous results.
• Help set up and score the game.

Equipment for a class of 25

• recycled bottles: 30
• playground balls: 5
• cones: 15
• chalk: 5

Teacher tip

Show the idea with chalk: the ball leaves the wall at the same angle it arrives. Use rubber playground balls, which roll true; foam balls slow down too much.

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