The Lawn Bowl

• Lawn Bowls and Its Evolution:
  • Originally crafted from carved hardwood, the lawn bowl (sometimes called a “wood” in certain countries) has undergone quite the transformation. Nowadays, it’s typically made from molded plastic and comes in an array of sizes and colors.
  • A full set comprises four bowls, each of which plays a crucial role in singles matches. However, when it comes to team matches, the number of bowls in play varies:
    • Pairs Game: Each player uses four bowls.
    • Triples: Each player has three bowls.
    • Teams of Four: In this format, players wield two bowls each.
• The Curious Case of Bias:
  • Here’s where things get interesting! Each bowl is intentionally wider on one side, creating a delightful curve known as the bias.
  • Instead of rolling in a straight line, the bias causes the bowl to gracefully follow a curved path across the green.
  • Depending on the playing surface and personal preference, players might opt for a wider or narrower curve.
• The Art of Precision:
  • Lawn bowls is all about precision. The ultimate goal? To deliver your bowl with just the right weight and line, aiming to get it closest to the jack.
  • It’s a delightful blend of strategy, skill, and camaraderie. So, next time you step onto the green, remember: it’s not just about rolling a ball--it’s about mastering the art of the curve! 

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The Delivery
Foot Placement:
When you’re ready to send that bowl gliding across the green, make sure you have at least one foot on the mat.
Upon releasing the bowl, keep one foot either on the mat or above its surface. It’s like a little dance move with your feet and the mat!
The Art of Curving:
Now, let’s talk curves! If you’re right-handed:
Forehand: Use the bias of the bowl to curve it to the left. Imagine guiding it like a gentle arc.
Backhand: For a right-to-left curve, release the bowl with finesse.
Left-handed players, just flip those terms around!
Smooth Release:
Deliver the bowl underarm, aiming for a clean and silky-smooth release.
Picture it: your bowl gliding effortlessly, like a swan on a serene pond.
Remember, it’s all about finding that sweet spot—the right weight, the perfect line, and a touch of finesse. Happy bowling!

Scoring

• Winning an End:
  • The player or team with the bowl closest to the jack wins the end. Simple, right?
  • Points are awarded for each bowl that’s closer to the jack than the opposing team’s closest bowl.
• Measuring Devices and Tiebreakers:
  • Sometimes, it’s a close call! Measuring devices come into play to determine which bowls are closest.
  • If bowls from opposing teams are exactly the same distance from the jack, no points are awarded.
  • Occasionally, everyone’s closest bowls are tied—like a friendly standoff. In this case, the end is tied, and no points are given.
• The Bigger Picture:
  • Matches can be played to a predetermined number of ends, sets, points scored, or even based on time played.
  • It’s all about finding your own winning formula! So, whether you’re aiming for a set number of ends or chasing points, enjoy the game and may your bowls roll true! 

Please Note: Step 8 has an exception to it.  Your coach will explain it to you.