New members..  You have all had a lot to take in, in a short space of time, some may have missed some sessions, but no problem... copy and paste the below into your browser to see an in depth set of videos from day one of bowling to advanced stuff.. work through them one at a time, dont rush, there is a lot of good info in the videos.. and once you have checked them out (or lost the will to live).. you can view some others which are listed towards the bottom of this page.. Seriously.... the way to improve is to practice and take "good"  advice.. lots of advice is given by many, not all is good advice!!... Find what works for you... But the basics of bowls are fairly simple, concentrate on the basics!!!...and finally make yourself aware of the etiquette of bowls too, it makes the game so much more enjoyable....Enjoy

Copy and paste this.... https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NZuRrsLWv--wme0F_W9Zw3Pn9Ykenrr

For other useful training videos see below... along with Etiquette sheet

Individual coaching opportunities will be held regularly throughout the summer season. These are FOC at Bovey (many clubs charge) so please contact one of our 3 coaches to arrange an individual session, these will usually take around an hour and will be individually tailored to your needs, please contact John on 01626 835258, Sarah on 07762 796776 or Roger on 07720 823146 to arrange..

Remember.... Practice, Practice, .. its impossible to practice in a game situation, so pop down for a practice.whenever you can.

You Must (not negotiable...)

• Practice on a rink on your own, Only practice one thing at a time, Master that, move on..
• Choose either forehand or backhand for the session and stick with it.. never mix
• Set achievable goals for the session, make it fun for yourself by keeping a simple score in your head or use a scorecard
• For instance... If you are practising a draw shot ( the most common shot in bowls) set up a short jack, bowl your 4 woods on your chosen hand, see how many finish within say 2 or 3ft (you choose) and give yourself a point for each one in your target area, now repeat and count how many ends to get to say 10pts... lets say it takes you 8 ends.. then start over again, same routine and aim to lower your score of 8 ends, and so on and so on (nobody said it was easy to improve)
• Had enough for the day?, no problem, but try to end your session on a high, ie in this instance with a score lower than when you started the day..And when you next come back (which you will) recap the exercise you did previously as your warm up.. (go on, lower your score first go), but, then change to another set up, it may be change hands, it may be same hand but using a longer jack and then start the whole process again.... (Remember the draw shot is the most played shot in bowls so improve that and what a difference to your game).
• But.. keep enjoying it.. make it fun!!! Didn't see much improvement? try again next time it will happen, or speak to one of the coaches about an individual session.
• Other practice topics you could consider are::: length control, line choice/adjustment, Jack control (if you play lead a lot) consistency of delivery, pre bowling routine, bowling with a "yard" of controlled weight(see video link below), and "firing" practice (this is the only time when a helper is actually helpful as they can stop your woods smashing into the backboard at a million miles an hour every shot), but whichever you do always set yourself a goal, achieve it, then repeat and beat it..and remember make practice fun..
• most of these are also covered in the videos below, others will be added..

Please click on the links below to bring up various coaching videos from beginner to advanced.. more will be added during the year..

        For Beginners & Refresh

Newly added...   https://www.thebowlsacademy.com/blog/10-on-green-drills-every-bowler-should-try

Holding the bowl correctly & understanding bias..      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESSmeWckIKE

Delivery of the bowl... from grip to follow through..   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u8K3nvNpFU

Pre Stance/Delivery Routine....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EjwBlXahyo ...waffles on about golf for a bit but the points made are salient..

Finding the line..     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjZ7p5KJDHU

Line or Length in Outdoor Lawn Bowls - the Bowler’s Ultimate Dilemma..    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzR0mSzLXlc

Overview. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGd86MXbGho&list=PLyn23Yya0x0UIYln9wQfyawlxCSVFk8Cu&index=1   ..there are a few videos here which continue in sequence..any ads that pop up just wait for the "skip" & hit that.... If you cannot master the grip comfortably in the top video link try this one, its about what works for you.. the other videos in this sequence are very good also, so give it a watch!

Etiquette... https://www.hugofox.com/shared/attachments.asp?f=e6cd6f66%2D1420%2D461b%2Da75f%2Df2a64a71045c%2Epdf&o=Lawn%2DBowling%2DEtiquette%2Epdf

     Established bowlers.. Now you have mastered the basics, lets see how we can all improve, click on the links below...

Basic Tactics in lawn bowls... https://clearwaterlawnbowlingclub.org/public/tactics.pdf

Yard on shot........https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFj1PL6o-PM

How to play lead well...    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5ZtzaTzNIc  start at 2.52... ignore the adverts & badly dressed Aussie..

