final part 3 of 3!! Still here??

9. The Ditch Weight Shot

This is an aggressive shot played with enough speed to carry your bowl into the ditch, hopefully taking the jack with it. This is only used when the jack is near the edge of the rink and you're in a losing position.

• How to do it: This shot requires significant weight, almost a drive. The goal is to hit the jack squarely and send both it and your own bowl into the ditch. If your bowl stays on the rink and the jack goes in the ditch, your bowl is removed from play. If your bowl touches the jack before going in the ditch (a "toucher"), it remains live.
• Pro Tip: This is a high-risk, high-reward shot. Only play it when you have nothing to lose!

10. Reading the Head

This isn't a shot, but it's arguably the most important technique of all. It’s the ability to step onto the mat, analyse the position of all the bowls, and decide on the right shot to play.

• How to do it: Before you bowl, ask yourself some questions. What is the score? Where is the opponent's closest bowl? Is there a clear path to draw? Would a yard-on shot be more effective? Is there a danger of making things worse?
• Pro Tip: Listen to your skip! They have the best view from the end of the rink. But as you play more, you'll develop your own ability to see the game unfold. This tactical understanding is what makes bowls such a fascinating sport.

Mastering these ten techniques will give you a complete game and the confidence to handle any situation on the green. So get out there, practise with purpose, and most importantly, enjoy every bowl!