Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Bowls Technique

Everything You Need to Know

Whether you are a very experienced player or a beginner who is just starting out, there is always room for improvement when it comes to your game! Here are some of our favourite bowls techniques - because remember, we too are keen bowlers!

Mastering the Grip

A great lawn bowls technique starts with a solid grip. There are two main types of grips, and they are as follows:

·        Claw Grip: This is where you place your fingers across the running surface of the bowl, with your thumb on top of the bowl. This can be along the running surface of the bowl, or along the grip. The main indicator of the claw grip is that the palm of the hand is off the bowl completely.

·        Cradle Grip: This is where the bowl is held almost entirely in the palm of the hand, almost as if you are coupling or, as the name suggests, cradling it. Your fingers and thumb will be along the running surface of the bowl or holding the bowl by the grip on its underside.

You’ll see other grips mentioned when you do your search, such as the scoop grip which sits somewhere in the middle of the claw and cradle grips. The most important thing for you to do is experiment with a wide range of grips and choose the one that feels most natural and provides the best control for your style of play.

Perfecting Your Stance

A stable stance is crucial for both accuracy and consistency. You should keep your feet shoulder-width apart with your weight evenly distributed. Your lead foot should point towards your target, and your knees should be slightly bent for balance. Maintaining a relaxed posture helps prevent unnecessary tension, which helps your delivery to become more fluid and prevents injuries.

Delivery

Delivery is where it all comes together. You should step forward smoothly, keeping control and making sure that your weight is balanced. Then, lower your body as you release the bowl, as this will give you a steady roll with less bounce. It doesn’t end here either! Next is the follow-through, which is where you extend your arm towards your target after releasing the bowl. This gives you greater accuracy. Remember, keep your eyes on the jack the whole time to stay on target! All of this will become muscle memory in the end.

Choosing the Right Bowl

Selecting the correct bowl can significantly improve your game. You need to consider size, weight and bias. We stock a wide range of bowls, and we are happy to talk you through all the options. Many of our customers come to us after trying out bowls belonging to their fellow players, so they already have an idea of what works and what doesn’t work for them. If you’re looking for a more affordable investment, we do stock pre-owned bowls which have all been fully restored.

Keep Practising!

Regular practice is key if you are going to improve your technique. Whether you’re focusing on becoming a more accurate bowler or you want to gain experience in as many types of conditions as possible, getting many hours of practice under your belt will work wonders. One of the best ways to become the best possible player is to watch those who are more experienced. The community is so friendly, and you’ll find that everyone is willing to share their lawn bowls techniques.

We’re Here to Help

We hope that you found our lawn bowls tips and techniques useful! If you’re looking for the perfect bowls for you, just get in touch with us today.