Jack and Bowl’s Top Tips to Help You Get Ahead
Whether you are just starting to play lawn bowls or you want to boost your lawn bowls technique, finding your line is one of the things that is going to impact your game the most. We love to bowl ourselves; it’s what drives us to supply customers like you with the best bowls and clothing. So, let’s take a look at one of the most important bowls techniques you need to master if you are going to get ahead and make a big impression when you play!
What is a line?
There’s a common saying in bowls: the game comes down to the three L words “line, length and luck”. Now, there’s nothing we can do about the last one we’re afraid! The first, though? That’s what we are here to talk you through. The line is the path the bowl takes from the moment it leaves your hand to when it reaches its final destination. So if you find your line well, then the bowl will arrive at the place you want it to. How can you achieve that, though?
What affects the line of a bowl?
Before you set about finding your line, you need to remember that there are many things that affect how a bowl travels. The first is the bias. This is the curve that your bowl follows, making it travel in something of an arc rather than a straight line. The second is with the type of surface. The weather can also make an impact, along with how fast or slow the green you are playing on is. Just take some time to get to grips with all of these first, and you will have a much better idea of what to do next.
How to find your line
So, the big moment has arrived! The jack is right there, and you are getting ready to bowl. So how do you find your line? You want to start by finding an aiming point. This is because the bowl does not travel in a straight line, so you will want to aim for a set point to account for how it will curve back in towards the jack. Some of the most common aiming points are:
- Somewhere along the line behind the rink
- The point where your line reaches the same distance as the jack
- The point where the bowl starts to turn. This is sometimes known as the shoulder
- Along your line, around 3 metres in front of you
Once you have decided on an aiming point, stand behind the mat visual a straight line from your feet to this target. Align your anchor foot along this line rather than directly at the jack. Then, deliver your bowl along this line in the direction of your aiming point. If you're a little off on your first attempt, make some adjustments the next time you bowl. Truly refined lawn bowls techniques come with plenty of practise.
We’re here to help
We are always on hand with more lawn bowls tips and techniques, so be sure to keep checking back when you shop for all of your bowls essentials!
