Welcome to the wonderful world of lawn bowls! If you've ever walked past a pristine bowling green on a summer's day and felt a pull of curiosity, you're in the right place. I’ve spent the last 30 years involved in this fantastic sport, and I can tell you it’s one of the most rewarding, social, and skilful games you can play. It’s gentle on the body but provides a brilliant mental workout.
This guide is designed to take you from a complete novice to a confident beginner. We will walk through everything you need to know, from the basic rules and essential equipment to the core strategies that will have you playing with confidence. Let's get you ready to step onto the green!
What is Lawn Bowls?
At its heart, lawn bowls is a game of precision and finesse. The objective is simple: to roll your bowls (which are slightly asymmetrical) as close as possible to a smaller white or yellow ball called the 'jack'. It sounds straightforward, but the subtle bias of the bowl, which causes it to curve, is what makes the game so challenging and endlessly fascinating.
You can play it in several formats: on your own (singles), with a partner (pairs), or in teams of three (triples) or four (fours). It’s a sport for all ages and abilities, combining light physical activity with sharp tactical thinking.
Basic Rules and Objective
The main goal is to get more of your bowls closer to the jack than your opponent's. A game is made up of a series of 'ends'. In each end, players take turns rolling their bowls down the green towards the jack. Once all bowls have been delivered, the points for that end are counted. The game continues for a predetermined number of ends or until one side reaches a target score.
Understanding the Rink and Terminology
The playing area in lawn bowls is called the 'green', which is divided into sections called 'rinks'. Here are a few key terms you'll hear around the club:
- Green: The entire playing surface, usually made of finely manicured grass or a synthetic surface.
- Rink: A single lane on the green where a game is played. It's marked by boundary pegs.
- Ditch: The trench at either end of the green. If a bowl or the jack ends up here, specific rules apply.
- Bank: The raised area behind the ditch.
- Centre Line: An imaginary line running down the middle of the rink, used for aiming.
- The Head: The collection of bowls that have been played and have come to rest around the jack.
An Overview of Essential Equipment
Getting started doesn't require a huge amount of gear, but having the right equipment makes a big difference.
Bowls
This is your most important piece of kit. Bowls are not perfectly round! They have a 'bias', which is an intentional imbalance that makes them curve as they slow down.
- Bias: The weighted side of the bowl is indicated by a smaller emblem. The bowl will curve towards this side. The other, non-biased side has a larger emblem.
- Sizes & Weights: Bowls come in sizes from 00 to 5, with different weights (heavy or medium). Choosing the right size depends on your hand span. You should be able to comfortably grip the bowl without straining. A visit to a specialist shop like Bowls World can help you get properly fitted.
- Grips: You can get bowls with no grip, or with various patterned grips for better handling, which is especially useful in wet weather.
Other Key Items
- The Jack: The small white or yellow ball that serves as the target.
- Mat: A rubber mat from which you must deliver your bowls.
- Measures: When bowls are too close to call with the naked eye, a tape measure, callipers, or feeler gauges are used to determine which is closer.
- Shoes: You must wear flat-soled, heel-less shoes to protect the green.
- Clothing: Most clubs have a dress code, often requiring white or club-coloured tops and grey or white trousers/shorts. Check with your local club for their specific rules. You can find a great selection of suitable bowls clothing and bowls shoes to get started.
How a Typical End Works
Let's walk through a single 'end' to see how it all comes together:
- Placing the Mat: The player who won the coin toss (or the previous end) places the mat at one end of the rink.
- Setting the Jack: The same player, known as the 'lead', rolls the jack down the rink. It must travel at least 23 metres to be in play. The lead then centres the jack on the rink.
- Delivering the Bowls: Players from each team take turns delivering their bowls, trying to get as close as possible to the jack.
- Completing the End: An end is finished when all players have delivered all their bowls.
- Scoring: The teams then determine the score.
- Starting the Next End: The team that won the end now places the mat and rolls the jack to start the next end from the opposite direction.
Scoring in Lawn Bowls
Scoring is straightforward. Once all bowls are played, you look at 'the head'.
