Rainbow ThinPins Bowling Pins
Set up these durable thin, 17”H polyethylene bowling pins close together for easier play, far apart for a greater challenge, or in a variety of other configurations for more games. They are 2” taller and 3” thinner than standard pins. Organize and store them in color-coded bags.
Thin Design, Big Challenge
With only a 2”W base and 3/4”W shaft, these pins are much harder to hit for added difficulty during bowling activities. Weighted bases give the balls extra stability, making them more difficult to knock down. Because more accuracy and power is needed when bowling with these pins, they are a great option for advanced students looking for a bigger bowling and target challenge!
Color-Coded Games and Storage
Bright Rainbow colors and color-coordinated storage bags make it easy to keep pins organized and ready to quickly set up games and activities. Get a full set of 60 (10 pins in each Rainbow color) to set up multiple games at once or create 1 large game for 1 large group. Pins also available in a Set of 10 in individual colors.
15 Engaging PE Activities Using Rainbow ThinPins Bowling Pins
The Rainbow ThinPins Bowling Pins from Gopher Sport are lightweight, colorful, and narrower than standard pins, making them ideal for developing precision, focus, and control in rolling and striking skills. Their slimmer shape and vibrant color-coding support differentiated instruction, team activities, and skill progression across all grade levels. Because they are more challenging to knock over, they promote improved accuracy and strength development in younger and older students alike. The following 15 unique activities use Rainbow ThinPins to teach fundamental movement skills through creative, structured play.
1. Skinny Strike Sprint: Students sprint to their lane and try to knock down the thinner pins, which require more precision and rolling control.
2. Pinpoint Hop & Pop: Students hop down a lane of spots, then roll to hit their color-coded ThinPins. Combines hopping with targeted manipulation.
3. Balance & Bowl Challenge: Students balance on one foot for 5 seconds before rolling. Promotes static balance and object control.
4. Jump-Spin Strike: Students perform a vertical jump followed by a 180° spin before bowling—develops coordination and landing control.
5. ThinPin Puzzle Knock: Arrange colored ThinPins in specific color sequences. Students must hit them in order, building cognitive sequencing and precision.
6. Leap ‘n’ Launch: Students leap over 2-3 poly spots, land softly, and bowl—promotes landing mechanics and target focus.
7. Twist & Target Bowling: Students perform a torso twist to both sides before rolling, promoting core mobility and control.
8. ThinPin Tug & Bowl: Partner activity using resistance bands. One student completes a pull set, then bowls—teaches strength and sequencing.
9. Color Match Mayhem: Scatter ThinPins around the gym. Students must find and bowl at only their assigned color—develops color recognition and spatial awareness.
10. Push & Precision Play: Students perform 5 push-ups before each roll. Promotes non-locomotor strength with focused manipulation.
11. ThinPin Rainbow Circuit: Each color station includes a locomotor task (e.g., skip, hop) followed by bowling at that color pin. Combines multi-skill integration.
12. Lunge and Launch: Students perform walking lunges to the line, then roll—targets lower-body strength and object precision.
13. Underhand Accuracy Alley: Students throw beanbags using underhand motion at the narrow pins—ideal for developing throwing accuracy.
14. Rainbow Reaction Roll: Teacher flashes a colored cone. Students must race to roll at that color pin. Develops reaction time and visual processing.
15. Skid Slide Precision Pass: Set up hula hoops as target zones for each ThinPin. Students must roll the ball into the hoop to knock over the pin—builds fine motor control.