How to play number 2 well... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GOeIKXsh6U

***NEW***Drills to make you a better number 3... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ7ri2uQLaE

 

Notes on coaching sessions held July 2026

Coaching pt1

Thanks for attending Pt1 of the latest coaching session. I appreciate that there is an awful lot being crammed in, but personally thought you were all attentive and open to becoming the very best bowlers you can be...

Use your phone to get someone to record your bowls action from side and front, review and retake video regularly

The videos seemed to be well received and should be of great use for reference and for comparison in the future... when watching them take note of the following in particular...

Did I use a preshot routine.. (was I ready to bowl, did I watch others on my rink, did I consider backhand or forehand, decision made did I recheck bias, how far am I bowling it, did I identify line, did I check bias, did I rush, was my grip ok, Visualise the shot...did I check bias!!!!

• Was my delivery smooth, stable, comfortable and repeatable

• Did I achieve a straight line delivery arm action (no crossing or pushing out)

• After release did I follow through on my delivery line, did I slow my arm down too early.

• Did I achieve a correct weight

• Did I achieve a decent line

If you notice something re the above, practice ways of changing the problem area as you see it., you can always ask me for advice on how this might be changed.. errors on the first 4 above will all lead to offline/short or poorly delivered bowls, The last 2 are all proof of more right than wrong in what you are doing.. remember you are all individuals

Other key points discussed..

• What is your target area/shot type if you are..? ..1) Lead, 2) number two, 3) number three.

• 2ft short or 2ft long, which is better?

• Observe and mental note...why choose the easier line??, its a question of maths....(We are 2 identical in ability bowlers, who both bowl to an average of 90% accuracy.. I bowl 25yds to jack, you bowls 30yds to same target, we both bowl to 90% accuracy of the jack... I am 2.5mtrs away, you are 3mtrs away, I WIN EVERY END, in fact you could bowl better than me and still lose.. FACT)

• woods in the way?.. to be discussed further, but don't be put off by them.

• measuring, its nearly as important as the bowling itself..its better to ask for more, (if 2 up and maybe 3.. ask for 3 etc, don't offer the measure let them ask for it)..never accept the oppositions word unless its obvious.. (if they are 2 up and maybe 3, if they ask for 2 take it..if they ask for 3..get it measured...) and remember always place removed woods on a towel or in a safe area.. never kick woods out..

• Use your Super (brain)computer, switch it on prior to the game and refresh it before its your turn

• keep the information you want it to process simple and positive..never negative

• if you cannot visualise the shot you are trying to play, you will struggle to play it..get the picture of it in your mind.. your brain loves a picture

• Observe team mates and opponents woods.. and of course your own

• keep the game moving, be ready to refresh your computer before your opponent bowls the wood before yours is due. Be ready, but dont rush

• Encourage team mates when they are having an off day, you will have one soon (and me) and remember we all have an equally important part to play in each end/game.

• Before you start “think” Am I here to play? Or here to win?, can you do both?

• Etiquette is very important, stand still, keep quiet, be polite.. when changing ends and walking to the head do so in a timely manner, but do observe the head for a brief moment to gain knowledge, but don't loiter and unless number 3 stand well back..(if number 3 remember you can only enter the head when in control of the mat).. the last one does annoy other sides quite a lot...

• And do consider a short easy warm up before the game.. just walking on an away green will give you details on speed/ spongy or dry etc

Remember roll ups are not practice.. practice a specific thing, but as we play draw shots the most thats the obvious one to nail first.. set realistic targets for any practice and when you can nail it more often than not, move on to something else.

Coaching Pt2

mobile phones and videos

Integrating Corrections into Practice

Assess: Record yourself and identify which of the faults appear most often.

1. Prioritise: Focus on one correction per week.

2. Reinforce: Use drills that directly address that single issue.

3. Review: Compare new footage to old - celebrate visible improvements.

4. Maintain: Recheck after competitions or breaks; faults can creep back when fatigued or under pressure.

Back to Basics ..If you are having a problem in any part of the game don't be afraid to have a look at the basics, many issues start just there.

Mat rules & delivering the jack correctly , how to get it straight down the middle everytime!!! If you cannot bowl the Jack down your line how do you expect to deliver a wood..!!!

practice session in pairs across the rink

Grip, do your woods "pineapple" or wobble on delivery.. find out why!!!

Wobble, bounce, step drift, tension, early head lift, poor balance, and rushed follow-through are the seven biggest culprits.

