Fix Your Bowls Delivery Faster with Simple Video Feedback

THE ROLL UP - INTRO

In lawn bowls, we rely heavily on “feel.”

We feel balanced.
We feel a smooth delivery.
We feel controlled.

But what if what you feel isn’t actually what you’re doing?

One of the most powerful coaching tools available today isn’t expensive technology.  It isn’t specialised equipment.  It isn’t even a professional camera.

It’s the mobile phone sitting in your pocket.

Video delivery analysis has become one of the fastest and simplest ways to identify technical faults and more importantly, fix them.

At The Bowls Academy (TBA), we regularly see players make immediate improvements simply by watching themselves deliver a bowl.

Let’s explore why.

What Your Delivery Is Really Doing: The Power of Video Analysis in Lawn Bowls

Why Video Analysis Is So Powerful?

Video Doesn’t Lie

What you think you’re doing and what you’re actually doing are often two different things.

Players regularly say:

• “I’m stepping straight.”

• “My arm is straight back and straight forward.”

• “I’m staying down.”

Then we show them the footage.

The difference between perception and reality can be eye-opening and that awareness alone often creates improvement.

Immediate Feedback Accelerates Learning

Traditional coaching can rely on verbal instruction:

“Stay lower.”
“Keep your arm straighter.”
“Step towards your target.”

But when players see themselves:

• The correction becomes visual.

• The brain processes it faster.

• The adjustment becomes more natural.

It shortens the improvement cycle dramatically.

Small Fixes Create Big Gains

Many delivery issues are not major overhauls.

They’re small inefficiencies:

• A slight shoulder lift.

• A drifting step.

• A collapsing front knee.

• A rushed backswing.

Correct one small technical leak and suddenly your consistency improves.

How To Analyse Your Own Delivery Using Your Phone

You don’t need a professional setup.  You just need:

• A smartphone

• A tripod (or a friend)

• 10–15 minutes

Here’s how to do it properly.

Step 1: Film From Two Angles

Side-On View

This angle helps you assess:

• Arm swing (is it straight?)

• Head position

• Knee bend

• Weight transfer

• Balance at release

Position the camera about waist height, perpendicular to your delivery line.

Infront View

This view helps you check:

• Alignment of feet

• Step direction

• Shoulder alignment

• Arm path relative to body

• Drift off your intended line

Set the camera directly in front of you, centred on your delivery line.

Step 2: Deliver 6–10 Bowls Naturally

Don’t “try to look good.”

Just bowl normally.  The goal is honesty, not perfection.

Step 3: Watch in Slow Motion

Most phones allow slow-motion playback.

When reviewing, ask:

• Is my backswing straight?

• Does my head stay still?

• Am I balanced at the finish?

• Does my step track towards my aiming line?

• Do I fall away after release?

You’ll be surprised what you notice.

Common Issues Spotted Through Video Feedback

At TBA sessions, including our monthly development program at clubs like Caringbah, we consistently identify similar patterns.

Here are some of the most common faults players only discover on video:

🔎 1. Stepping Across the Line

From in front, many players see their front foot stepping slightly across their body.

Result:

• Inconsistent line

• Compensating arm swing

• Pulling bowls narrow

Fix:
Re-align the front foot to point directly at your aiming line.

🔎 2. Collapsing at Release

From side-on view, players often drop their shoulder or bend excessively at release.

Result:

• Loss of smooth weight transfer

• Inconsistent weight control

Fix:
Focus on maintaining posture through the release phase.

🔎 3. Arm Not Swinging Straight

Many players think they have a pendulum swing.

Video often shows:

• A slight outward arc

• Wrist flicking

Result:

• Inconsistent line

• Unpredictable weight

Fix:
Relax the arm and allow gravity to control the swing.

🔎 4. Head Movement

Head movement is one of the biggest performance leaks.

On video, you might see:

• Head lifting early

• Head drifting sideways

• Eyes leaving the target

Result:

• Poor balance

• Reduced consistency

Fix:
Keep eyes fixed on your aiming point until the bowl has travelled several metres.

🔎 5. Falling Away After Release

This is very common.

After release, players often:

• Fall sideways

• Pull back early

• Step off-line

Result:

• Loss of directional consistency

Fix:
Hold your finish position for 2–3 seconds.

The Bigger Benefit: Tracking Progress Over Time

Video isn’t just about spotting faults.

It’s about building a performance record.

Imagine filming:

• Month 1 baseline

• Month 3 progress

• Month 6 development

You start to see:

• Improved stability

• Cleaner arm swing

• Better balance

• More repeatable routine

This is exactly how structured player development programs should work.

How TBA Uses Video Delivery Analysis

At The Bowls Academy, video analysis is a key component of our player development framework.

We provide:

✅ Individual delivery filming
✅ Personalised technical feedback
✅ Written assessment sheets
✅ Specific correction plans
✅ Ongoing re-assessment tracking

For clubs, our Player Development Programs include:

• Individual delivery analysis for members

• Structured technical feedback sessions

• Progress benchmarking

• Follow-up assessment opportunities

• Integration into a broader improvement pathway

This isn’t just “watch and comment.”

It’s structured development.

If You Want Professional Video Feedback

If you’d like:

• A technical breakdown of your delivery

• Clear, simple correction strategies

• Structured development tracking

• Club-based player assessment programs

👉 Get in touch with The Bowls Academy for more details.

Click here to Send us message

We’re currently working with clubs across Australia and internationally, helping players build better, more repeatable deliveries through structured video analysis.

Supporting Clubs & Players Beyond a Single Session

At The Bowls Academy, video delivery analysis is just one part of a much bigger development pathway.

We work alongside clubs to build structured improvement environments combining individual delivery analysis, baseline testing, progress tracking, technical correction plans, and ongoing re-assessment throughout the season.  The focus isn’t just on one-off feedback… it’s on measurable improvement month after month.

For players, this means clarity.
For clubs, it means consistency and alignment across all levels.

If you’d like to explore how this framework could look at your club, you can download detailed information packs outlining our Player Development Programs and broader club support pathways here:

👉 https://www.thebowlsacademy.com/club-development 

Inside you’ll find downloadable PDFs explaining the structure, inclusions, and how it can be tailored to suit your club environment.