Lawn Bowls How To Play

Lawn Bowls: A Beginner's Guide to Getting Started on the Green

Lawn bowls, sometimes called bowls or lawn bowling, is a deceptively simple yet deeply strategic game played on a flat, grassy surface called a green. It's a sport enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, offering a delightful blend of skill, precision, and social interaction. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started, from understanding the basics to mastering some key techniques. Whether you're looking for a relaxing hobby, a competitive challenge, or simply a fun day out, lawn bowls offers something for everyone.

Understanding the Basics: Equipment and Terminology

Before stepping onto the green, let's familiarize ourselves with the essential equipment and common terminology used in lawn bowls.

Equipment:

Bowls: These are the weighted balls used in the game. They come in various weights and biases (the degree to which they curve). Beginners typically start with a set of four bowls, allowing for some experimentation to find the best weight and bias for their style.
Jack (or "kitty"): This smaller, white ball is the target. Players aim to get their bowls as close as possible to the jack.
Mat: A rubber mat is used to provide a consistent surface for delivering the bowls.
Measuring Tape: Used to determine the winner of each end.

Terminology:

End: One complete sequence of play, where each player or team has bowled all their bowls.
Head: The group of bowls clustered around the jack.
Bias: The degree to which a bowl curves.
Drive: A strong bowl aimed to move the jack.
Forehand: Delivering the bowl with your dominant hand leading.
Backhand: Delivering the bowl with your non-dominant hand leading.
Weight: The amount of force applied when delivering the bowl.
Touch: A gentle bowl used for precision placement.

Getting Started: The Fundamentals of Delivery

The delivery of the bowl is the cornerstone of lawn bowls. It requires a smooth, controlled action to achieve accuracy and desired trajectory. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. The Grip: Hold the bowl comfortably in your hand, ensuring a secure grip but not overly tight. Your fingers should be positioned to allow for a natural release.

2. The Stance: Adopt a balanced stance with your feet shoulder-width apart, facing your target. Maintain a relaxed posture, avoiding any tension that might affect your delivery.

3. The Backswing: Gently swing the bowl back, keeping your arm relatively straight. This backswing should be smooth and controlled, setting the pace for your delivery.

4. The Delivery: Bring the bowl forward in a pendulum-like motion, releasing it smoothly and consistently. The release should be at the point of your natural swing arc, allowing the bowl to roll naturally across the green.

5. Following Through: Continue your motion after releasing the bowl. A complete follow-through contributes to accuracy and consistency.

Practicing Your Delivery: Begin by practicing your delivery without aiming at a specific target. Focus on consistency in your stance, backswing, release, and follow-through. Once you have developed a consistent delivery, start practicing aiming at a target.

Mastering the Game: Strategy and Tactics

While the delivery is fundamental, mastering lawn bowls also involves understanding strategy and tactics. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Understanding Bias: Different bowls have different biases, meaning they curve to varying degrees. Learn how your bowls behave and use this knowledge to your advantage.
Positioning the Jack: The placement of the jack is crucial. A well-placed jack can significantly impact the outcome of the end.
Drawing Shots: These are bowls aimed at getting as close to the jack as possible. Accuracy and control are paramount for successful drawing shots.
Driving Shots: Used to move the jack or to knock opponent's bowls away from the jack. These require a stronger delivery and a good understanding of the green’s surface.
Protecting the Jack: Once you have a bowl near the jack, it's essential to protect it from your opponents. This involves strategically placing bowls to block opposing bowls from reaching the jack.
Reading the Green: Experienced bowlers can read the green's surface to anticipate how their bowls will behave. This includes understanding the slope, the texture of the grass, and any irregularities in the surface.

Playing the Game: A Step-by-Step Guide

A typical lawn bowls game involves two or four players (singles or pairs). Here's a basic walkthrough of a typical game:

The Toss: A coin toss determines which team bowls first.
The Mat Placement: The first team places the mat and bowls their first bowl towards the selected target.
Alternating Bowls: Teams alternate bowls, with each player bowling one bowl at a time until all bowls have been played.
Measuring the Score: Once all bowls have been delivered, the distance of each bowl to the jack is measured. The team with the closest bowl to the jack scores points.
Continuing the Game: The teams continue to alternate ends until the agreed-upon number of ends has been completed. The team with the most points at the end wins the game.

Advanced Techniques: Taking Your Game to the Next Level

Once you've grasped the basics, you can start exploring more advanced techniques to refine your skills and improve your game:

Weight Control: Mastering weight control allows you to deliver bowls with varying degrees of force, enabling you to make precise shots.
Bias Control: Understanding and using bias effectively is crucial for strategically placing your bowls.
Trail Bowls: These are bowls that are intentionally bowled short, often to influence the positioning of subsequent bowls.
Combination Play: Working together with your partner (in pairs games) to achieve a strategic outcome.
Green Reading Expertise: Accurately reading the green's variations (slope, inconsistencies etc.) to predict bowl movement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the best age to start playing lawn bowls?

A: Lawn bowls is a game enjoyed by people of all ages, from young children to seniors. There's no age limit, and it’s a sport adaptable to different physical capabilities.

Q: How much does it cost to get started?

A: The initial cost will depend on whether you buy your own bowls or borrow them initially from a club. Clubs often offer introductory sessions with all equipment provided.

Q: How much time is required for a game?

A: Game length varies depending on the format and number of ends played, ranging from under an hour to several hours for more formal matches.

Q: Where can I find a local lawn bowls club?

A: Check online for local sports clubs or community centres that offer lawn bowls. Many clubs offer introductory sessions for beginners.

Q: Is lawn bowls a physically demanding sport?

A: While not as strenuous as some other sports, lawn bowls does involve some physical exertion, particularly for competitive play. It’s important to maintain a good posture and have a degree of physical fitness.

Q: What are the rules regarding foul bowls?

A: Bowls can be considered foul if they are delivered improperly (e.g., not rolling or moving the jack before entering the head). Rules regarding fouls vary slightly depending on the governing body or competition.

Conclusion: Embrace the Green and Enjoy the Game!

Lawn bowls is more than just a game; it's a social experience, a mental challenge, and a surprisingly rewarding pursuit. Its accessibility, strategic depth, and social aspect make it a sport suitable for people of all ages and abilities. By understanding the fundamentals, mastering basic techniques, and embracing the strategic elements, you can embark on a journey of enjoyment and skill development on the lawn bowls green. So, find a local club, grab a bowl, and prepare to be pleasantly surprised by this captivating sport! Enjoy the friendly competition, the social camaraderie, and the sheer satisfaction of a well-executed bowl. The world of lawn bowls awaits!