Wobbling or Skewed Bowl on Release

 A wobbling bowl is one of the easiest faults to spot, that little sideways shake as it leaves your hand and settles onto the green.  It usually comes from misalignment of the running surface or a twisted wrist during release.  Even a few degrees of rotation can send the bowl off line.

The Fix:
Re-examine your grip and hand position.  The running surface of the bowl should face precisely along your target line.  Practise smooth, relaxed releases with your wrist straight - no flicking motion.  A great drill is the “shadow-release”: rehearse your delivery motion without a bowl, focusing on a straight pendulum swing and even rhythm.   

2️⃣ Bouncing or “Thudding” Deliveries

If your bowl hits the green with a loud thud and stops short, you’re likely releasing too high or too early in your forward motion.  The bowl loses momentum and struggles to hold its intended path.

The Fix:
Focus on lowering your point of release.  Imagine you’re “rolling” the bowl onto the grass rather than throwing it forward.  Practise slow, rhythmic roll-ups to short targets, concentrating on a gentle, brushing contact with the turf.  Gradually increase distance while maintaining that smooth action.    

3 Over-Gripping or Excessive Tension

Pressure situations make even calm players tighten their grip.  Unfortunately, tension stiffens the wrist and forearm, causing jerky motion and inconsistent release.  Over-gripping also forces the bowl out early, disrupting the line.

The Fix:
Check that your grip pressure allows the bowl to feel secure yet comfortable, firm enough that it won’t slip, but light enough that your hand remains flexible.  Before each delivery, take one deep breath and consciously release shoulder tension. 

4 Bowl is Too Large: If the bowl is too big for your hand, your grip will be compromised and prone to slipping. Your thumb and middle finger should comfortably reach around the widest part of the bowl.

Pre shot routine. why is it important? What is it?

A lawn bowls pre-shot routine is a repeatable sequence of physical and mental steps performed before stepping onto the mat. It helps settle nerves, maintain focus, and improve delivery consistency.

A standard routine follows four distinct phases:

1. Assessment and Planning

Analyze the head: Assess the position of the jack and other bowls on the green.

• Determine the shot: Decide whether you are drawing, driving, or taking a yard shot.

• Choose your line: Identify your aiming point (reference point) down the green.

2. Equipment Preparation

• Clean the bowl: Wipe the running surface of your bowl with a cloth or shammy to remove dirt and ensure an even bias.

• Set your grip: Place your fingers in the bowl to match the bias for your chosen hand (forehand or backhand).

3. Visualization and Alignment

• Stand behind the mat: Stand a few feet behind the mat while still holding the bowl.

• Visualize the path: Picture the arc and weight the bowl needs to take to reach the target.

•  

4. Centering and Delivery

• Step onto the mat: Place your feet firmly and square to the target line.

• Regulate your breathing: Take a deep breath, exhale slowly to release tension, and focus entirely on your process rather than the result.

• Execute: Begin your delivery smoothly and with the intended weight.

If the routine is broken..refocus and start again

Delivery..., how to get consistency, your stance, step length, balance, point of delivery and follow through... 

1) Stance: Building a Stable Base 

A good delivery begins before the bowl even leaves your hand.
Your stance is the platform for every shot, and stability is crucial.

Key points:

• Feet position: Stand with your feet comfortably apart, around shoulder-width, with your weight balanced evenly.

• Alignment: Your feet, hips, and shoulders should be square to your chosen delivery line.

• Relaxed posture: Keep your knees slightly bent and your upper body loose, tension will reduce fluidity.

• Bowls grip: Hold the bowl with a relaxed but secure grip, ensuring your fingers are evenly spaced and your thumb rests comfortably along the running surface.

 2) Grip & Bowl Orientation 

Your grip determines how the bowl behaves upon release.

Essentials:

• Hold the bowl so the bias side is facing the correct way for your intended shot.

• Support the bowl with your fingers underneath, not just in the palm.

• Keep your grip consistent for every shot to build muscle memory.

 3) The Step & Swing: Creating a Smooth Motion 

The delivery action is a controlled, pendulum-like swing of the arm combined with a gentle forward step.

Step mechanics:

1. Backswing: Start the swing straight back along your intended line, keeping the bowl low to avoid jerky movements.

2. Forward step: Step forward with your opposite foot to your bowling hand (right hand = step with your left foot, and vice versa).

3. Smooth acceleration: Let gravity help with the forward swing and avoid forcing the motion.

✅ Bowls Academy Tip: Think of your arm as a pendulum, the more relaxed it is, the more consistent your speed and line will be.

4) The Release: Letting the Bowl Flow 

This is the most critical part of the delivery.
A poor release will undo even the best stance and swing.

