Chew Stoke Bowling Club
Everything you need to know about the game of bowls .........but were afraid to ask
Even the appearance of the Spanish Armada couldn't prevent Sir Francis Drake from completing his game of bowls. "There is plenty of time to win this game, and to thrash the Spaniards too" he is reputed to have said.
Whilst the game of bowls today is seldom as dramatic or bloodthirsty there is plenty of friendly rivalry, mickey taking and celebrating (or commiserating) over a drink in the bar afterwards. Woe betide anyone bowling a "wrong bias".
The modern game of bowls can take many formats and is played both indoors and outdoors. There are team games - fours, triples and pairs along with singles competitions played from club level up to international standard.
Some of the terminology, as with any sport, can be a bit bewildering at first so we've added a glossary below which will help you to understand and therefore enjoy the game more.
General Bowls Etiquette
Some Do's & Don’ts
DO be conversant with the laws of the game and observe them
DO stand still behind the head when someone is bowling from the opposite end
DO stand still and be quiet behind the mat when a player is about to bowl
DO stand on the rink behind the rearmost bowl or jack if that is furthest. If a toucher is in the ditch, stand on the bank
DO always remember your playing position, fulfil your own duties and leave others to do theirs
DO keep out of the head when shots are being decided unless you are the one making the decision
DO remember that when a bowl comes to rest possession of the rink immediately passes to the team next to bowl.
DO always wait for your skip to decide how he/she wants you to bowl before playing
DON’T step onto the mat and indicate which way you intend to play - wait for your skip’s instructions
DON’T stand in front of the back woods, rink markers or number plates
DON’T walk along the bank when a player is about to bowl from the other end
Bowls Terminology
Like most sports, bowls has a language all of it’s own so if you’re new to the game it can get a bit confusing. Below are some of the most common terms and expressions and what they mean so you can be ready to shout them out yourself or nod your head wisely with new found knowledge.
Equipment
Wood Another name for a bowl. So called as traditionally they were made of a heavy wood (lignum vitae)
Jack The smaller ball you’re aiming for - generally they are white or yellow
Green The hallowed turf upon which the game is played and is normally square with a length between 30 and 40 metres
Rink The Green is divided up into smaller playing areas - normally 5 or 6 rinks per Green.
Ditch The out of bounds area surrounding the green. Unless the jack or a “toucher” (see below) is in the ditch
Mat A rubber mat where the player stands to deliver the bowl
Chalk Literally a piece of chalk, or possibly spray chalk used to mark a bowl that has touched the jack
Pusher A type of wheeled zimmer frame used to collect up the bowls after each end
Grippo A cream used by some players to put on their hands to get a better grip of the bowl
Terms
The head The area where the jack and delivered bowls sit
Jack high Where a bowl has come to rest equidistant from the mat as the jack
Bias The side which the bowl will turn towards
Weight The amount of power/speed with which the bowl is delivered to reach it’s intended destination
Line The direction the bowl is bowled to reach it’s intended destination
Draw A delivery that is bowled with enough weight and the correct line to touch the jack
Drive A bowl delivered at speed such that it knocks other bowls or the jack away
Toucher A bowl that has touched the jack (and will be marked with chalk)
Lead In team bowling the first person on the team to bowl
Skip Or skipper. The team captain and person in charge
Expressions
Learn these and you too can sound like you know what you’re talking about
“Weight’s good” Generally means that the bowl has reached the jack. Also generally means that the line is rubbish.
“Good line” Generally means that the bowl looks in line with the jack. Also generally means that the weight is rubbish.
“It’s not wasted there” Usually a delivery with too much weight that has passed beyond the jack. Can be a useful delivery if that’s what the skip wants but also could be said to make you feel better that you’ve just played another poor shot.
“Is it up?" A question often raised if the you think the opposition lead hasn’t delivered the jack far enough up the green
“Not sent it” The bowl hasn’t been delivered with enough weight to reach the jack or intended target. However could be an annoying blocker.
“Wrong bias” Where the bowl has been delivered with the bias on the wrong side so that the bowl swings away from the jack. Often followed by buying numerous drinks for everyone at the bar.
“Too tight” A bowl delivered with “not enough green” to swing back in towards the jack. Will generally cut across the head.
“Not enough green” A bowl delivered “too tight” to swing back in towards the jack. Will generally cut across the head.
“It won’t come back from there” The opposite of bowling too tight. The bowl has been delivered on too wide a line to swing back to the jack.
“It’s looking” A delivery that “looks” like it’s been bowled with the right weight and line
"Or maybe not" Often said once you realise that the bowl was not even looking in the general direction of the jack.
