If you haven’t been able to find the answer on any of our other Play Bowls pages, you may find it below…

What makes the bowl turn?
Many people believe one side of a bowl is more heavily weighted than the other. However it is the shape of the bowl that makes it ‘turn’ rather than anything to do with weight. This is known as ‘bias’.

The curved path taken by the bowl is always towards the side with the smaller disc, but this only happens when the bowl begins to slow down.

The point at which the bowl begins to turn is known as the ‘shoulder’ and this will vary according to the distance, or length, that the jack is from the mat. A simple guide is that the shoulder is roughly two thirds of the distance the bowl has to run to arrive at its objective.

Is there any etiquette to know?
Nothing about which to feel nervous. Friendly sporting acts towards team mates and opponents are appreciated and reciprocated, such as keeping still whilst others are delivering their bowls. Players within the same team will regularly acknowledge good shots. This could be a simple clap but can often include a ‘high five’ or a cheer – depends how much the game matters!
What are different formats of the game?
The most common formats of the game of lawn bowls are:

Singles: Two players with four bowls each – winner is first to 21 shots.
Pairs: Two teams of two – the winning side is team to score most shots after agreed number of ends.
Triples: Two teams of three – the winning side is team to score most shots after agreed number of ends.
Fours: Two teams of four – the winning side is team to score most shots after agreed number of ends.

In competitive games of pairs, triples and fours, an ‘extra end’ is played if the scores are level after the allotted number of ends have been completed.

When you play in a team, what are the different positions?
In team games each member has a particular role. Below is a simple description of the roles of each player in a fours game:

Positions

LeadSecondThirdSkip
The Lead is the first to play. The Lead places the mat, delivers the jack and centres it before attempting to bowl as close as possible to the jack.
The Seconds play after the Leads have each played their two bowls. The Second may be asked to play a variety of different shots by their skip depending on what the Leads have done.
The Third may be called upon to play different shots in order to score more or to place bowls tactically to protect an advantage. In addition the Third is also responsible for advising the skip when requested and agreeing the number of shots with their opposite number each end and measuring as required.
The Skip has overall responsibility for the rink and should be an experienced and capable player to offer assistance to new bowlers. The Skip’s duties include directing the development of each end, overall responsibility for the rink as well as settling any disputed points with the opposite Skip – especially in event of no umpire being present. They must also complete the score card, but may delegate this duty to another member of their team.
What are the dimensions of the playing surface?
Outdoor bowls is played on a flat grass (or artificial) surface called the ‘green’ that should be either rectangular or square. The length of the green in the direction of play should be between 31 metres and 40 metres.

The green is divided into sections called ‘rinks’ which should be between a minimum of 4.3 metres and a maximum of 5.8 metres wide for outdoor play.

Surrounding the green is a ditch, and a bank where markers indicate the boundaries and centre lines of each rink.

Each game is split into individual ends. At the start of each end one player will place the mat on the centre line of the rink and deliver the jack. The jack is then put on the centre line at the other end of the rink. The jack must be a minimum of 23 metres from the mat at the start of the end.

Forgot your password?