Frequently Asked Questions

Now would be the perfect time. Junior Gold is a test of your stamina, mental game, lane play knowledge, spare making abilities, and sport pattern versatility. You can’t expect to go to Junior Gold and do well if you haven’t practiced those things.

Also, getting qualified gets harder as the season goes on as less people come to the qualifying tournaments, especially in the lower age and female divisions. The last day to be able to qualify is typically May 15th. For how to get qualified and the requirements, see the “How do I qualify for Junior Gold” FAQ.

Last Updated on May 19, 2024 by John Voorhis

*** This will be updated over the coming weeks to add more resources and tips, bookmark and check back. ***

• You need to get practice on sport oil patterns.
  • One or two sport tournaments aren’t enough, you’ll want to find a sport oil league, or do as many practice sessions with other bowlers on different patterns as possible. Check out the videos on sport oil patterns at the National Bowling Academy, and more information coming soon.
• Practicing spare shooting on sport oil patterns can not be understated.
  • You aren’t going to be striking as much, and spare shooting is the difference between making the cut and going home.
• Learn surface management
  • Get some Abralon or TruCut pads and learn how adjusting the surface of the bowling ball can give you the ball motion you need for a particular pattern.
• Hone your mental game
  • Junior Gold is an awesome experience, but it’s also a grind. Everybody has bad squads, even the superstars. You’re going to get frustrated with your shot making, and keeping your head in the game can mean adding those extra few pins to move on.
• Check out the Junior Gold preparation videos from PBA Pros Andrew Anderson and Kyle Sherman
• Learn single lane courtesy – Most people already have a handle on this, but every year we see some people who aren’t aware, and you don’t want to be “that guy/girl”.
• Check our the “Logistical Tips” page for practical, planning, and travel tips.
• Make sure you compile the accessories for your tournament bag ahead of time, supplies can be scarce at Junior Gold.

Last Updated on October 2, 2019 by John Voorhis

• Shoe brush
• A small pair of scissors
• Thumb Insert tape (if needed), Finger tape, tape knife / tool.
• Super Glue
• Extra socks
• Towel / Chamois / Shammy
• Surface management products (fresh Abralon, TruCut, or Siaair pads)
• Ball Cleaner
• Rosin bag
• Battery powered personal fan
• A shoe cover for your sliding foot.
• A ball ring / cup can be helpful, as there can be more balls than can fit on the racks during the squads at times.

A small emergency supply of first aid supplies:

• Some sort of pain-killer: Advil (Ibuprofen) / Tylenol / Aleve. One type for muscle pain, one for headaches.
• Some band-aids
• Nu-Skin
• Antacid
• Tissues

Also consider bringing a spare jersey and pants / skirt with you to each squad. You don’t want to have to bowl in wet clothes if you spill something on yourself.

Last Updated on June 12, 2022 by John Voorhis

The Junior Gold rules only allow 5 balls to be registered for the tournament. However, you can bring as many as you like to the practice sessions.

This article at the BowlersMart web site discusses selecting the correct balls for Junior Gold.

Also, a former Junior Gold runner up discusses the different ball motions you want to have in your selections.

There are also videos available at the National Bowling Academy, both in the free and premium sections on ball selection for sport oil conditions and tournament play.

Gold Coach Del Warren of the Kegel Training Center talks about arsenal selection for Junior Gold:

Finally this video series by Tommy Jones discusses different ball types and how to use them:

Last Updated on June 12, 2022 by John Voorhis