Winning At Lawn Bowls - What Does It Really Take?

MASTER THE DELIVERY

A consistent delivery is fundamental to any success. Delivery's come in all shapes and sizes, however the key points to a solid and reliable delivery include.... aiming/stance, grip, timing and release point.

Click here to read.... Fundamentals to improve your lawn bowls consistency

UNDERSTAND THE GREEN

Paying attention and understanding the characteristics of the green can significantly improve your chances of not only successfully playing the 'right' shot but also assisting in your strategic play and the final outcome of the game.

ABILITY TO PLAY A RANGE OF SHOTS

You do not have to master every type of shot, but not being able to play both forehand and backhand shots, or have an up-shot or drive shot in your locker will only lead to limiting your strategy and game play.

PURPOSEFUL PRACTICE

Purposeful practice is seen as a key component for achieving high levels of a particular skill. Being deliberate and focused in your efforts during practice will accelerate improvements, however the most important part of purposeful practice is the 'feedback', and utilising scoring systems to understand your strengths and weaknesses.

Click here to read.... Fast track your game development with purposeful practice

READING THE HEAD

Another essential skill in being able to win is the ability to 'Read a head' - What is 'reading the head?' Fundamentally it is assessing the position of the bowls and planning your own shots accordingly. This is also done with the state of the game in mind. ie. Score line and/or momentum and how the head may change with each player's delivery.

PLAY STRATEGICALLY

Trying to get 'the' shot every time with every bowl is not necessarily the key to winning. Strategic play is positioning bowls, the jack and the mat to gain an advantage over your opponent. This advantage gained bowl after bowl will ultimately lead to multiple shots scored and minimal shots conceded.

STAY FOCUSED

Focus only on your bowl you are about to play and learn to let go of mistakes. Staying relaxed, and maintaining focus even during challenging situations (lucky shots against you) is a skill all elite bowlers hold and consistent winners excel in.

COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR TEAM

In team games, being inclusive and communicating with all team mates is vital, generating support and encouragement along with accountability to the rest of the team. A strong team is a cohesive one and fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose can be portrayed through clear communication.

KNOW THE RULES AND CONDITIONS OF PLAY

Understanding COP (Conditions of Play) prior to the start of a game may seem a simple task, however we have all seen and heard many players question the COP during the game. ie Does the jack get re-spotted? How many ends are we playing? Is is two bowls? Being unclear on COP during a game will only lead to a lose of focus and game performance when focus should be clearly on the bowl you are about to play.