Key elements:

• Release the bowl close to the ground to reduce bounce.

• Keep your hand and wrist aligned with your target line.

• Maintain a steady speed and avoid snatching or rushing the release.

• Follow the natural arc of your swing, allowing the bowl to roll smoothly off your fingers.

 5) Follow-Through: Locking in Accuracy 

Many bowlers make the mistake of stopping their motion too early.
A proper follow-through ensures your delivery is stable and your aim stays true.

Follow-through checklist:

• Your arm should finish pointing towards your target.

• Your body weight should end slightly forward.

• Hold your position for a moment after the release - this helps reinforce consistent muscle memory.

 6) Common Mistakes to Avoid 

• Over gripping – Creates tension and inconsistent releases.

• Looking up too soon – Keep your eyes on the aiming point until the bowl has left your hand.

• Rushing the delivery – Smooth and steady wins the end.

• Dropping the bowl from height – Always release low to the green.

Coaching session pt3

We began by recapping on pt2, which was about getting back to basics if things are not going your way.. most technical issues are little tweaks, not major changes, but its important to tweak the right things.. It was reiterated that many top bowlers see the Pre shot routine & Follow through as the 2 major areas that once nailed should never be changed as those 2 areas breed consistency.. Faults themselves generally occur in the delivery action itself, this is where the videoing of yourself comes in.. once you identify an area to work on, concentrate on that, try tweaks but if not working go back to basics on each section of the delivery action..(google bowls delivery action for many tips & videos)

Short woods... Why?

A short delivery is rarely of great use..

Green conditions and weather?..Uphill?, Against the grain/grass? Into wind? Heavy green?.. Think before the start of any game which if any may affect you.

Dont “pineapple” (see previous pt2)..good grip, firm wrist, no tension..

Don't “bounce”.. get lower and roll it... don't throw it

Don't restrict your backswing., don't rush it

Don't lift your head to early.

Don't rush or “pull up/brake early” on your follow through, holding your extended follow through position not only helps observation, but greatly increases stability and length consistency.

If you are free from any of the above!!!.. Try imagining the target (jack or bowl) is a metre behind its true position.. your brain often foreshortens distance...

Follow through... (see pt2) a good follow through will improve, balance, weight consistency, & accuracy.. so whats not to like!!

Observe.. so easy to do, so why don't people do it?.. watch, make mental note...

We then talked about meanings of...“the Head” and “in the count”

Different Shots and Risk Reward

Remember there is less risk in all shots (#see firing below) if you are already down, but there is no benefit in a short wood if you are down.

Controlled weight.. ....

Drawing shot (as close to the jack as possible), usually low risk/low reward.

Rest Shot, (To rest against another wood in the count), again low risk low/medium reward... Blocking shot, (to prevent your opponent playing an easier shot by blocking the easy line) can be seen as wasting a wood if you fail to achieve your desired position.. but a good shot if it comes off, The above are all played to an exact weight.. controlled shots are 90/95% of the game so practice them often...

Weighted shots.. (medium weight) Usually low risk/low, medium, high reward... But the more shots you hold the higher the risk in playing weighted shots....

The trail shot, a skillful shot to take the jack back from its present spot towards a group of your own woods),

The yard on shot, (usually played to knock an opponents wood out of the count) (note you are not aiming this time at the Jack but a target wood),

The Open up shot, (played with a little extra weight to break up a situation where the opponents have a wood right beside the jack, thus giving your later team mates a better chance of getting shot.

Strategic shot or covering wood.. (medium+ weight) usually played when holding shot or shots but having no woods at the back of the head or in a specific area to cover the situation if the jack is knocked back or trailed by your opponent... on this one there is no point in being short. at all (low risk/potentially high reward)

High power shots...#Firing/Driving...used towards the backend of the end, to try to save a poor position.. (never played if holding shot!!?) (practice this in pairs to save damage to your woods) High risk/High reward.. remember if choosing this shot, aim for a more direct line to your targets but, if you miss your intended targets you will likely remain however many down you were already down (or worse if you hit your closest wood out) so (very high risk), but if your luck is in it can change a very poor position to a very positive one..!!!

Remember in assessing your shot try to factor in Risk vs Reward and also factor in current scoreboard if relevant...

The morning finished with 2x practice routines (devize your own).. there are some shown on the laminated sheets in the clubhouse coaching notice board..

Always Make Practice

Fun, Achievable, Specific, and targeted, always end on a high and keep notes on your progress, next time you go..recap and try something new (either change hands or fresh aims..) and if appropriate get someone to video you so you can watch your new improved self..