COACHING

Coaching and Beginners

The following introduction covers the basic aspects of the game, as normally played in the UK. It is not intended to be a complete definition of the game or the rules.

Like many games, the object of Bowls is essentially simple. It can be played by almost anyone, but to play consistently well demands determination, concentration and practice.

The game of Bowls is played on a 34 to 40 metre square of closely cut grass called the green. The green is divided into playing areas called rinks.

The green is surrounded by a small ditch to catch bowls which leave the green, and a bank upon which markers indicate the corners and centrelines of each rink.

The green, divided into rinks
The green: rink positions are moved and rotated every few days to ensure even wear.

Players deliver their bowls alternately from a mat at one end of the rink, towards a small white ball called the jack at the other end. The bowls are shaped so that they do not run in a straight line, but take a curved path towards the jack. To be successful the bowl must be delivered with the correct weight, along the correct line. The bowl can be delivered either forehand or backhand.

Forehand and backhand lines to the jack (for a right-handed bowler).

The object is to get one or more bowls closer to the jack than those of the opposition - one point is scored for each counting bowl. After playing all the bowls in one direction, and agreeing the score, the direction of play is reversed - the next end is played back down the rink in the opposite direction.

Cobham (blue and white) have the nearest bowl and the second nearest, scoring two. No other bowls count.

The head: showing two shots to Highworth

Bowls can be played as singles, or in teams of pairs, triples, or fours (a team of four is also known as a 'rink'). In fours or rinks games, each team member has a particular role to play:

The first, or lead, places the mat, delivers the jack and centres it before attempting to bowl as close as possible to the jack.
The second or two keeps the score card and scoreboard up to date. The two will normally be required to improve or consolidate the position achieved by the lead.
The third or three may be called upon to play different types of shots in order to score more, or to place bowls tactically to protect an advantage. The three also advises the skip on choice of shots, and agrees the number of shots scored, measuring if required.

The skip is in overall charge of the rink, directs the other players on choice of shots, and tries to build the 'head' of bowls to his or her advantage.

The normal game formats are as follows:

In Fours or Rinks play, the lead, two, three and skip each deliver two bowls for 21 ends.
In Singles, the two opponents deliver four bowls alternately. The first to reach 21 shots is the winner.
For Pairs, the players deliver four bowls each. The team scoring the most shots after 21 ends is the winner.
In the Triples game, the lead, second and skip deliver three bowls each, for 18 ends.

Although these are the most common formats, variations are allowed by the controlling bodies. Matches may be mixed or single-sex.

The 'Beginners' section has been reproduced with the kind permission of Highworth Bowls Club.

Having said that, it doesn't matter whether you are new to bowls, or an experienced bowler, there is always room for improvement in both technique and knowledge of the game. Cobham Bowls Club has qualified County Coaches and Markers and any member who would like help or advice on their game, should contact one of the Coaches or Markers listed at the bottom of this page. For those of you that are new to bowls i.e. a beginner, you will find the following of interest. For the rest of us who claim to know it all and never deliver a bad bowl, read on. Listed below are a number of common problem areas with suggested actions that can be taken to try and resolve them.

It is surprising how many bowlers do not deliver the jack in a consistent and accurate manner. The jack is clearly much smaller than a bowl and requires a completely different technique to that of delivering a bowl. All too often the Lead will just stand on the mat and deliver the Jack without too much thought to accuracy. Remember, the player who is in control of the mat can quite often determine the outcome of the game. So when you cast the Jack, stand square on the mat facing directly up the Green, remain still and deliver it in a smooth manner. Remember, give it the same attention as you do when delivering your bowls - CONCENTRATE.

If you are bowling through the head, you will need to slow down your delivery. Maybe you are swinging your arm back too far and bringing it forward too quickly. If the latter is true and you are bringing your arm forward too quickly, you will find that your bowl will travel up the Green faster than you want. Another point to consider is that you should try and remain reasonably still on the mat when you start to release the bowl; any forward movement at this point will tend to make you deliver the bowl with too much pace - CONCENTRATE.

The opposite of the above. Speeding up your arm while remaining still on the mat should give you that extra length. Keep practising until you have made the adjustment - CONCENTRATE.

In order to overcome this problem it is imperative that you ensure your body is well balanced and pointing along the line that you intend to bowl. It is ok to glance at the Jack, but make sure that at the instant of delivery you are looking at the break point on the Green i.e. the shoulder of the Green where the bias of the bowl starts to take effect.. When you deliver the bowl and follow through, your action should be smooth, relaxed and controlled. Try and keep your arm straight and avoid pulling it across your body or out to the side at the last moment. These suggestions should help you increase your percentage of effective bowls - CONCENTRATE.