New to Bowls
If you’re thinking “Is it worth giving it a go?”
Absolutely. You don’t need equipment, you don’t need experience, and you don’t need to be sporty. Just curiosity and a willingness to roll a few bowls.
Our Saturday Sessions will be starting up again on Saturday 9th May 2026 and every Saturday throughout the summer from 10.00am till 12.00 midday, for anyone new to bowls and wishing to give it a go. For more experienced bowlers, new to the club, there is also a Club afternoon, every Tuesday from 2.00pm.
For more details, just pop along to the club or give Julia a call on 07415 119515 or Rita on 07805 399419
Why You Should Learn Crown Green Bowls
Crown green bowls is a uniquely rewarding sport because it blends strategy, skill, and social connection in a relaxed, accessible way. You get gentle exercise, fresh air, and a welcoming community — all while playing a game that’s easy to start but endlessly challenging to master.
The key reasons:
It’s social — 🤝 The social side is unbeatable. clubs are friendly, community‑driven, and great for meeting people.
Bowling greens are some of the friendliest places you’ll ever walk into. You meet:
people of all ages
people from every background
people who genuinely want you to improve
It’s a sport where you can turn up alone and leave with ten new friends.
It’s strategic — 🧠 It’s a thinking person’s sport, reading the slopes, judging weight, and out‑thinking opponents keeps your mind sharp.
Bowls looks simple until you try it. Then you realise it’s basically:
geometry
psychology
reading slopes
controlling weight
out‑thinking your opponent
It’s calm on the surface, but underneath it’s a tactical battle. If you enjoy games where brains beat brute force, bowls is perfect.
It’s accessible — suitable for all ages and fitness levels, with a low barrier to entry.
Bowls is suitable for anyone from about 10 years old and upwards.
It’s relaxing — calm environment, steady pace, and time outdoors.You get fresh air, gentle movement, and a peaceful environment.
Bowls is low‑impact, so it’s ideal if you want exercise without:
running
jumping
heavy strain
You’ll walk a lot, improve balance, and build coordination. It’s one of the few sports you can start at any age and keep improving.
It’s competitive when you want it — from casual roll‑ups to leagues and tournaments.
When you want competition, it’s there:
leagues
club competitions
county matches
open tournaments
You can take it as seriously or as casually as you like.
It’s satisfying — every improvement feels earned, and mastering the green is deeply rewarding.
There’s nothing like:
sending a perfect bowl
beating someone more experienced
learning a tricky green
winning your first game
Progress is noticeable, and every improvement feels earned.
Your first session: you’ll be rolling bowls and smiling. Your 100th session: you’ll still be learning new shots, new lines, new tricks.
That combination — accessible but deep — is why people stay with it for decades.
🎯 The Core Idea (in one line)
You roll your bowl toward the jack on a crown-shaped (slightly raised) green, using the bowl’s built‑in bias to curve your shot.
🟢 What Makes Crown Green Bowling Unique
The green isn’t flat — it has a raised “crown” in the middle, so the slope affects every shot.
Bowls are biased — they’re not perfectly round, so they naturally curve.
You can bowl in any direction — unlike flat‑green bowls with fixed rinks.
This means reading the green and controlling weight (speed) matter more than brute accuracy.
🧭 The Essentials You Need to Know
1. The Equipment
Bowls: Usually 2, with a heavier side (the bias).
Jack: The small target ball.
Mat: Where you deliver from.
Shoes: Flat-soled to protect the green.
If you haven’t bought bowls yet, most clubs will lend you some so you can find the right weight and feel.
2. How to Deliver a Bowl
Stand comfortably on the mat.
Hold the bowl with the bias inward (toward your body).
Step forward smoothly and roll the bowl, not throw it.
Let the bowl’s curve do the work — don’t fight it.
A relaxed, repeatable action is far more important than power.
3. Understanding the Bias
This is the part new players struggle with most.
The bowl curves toward the bias side.
If the bias is on the right, the bowl will finish right.
If the bias is on the left, it will finish left.
Practice rolling both forehand and backhand lines so you learn how the bowl behaves on different slopes.
4. Reading the Green
The crown means:
Shots uphill need more weight.
Shots downhill run further.
Side slopes can pull your bowl dramatically.
Spend time just rolling bowls to different parts of the green — it’s the fastest way to improve.
🧠 Basic Tactics for Beginners
Aim to get one good bowl close rather than trying to dominate the end.
Don’t chase perfection — consistency beats brilliance.
Watch experienced players; crown green is a game of patterns and angles.
When in doubt, play the simplest shot.
🤝 Getting Started at our Club
We offer:
Beginner sessions
Coaching
Loaner equipment
Casual roll-ups where you can learn without pressure
Our Club love new players — you’ll be welcomed.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? COME AND GIVE IT A TRY.
If all else fails, we have a licensed bar!