- The team with the bowl closest to the jack scores one point.
- They then score additional points for every other bowl they have that is closer to the jack than their opponent's nearest bowl.
Only one team can score points in any given end.
Games are played to a set number of ends (e.g., 21 ends in fours) or until a player/team reaches a target score (e.g., 21 points in singles).
Your First Delivery: The Technique
A smooth, repeatable delivery is the foundation of a good game.
Stance and Grip
Stand on the mat with your feet comfortably apart. Hold the bowl with the bias correctly oriented for the shot you want to play. Most players grip it with their fingers spread along the running surface.
Aiming Line and Weight Control
- Aiming Line: Because the bowl curves, you don't aim directly at the jack! You must aim at a point to the side of the jack, allowing for the 'green' (the amount of curve). Pick a mark on the bank or a spot on the green to aim for.
- Weight Control: This is the pace or speed of your delivery. Getting the 'weight' right is crucial. A gentle, smooth backswing and follow-through will help you control the distance.
The Delivery Motion
- Step forward with your opposite foot (e.g., left foot if you're a right-handed bowler).
- Bend your knees and back, getting low to the ground.
- Swing the arm holding the bowl back smoothly.
- Swing forward, releasing the bowl along your chosen aiming line with a gentle roll.
- Follow through with your arm pointing towards your aiming point.
Beginner's Strategy 101
Once you can deliver a bowl consistently, you can start thinking tactically.
- Forehand vs Backhand: A forehand delivery for a right-handed player curves from right to left. A backhand curves from left to right. Learning both is essential to navigate around bowls already in the head.
- Drawing to the Jack: This is the most fundamental shot in bowls. The aim is to simply roll your bowl with the perfect weight and line to stop right next to the jack.
- Reading the Head: Always look at the situation before you bowl. Where are your opponent's bowls? Is there a space to draw into? Do you need to block a shot?
- Positional Bowls: Sometimes, the best shot isn't to get close to the jack. You might play a bowl short to block your opponent's path, or play one long to act as a backstop in case the jack gets moved.
- Game Management: Stay calm and focus on one bowl at a time. Don't be discouraged by a poor shot—the next one could be perfect!
Etiquette and Safety
Bowls has a wonderful tradition of sportsmanship.
- Stand still and quiet when others are on the mat.
- Don't obscure the rink markers or centre line.
- Always be ready to play when it's your turn.
- Praise a good shot, whether it’s from your team or your opponent.
- At the end of the game, shake hands with your opponents.
- In terms of safety, be mindful of where you place your bowls when not in use and avoid dropping them on the green.
Common Mistakes and Quick Fixes
- Wrong Bias: It happens to everyone! Always double-check your grip and the bias markers before you deliver.
- Dropping the Bowl: This often comes from not bending your knees enough. Get low for a smoother release.
- Inconsistent Weight: Practice rolling the jack to get a feel for the speed of the green. Focus on a consistent, smooth swing.
- Aiming at the Jack: Remember the curve! Always pick an aiming point out to the side.
How to Choose Your First Set of Bowls
As a beginner, you don’t need the most expensive set. The most important factor is finding a size and weight that feels comfortable in your hand. Many clubs have spare sets you can borrow to try out different sizes. When you are ready to buy, visiting a specialist like Bowls World will allow you to get expert advice and find the perfect set to start your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is lawn bowls difficult to learn?
A: The basics are very easy to pick up, and you can be playing a proper game in your first session. Mastering it, however, is a lifelong journey!
Q: Do I need to be fit to play?
A: Not at all. Lawn bowls is a fantastic low-impact sport. It involves gentle exercise, walking, and bending, making it accessible for almost everyone.
Q: How do I find a club to join?
A: Most towns have a local bowling club. A quick search online will show you what’s nearby. Pop down and introduce yourself—clubs are almost always delighted to welcome new members.
Lawn bowls is a truly special sport that offers tactical challenges, gentle exercise, and a wonderful social community. I hope this guide has inspired you to give it a go. Grab a set of bowls, step onto the green, and enjoy the journey!