Everything You Need to Know
New to lawn bowls? You're in good company! So many people are discovering all that the sport has to offer, and we are seeing more interest than ever from those looking to learn and pick up all the essentials they need. If you have never played before, it’s easy to feel confused by what you need to do.
So here is your step-by-step guide to playing lawn bowls for beginners, from choosing the right bowls to getting out there at your local club.
Buy the best bowls for beginners
You're not going to get very far in lawn bowls without the bowls themselves, and that’s where we come in. We are one of the top bowls retailers in the UK and stock bowls from top brands such as Drakes Pride, Henselite and Taylor. This means that you have plenty to choose from! We also stock second-hand bowls for those who want to try some bowls out without investing in a brand-new set.
Get to grips with the rules
Next, you need to understand the rules of the same. Lawn bowls can be played in singles or teams; you’ll find which one you prefer as you gain more experience. A bowler or team has to roll all their bowls from one end with the aim of hitting or getting as close to the jack as possible. This is made more challenging thanks to bowls having a ‘bias’ to them, meaning that they travel along a curved path rather than a straight line. The points are awarded after all bowls have been rolled by both bowlers or teams at each end.
Playing the game
So, you're ready to play! Here’s what to remember when you are out there:
· Hold the bowl with your fingers spread across the wider part of the bowl. You will want to make sure that the biased or heavier side of the bowl is in your hand. Make sure that you are comfortable before you roll!
· How you stand as you bowl is important, too. You should stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and align your shoulders with the jack. All lined up? Now take a small step forward with the opposite foot to the hand you have the bowl in.
· Now comes the big moment! When it comes to releasing the bowl, bend your knees slightly and keep your arm as steady as possible as you roll. You will want to aim slightly away from the jack because of the bias of the bowl.
· It doesn't stop when you let go! Once you have delivered the bowl, make sure that you follow through with your arm in the direction of the roll. This will help you to become much more accurate and consistent.
We’re here to help
We are keen bowlers ourselves, so we can help you to improve your game with advice and some of the best products out there. Whether you are looking for new footwear or want to upgrade your bowls, we are here to help.