Bowls can be a very sociable game but can also be very competitive. Like most sport the better we are able to perform, the more we will enjoy our participation. The key variables in the game are “line” and “weight”. However; many bowlers do themselves a disservice by introducing further unnecessary variables. The key to success in the game is to eliminate all other variables and to concentrate on consistency of Grip; Stance & Delivery.
GRIP. There are many different types of bowls available on the market and you should choose the ones that suit your type of game best. The more modern bowl tends to take a narrower line and is easier to control particularly on fast greens and in windy conditions. Whatever bowl you choose to use, make sure it is the right size for you. Generally speaking it should be the largest and heaviest bowl that you can comfortably manage. Your bowl should fit comfortably in your hand and should not be excessively gripped. Place your middle finger in the centre of the running surface; other fingers alongside and also on the running surface. Place thumb on top on the “gripped” area with wrist slightly locked i.e. down. This is the grip you should use for every shot you play. To begin with it may feel a little awkward but with practice it will become second nature.
STANCE. Do not step on the mat until you know which shot you are attempting to play. See it clearly in your mind’s eye and visualize where your bowl should finish. Then select your intended line of travel and place the toes of your plant foot (RF if RH) in the centre of the mat down that line. Bring your other foot into a parallel position and approximately at shoulder width, you should be standing comfortably balanced and your bowling arm should be at the side as opposed to being in the centre. Glance quickly to where you want your bowl to finish in order to help gain an impression of the weight required and then focus once again on your intended line of travel.
DELIVERY. Remembering that your body is square to your intended line of travel, commence a smooth, free flowing rhythmic action with down swing of your bowling arm, a pendulum like movement. After the backswing begins, take a short step forward with your lead foot ensuring that your body remains square to the intended line of travel. The downswing then takes over. At the point of release your head, lead food and hand, should all be on the same vertical. It helps to ensure stability if you can slide your left forearm down your left thigh as you go down in your delivery action. Many bowlers feel happier if they actually kneel on the green, whichever works for you remembering that we’re seeking consistency and therefore avoiding an unnecessary variable. Whichever method you employ, make sure your bowling arm follows through down your intended line of travel and that you continue to focus on your bowl in motion until it is at least halfway down the green, before standing up. Watch every bowl even the bad ones; there is always something to learn. Weight is the hardest element to learn and to coach. It can be adjusted by the rate of your backswing and downswing but you must never compromise your follow through.
PRACTICE. Keep practices short; about an hour at a time two or three times each week. Concentrate on the basic techniques outlined above until you are completely comfortable and they start to feel like second nature. Each practice should have specific objectives e.g. positioning the Jack; line of travel; the backhand draw shot; etc.
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