What Good Bowlers Do Between Shots (That Most Players Never Notice)

THE ROLL UP - INTRO

Watch high-level bowlers closely and you’ll notice something interesting…

The difference isn’t just what they do when delivering the bowl.

It’s what they do between shots.

Most club bowlers switch off once the bowl leaves their hand.

Elite and high-performing players do the opposite.

They stay engaged.
They observe.
They process information.
They prepare for the next moment before it arrives.

And over the course of a game, those small habits create a massive advantage.

Because bowls isn’t just a physical game.

It’s a decision-making game.

Let’s break down what good bowlers consistently do between shots and why it matters more than most people realise.

The Hidden Habits of Good Bowlers

1. They Watch Every Bowl Properly

A lot of players casually look up after release… then immediately look away or start talking.

Good bowlers track bowls all the way to the head.

Why?

Because every bowl provides information:

• Green speed
• Line changes
• Change of pace
• Areas of the rink that are holding or swinging

The best players are constantly collecting data.

Even bowls from opponents can teach you something valuable.

Great bowlers ask themselves:

• Was that bowl heavy or narrow?
• Did it hold longer than expected?
• Is one side of the rink slower?
• What was the bowl doing late?

This allows them to make small adjustments sooner in the game and also pick up if conditions have changed.

2. They Stay Mentally in the Game

One of the biggest differences between average and strong competitors is mental engagement.

Some players completely disconnect between shots:

• Talking about unrelated things
• Complaining
• Losing focus
• Thinking about previous mistakes

Good bowlers stay present.

That doesn’t mean they’re overly serious or tense.

It means they remain connected to:

• The state of the game
• The score
• The momentum
• The tactical situation

They understand that concentration isn’t just for delivery.

It’s continuous.

3. They Read the Head Constantly

Strong bowlers are always assessing the head.

Not just when it’s their turn.

They’re identifying:

• Danger bowls
• Scoring opportunities
• Tactical options
• Back bowls
• Percentage shots

They’re effectively planning ahead before they step onto the mat.

Average players often wait until it’s their turn to start thinking.

Good bowlers are already prepared.

This leads to:

• Faster decision-making
• Greater confidence
• Better commitment to shots
• Less panic under pressure

4. They Prepare Early for Their Next Shot

Good bowlers don’t suddenly “switch on” once they step onto the mat.

Preparation starts beforehand.

Between shots they’re:

• Visualising the next line
• Feeling the required weight
• Watching similar bowls
• Mentally rehearsing execution

This helps create smoother transitions into delivery.

Many bowlers rush their preparation because they only start thinking once it’s their turn.

That often leads to:

• Uncertainty
• Poor commitment
• Weight inconsistency

5. They Communicate With Purpose

In team formats, communication matters.

But strong players communicate differently.

They:

• Keep messages clear
• Stay constructive
• Avoid emotional reactions
• Help settle teammates under pressure

Poor communication spreads tension quickly.

Good communication creates calmness and confidence.

❌ Weak communication:

• “You have to get this close.”
• “Don’t do what I just did.”
• Negative body language
• Visible frustration

✅ Strong communication:

• “Same shot, just a touch more weight.”
• “That line is holding well.”
• Calm, composed reactions

Good bowlers understand that body language and communication influence the entire team.

6. They Control Emotional Reactions

One poor bowl doesn’t ruin games.

Poor reactions to poor bowls do.

Average bowlers often:

• Replay mistakes mentally
• Show frustration
• Lose composure
• Carry errors into future ends

Good bowlers reset quickly.

They accept mistakes without emotionally spiralling.

That’s a huge skill in bowls because no player executes perfectly for an entire game.

7. They Stay Consistent With Their Routine

Strong bowlers maintain consistency between shots.

Their behaviours remain relatively stable whether:

• They’re winning
• Losing
• Under pressure
• Playing well
• Playing poorly

That consistency helps stabilise performance.

Many bowlers become rushed when behind… or casual when ahead.

Good bowlers stay disciplined regardless of the scoreboard.

8. They Understand Momentum

Momentum in bowls is real.

Good bowlers recognise:

• When pressure is building
• When opponents are vulnerable
• When to stay patient
• When to apply scoreboard pressure

This awareness often develops through experience but only if players stay mentally engaged between shots.

What Most Bowlers Get Wrong

Most players think improvement only happens through:

• Better technique
• More practice
• More coaching

But many games are won and lost through:

• Decision-making
• Emotional control
• Observation
• Focus
• Tactical awareness

The small moments between shots matter far more than people think.

Want to Improve Your Match Awareness & Performance?

At The Bowls Academy, we focus on more than just technique.

Our drills and player development programs are designed to help bowlers improve:

• Match awareness
• Decision-making
• Pressure performance
• Consistency
• Tactical execution

Explore the TBA Drill Pack Series or learn more about our player development programs and delivery analysis:
👉 https://www.thebowlsacademy.com/player-development

Grab your free Weight & Line Consistency Drill here:
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