10 Fundamentals of bowls.. great article part 1

How many of them do you practice????

Foundational Techniques for Every Bowler Pt 1

Before we get into specific shots, we need to cover the basics of your delivery. These elements are the building blocks of every single bowl you will ever play.

1. Perfecting Your Stance and Balance

Everything starts on the mat. An unstable stance will lead to an inconsistent delivery. Your goal is a solid, balanced, and repeatable setup that allows you to swing your arm freely and smoothly.

• How to do it: Stand on the mat with your feet comfortably apart, roughly shoulder-width. Your weight should be evenly distributed. As you prepare to deliver, step forward with your foot opposite to your bowling arm (left foot for a right-handed player). Bend your knees and hips, keeping your back relatively straight to get low to the green. This low centre of gravity is the key to balance.
• Pro Tip: Your non-bowling arm should be used for balance. You can extend it out to the side or rest it on your bent front knee. Find what feels natural and stable for you.

2. Finding a Consistent Grip

How you hold the bowl determines the moment of release. A grip that is too tight or too loose will ruin your control over both line and weight. Consistency is everything.

• How to do it: The bowl should rest comfortably in your hand. For most players, the middle finger should be close to the centre line of the bowl's running surface. Your thumb should rest on the other side, providing stability without squeezing. Whether you prefer a cradle grip or a claw grip, it should feel secure but relaxed. Check you have the bias correct before every delivery!
• Pro Tip: If you struggle in wet conditions, consider trying a set of bowls with a specialist grip. Grips like dimple or channel patterns can give you that extra confidence when the weather turns.

3. Selecting and Committing to an Aiming Line

This is where the mental side of bowls really kicks in. Because the bowl curves, you never aim directly at the jack. You must pick an aiming point to the side and trust your bowl to do the work.

• How to do it: Look at the jack, then trace a line back along the curve your bowl will take. Pick a specific mark on the bank or a discoloured patch of grass on your aiming line, far beyond the jack. Focus solely on that point during your delivery. Don't look at the jack!
• Pro Tip: In your first few practice ends, send a few bowls on both your forehand and backhand to see how much the green is "swinging." This will help you calibrate your aiming line for the day.

4. Mastering Weight Control

Weight control (or 'pace') is the holy grail of lawn bowls. It's the ability to deliver a bowl with the exact speed required for it to stop precisely where you want it. This skill is developed through feel and endless practice.

• How to do it: Weight is controlled by the length and speed of your backswing. For a short shot, you need a shorter, smoother swing. For a longer shot like rolling the jack, you'll need a longer swing. The key is a smooth, pendulum-like motion. Avoid any jerky movements or "pushing" the bowl at the point of release.
• Pro Tip: A fantastic practice drill is to just roll the jack to different lengths up the green. This isolates the skill of weight control without you worrying about the line.