Lawn Bowling Techniques: A Beginner's Guide to Delivery and Shot-Making

The Foundations of a Good Delivery

Every successful lawn bowler builds their game on a solid, repeatable delivery. Unlike many sports, lawn bowling rewards consistency over raw power. The goal is to develop a smooth, natural action that you can repeat end after end, game after game.

This guide breaks down the delivery into its component parts, then covers the essential shot types you will need as a beginner.

Grip

The grip is where it all starts. A good grip gives you control over the bowl's direction, weight (speed), and release.

The Cradle Grip (Recommended for Beginners)

1. 1Place the bowl in your open palm with the running surface (the widest part of the bias track) sitting on your middle finger.
2. 2Wrap your fingers around the bowl naturally. Your thumb rests on top, your little finger and index finger sit comfortably on the sides.
3. 3Keep your grip relaxed. You are cradling the bowl, not squeezing it. Tension in your hand transfers to your arm and disrupts your delivery.
4. 4The bowl should feel secure but not clamped. If your knuckles are white, you are gripping too hard.

The Claw Grip (Advanced)

Some experienced bowlers prefer the claw grip, where the fingers are more spread and the bowl rests on the fingertips. This gives more feel but requires greater hand strength. Beginners should start with the cradle grip and experiment later.

Which Way Does the Bias Go?

• The small disc (or dimple) on one side indicates the bias side -- this is the side the bowl will curve toward as it slows down.
• For a forehand shot (curving right to left for a right-hander), hold the bowl with the bias on the left.
• For a backhand shot (curving left to right for a right-hander), hold the bowl with the bias on the right.

Stance on the Mat

Your starting position on the mat sets up everything that follows.

Feet

• Stand with your feet close together, roughly hip-width apart. Your weight should be evenly distributed.
• Your leading foot (left foot for right-handers) should point toward your aiming point -- not the jack, but the point on the green where you want the bowl to start its path.
• Stay on the mat. At least one foot must remain on or over the mat at the moment of delivery.

Body Position

• Stand upright but relaxed. Slight forward lean is natural.
• Square your shoulders toward your aiming point.
• Look at your target line, not down at the bowl.

The Delivery Step-by-Step

1. Backswing

• Bring the bowl back smoothly in a straight line behind you, like a pendulum.
• Keep your arm close to your body. The swing should be straight back and straight through, not out to the side.
• The height of your backswing determines weight (speed). Higher backswing = more speed.

2. Step Forward

• Step forward with your leading foot (left for right-handers) as you bring the bowl forward.
• The step and the forward swing should be synchronized -- they happen together in one fluid motion.
• Keep the step smooth and controlled. Do not lunge.

3. Release

• Release the bowl as your hand passes your leading ankle, close to ground level.
• Your hand should follow through toward your aiming point, like pointing where you want the bowl to go.
• The bowl should leave your hand smoothly, rolling off your fingers without spinning or wobbling.

4. Follow-Through

• Continue your arm's forward motion after release, finishing with your hand pointing toward your target.
• Stay balanced. Do not fall forward or to the side.
• Watch your bowl and observe how it behaves. This feedback helps you adjust your next delivery.

The Essential Shot Types

The Draw Shot

The draw is the most fundamental shot in lawn bowling. The goal is to deliver your bowl so that it comes to rest as close to the jack as possible.

• Weight: Enough to reach the jack with the bowl stopping naturally -- no more, no less.
• Line: Aim wide of the jack to allow for the bias curve. How wide depends on the green speed and the bias of your bowls.
• When to use it: Constantly. The draw is the bread and butter of every position, especially leads.

Tip: Practice the draw obsessively. A consistent draw shot will win you more games than any other skill.

The Yard-On (Firm Shot)

The yard-on is a draw shot delivered with extra weight -- enough to push past the head by about one yard (one meter).

• Weight: About 1-2 meters past the jack.
• Line: Slightly narrower than a draw shot because the extra speed means the bowl will not curve as much.
• When to use it: To push an opponent's bowl out of the count, to trail the jack to your back bowls, or to add weight to the head.

The Drive (Firing Shot)

The drive is a full-speed delivery aimed directly at the head. It is the most dramatic shot in lawn bowling.

• Weight: Maximum. The bowl is delivered fast and straight.
• Line: Almost straight at the target because at high speed, the bias has minimal effect.
• When to use it: As a last resort when the head is heavily against you. Skips use this most often.
• Caution: Drives can send bowls off the rink and into the ditch. Only use when necessary.

Reading the Green

Understanding the green's speed and conditions is crucial for accurate bowling.

Green Speed

• Fast greens (14-17 seconds) require less weight and more line (wider aim).
• Slow greens (10-13 seconds) require more weight and less line (narrower aim).
• Green speed is measured by timing how long a bowl takes to travel from mat to ditch at standard weight.

Conditions That Affect Play

• Morning dew slows the green and reduces bias.
• Afternoon sun speeds up the green and increases bias.
• Rain slows the green significantly.
• Wind can push the bowl off line, especially on fast greens.
• The draw changes throughout the day as the green dries or moistens. Keep adjusting.

Practice Drills for Beginners

Drill 1: The Target Circle

Place a small target (a disc or chalk circle) on the green. Deliver 4 bowls, trying to stop them all within arm's reach of the target. Move the target to different distances.

Drill 2: Straight Delivery

Set up a line on the green (or use the edge of a rink boundary). Practice delivering your bowl along the line, focusing on a straight, consistent arm swing.

Drill 3: Weight Control

Place markers at 3 different distances. Deliver to each distance in turn, focusing on adjusting your backswing height to control speed.

Drill 4: Forehand and Backhand

Alternate between forehand and backhand deliveries. Being comfortable on both hands doubles your tactical options.

Common Beginner Mistakes

1. 1Gripping too tight -- relax your hand and let the bowl roll naturally.
2. 2Looking at the jack instead of the aim point -- your aim point is wider than the jack to account for bias.
3. 3Standing up too quickly -- stay low through the delivery and follow-through.
4. 4Inconsistent step length -- keep your step the same every time.
5. 5Not watching your bowl -- observe how it behaves so you can adjust.

Ready to Practice?

The best way to improve is to get on the green. Find a lawn bowling club near you with practice sessions for beginners, or read about the different player positions to understand where these techniques fit in a team game.

Want to understand the full rules before your first session? Check out our rules guide or complete beginner's guide.