Blind Bowling with a Guide Rail

Blindfolded bowling with a gym bench as a guide rail, like bowling for blind players. A helper reports the standing bottles with a number code, and students work on orientation by touch and accuracy.

How to play

1. Set up 4 lanes: a gym bench marks the first 10 ft, and 26 ft past its end, 10 bottles stand in a triangle with chalked spots (3 min).
2. Groups of 6: blindfolded bowler, helper, pinsetter and 3 waiting who keep score. The bowler keeps a hand on the bench, walks 3 steps and rolls the ball (2 min).
3. Before each roll, the helper names the standing bottles with numbers 1 to 10: 1 is the front; the back row, left to right, is 7, 8, 9 and 10.
4. Each frame has 2 rolls, adding up bottles knocked down; all on the first roll scores 15.
5. Each player bowls 3 frames, and roles rotate after each frame (12 min).

Rules

• The bowler keeps the blindfold on until the ball stops.
• The pinsetter goes in only when the helper says “lane clear”; nobody is in the lane during a roll.
• The ball is rolled; no throwing it through the air.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: bowl seated at the end of the bench or from a wheelchair, with a gutter ramp if needed.
• Visual impairment: it's their format; the student may play without a blindfold and explain how they orient.
• Fitness level: a lighter or heavier ball based on strength.

Learning goals

• Use a touch reference to roll straight.
• Interpret verbal position information.
• Learn about blind bowling with a guide rail.

Equipment for a class of 25

• gym benches: 4
• recycled bottles: 40
• basketballs: 4
• blindfolds: 4
• chalk: 4

Teacher tip

Put an inch of sand or water in the bottles so they don't tip on their own. The real rail is hip high, so set the bench on vaulting boxes if you have them.

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