In memory of Mick Johnson
Our Coach -
John Jackson is always willing to help…
Memoriam Coach Mick Johnson says “Check out this you-tube video for bowling tips”
GOOD BOWLING - YouTube
If You Are Interested in Learning More and Becoming a coach then contact our own coach (John Jackson) and also see the following link for further on line details:- adam@coachbowls.org
WELCOME TO ENDERBY BOWLS CLUB
Coaching Introduction for New Bowlers
Like many sports the object of bowls is essentially simple. Bowls can be played by anyone, but to play consistently well demands determination, concentration and practice.
The Game
Players take turns to deliver their bowls from a mat at one end of the rink towards a small white or yellow ball called the “jack” at the other end of the rink. The bowls are shaped so that they take a curved path towards the Jack. This is known as “bias”. To be successful the bowl must be delivered with the correct weight, along the correct line. The object is to get one or more of your bowls closer to the Jack than those of your opponents on each end – one point is scored for each counting bowl. There are many different formats to the game, but the most common in England are singles or in teams of pairs, triples or fours. In singles, the winner is usually the first to score 21 shots unless this is a different 21 ends formatted game.
Etiquette
Friendly sporting acts towards team mates and opponents are appreciated and reciprocated, such as keeping still whilst others are delivering their bowls and standing behind the Jack and away from the head.
Starting Out
You will need to wear a pair of flat soled shoes. It is important to try several sets of bowls to find a set that suit you before you purchase. Club notice boards are usually a good place to find second hand bowls and other equipment available for sale. Our club have various sizes of used bowls available for practice sessions only.
Delivery
Every bowler’s delivery is as unique as their fingerprints which means that no two bowlers deliveries will be identical. However, in general three criteria need to be satisfied:-
1. That the delivery action is comfortable, can be repeated precisely for long periods of play and does not produce unnecessary restrain.
2. That it is effective
3. That it conforms to the Laws of the Sport of Bowls
Delivering the Jack
You will be asked to stand on the mat and be given a jack. You will be asked to roll the jack towards the coach who will be standing with feet apart. This natural movement in rolling a ball is what the coach uses in helping to establish a delivery action and enables them to build on the good points in your natural delivery and to encourage any necessary correction in stance, timing and rhythm. Once a smooth and easy delivery is evident then you are ready to repeat it – this time using a bowl.
Delivering the Bowl
The coach will ask you to pick up a bowl. At this point, they will advise you on the best way to hold the bowl so it is held comfortably and confidently in your hand. If the bowl is delivered smoothly, the coach will make no further adjustments. If this is not the case then a small adjustment in grip, or perhaps the size of bowls being used, may be necessary, but again the coach will advise on this.
What makes the Bowl turn?
It is the shape of the bowl that makes it “turn” rather than anything to do with weight. This is known as the “bias”. The curved path taken by the bowl is always towards the side with the smaller disc, but this only happens when the bowl begins to slow down. The point at which the bowl begins to turn is known as the “shoulder” and this will vary according to the distance, or length that the jack is from the mat. A simple guide is that the “shoulder” is roughly two thirds of the distance the bowl has to run to arrive at it’s objective.
John JACKSON (Coach)
DO YOU KNOW “SOME” OF THE LAWS OF BOWLS?
1. Before start of play, how many “trial ends” may be played?
2. When placing the mat at the beginning of each end, what is the “minimum” distance it should be from the rear ditch?
3. A bowl has come to rest 13.5 metres, measured in a direct line from the centre of the mat line, is this a “live” bowl?
4. A player delivers a bowl belonging to a member of the opposing team. Another player calls for the return of the bowl. What action should be taken?
5. In the event of a “Dead End”, who plays first in the next end?
6. If a bowl is displaced by a player at the time of measuring, who replaces it to its former position?
7. Is a bowl a toucher by playing onto or by coming into contact with the jack while the jack is in the ditch?
8. Can Team “B” (second to play) challenge the legality of the original mat position after Team “A” (first to play) has delivered the first bowl?
9. If the mat is picked up by a player before the end has been completed who replaces it in its original position?
10. If player A’s bowl touches the jack and has not been chalked or nominated before player B’s next bowl comes to rest, does player A’s bowl remain a toucher in play?
11. What would you do if a live bowl (marked as a toucher) or jack in the ditch could not be seen from the mat?
12. Is a bowl declared “dead” if, not being a toucher, it hits the bank and rebounds onto the playing surface of the green?
13. When asking your opponent to assist with a long measure, who holds the measure against the jack?
14. In a Club or County competition (other than finals) who is responsible for providing the marker?
15. When marking a competition where should the marker stand on the rink?
16. Why is it important to update the score board after each end has been completed?
John JACKSON (Coach)