Guidance for Bowlers
Topics
- Guidance for New Bowlers
- Equipment
- Etiquette
- Coaching
- Videos
- Books
- Laws of the Sport of Bowls
- The Marker - Duties and Responsibilities
Guidance for New Bowlers
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The club provides a booklet for new bowlers that gives a basic introduction to the sport. It is a useful reference and a good place to start to get to grips with the game. The Guidance for New Bowlers booklet can be viewed and downloaded here.
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Equipment
When starting bowls you just need a pair of flat shoes. Wear comfortable smart casual clothes at the club.
The club will provide a set of bowls so that you can get used to the game and find the size of bowl that suits you best. It is recommended that you wait until you are sure of the size and weight of bowl that suits you before getting a set of your own.
When you are ready to get your own set look out for notices at the club for bowls that are for sale, you may be able to try them for a while before making a purchase. Used or second hand Bowls can purchased from sites such as eBay and many bowls shops and even charity shops can have sets for sale too.
Feel free to ask experienced members or the club coach for advice.
The club has a badged shirt and track suit jacket that is worn when representing the club in friendly or competitive matches with other clubs. These are worn with either 'greys', or 'whites'. Essentially this means with grey or white trousers or skirts. Greys are usually worn indoors and for some men's competitions outdoors. Whites are usually worn for mixed and ladies completions outdoors but this is not a fixed rule. Players will be informed in advance of the dress for games with other clubs.
Many members will wear club shirts when playing roll ups at the club too.
There is a selection of donated club shirts and other bowling clothes in the Jubilee Room at the club available for purchase for a small sum that goes to benefit the club. New club tops can be purchased from our suppliers Zapkam, their website can be found using the link www.zapkam.com
The club will provide a set of bowls so that you can get used to the game and find the size of bowl that suits you best. It is recommended that you wait until you are sure of the size and weight of bowl that suits you before getting a set of your own.
When you are ready to get your own set look out for notices at the club for bowls that are for sale, you may be able to try them for a while before making a purchase. Used or second hand Bowls can purchased from sites such as eBay and many bowls shops and even charity shops can have sets for sale too.
Feel free to ask experienced members or the club coach for advice.
The club has a badged shirt and track suit jacket that is worn when representing the club in friendly or competitive matches with other clubs. These are worn with either 'greys', or 'whites'. Essentially this means with grey or white trousers or skirts. Greys are usually worn indoors and for some men's competitions outdoors. Whites are usually worn for mixed and ladies completions outdoors but this is not a fixed rule. Players will be informed in advance of the dress for games with other clubs.
Many members will wear club shirts when playing roll ups at the club too.
There is a selection of donated club shirts and other bowling clothes in the Jubilee Room at the club available for purchase for a small sum that goes to benefit the club. New club tops can be purchased from our suppliers Zapkam, their website can be found using the link www.zapkam.com
Etiquette
The game of bowls is remarkable for its high standard of behaviour and sportsmanship.
Many unwritten laws have been carried down through the generations resulting in a strong etiquette for the game.
These are listed as follows;
Many unwritten laws have been carried down through the generations resulting in a strong etiquette for the game.
These are listed as follows;
- Dress Correctly.
- Always shake hands with your opponents before and after the game.
- Do not criticize, only give praise.
- Compliment opposition on good shots.
- Stay behind the mat or head and stand still when it is not your turn to play.
- Do not stand in a position that obscures boundary markers or rink plates as many players use these as aiming points.
- Stand well back from the head when firing shots are played.
- When your bowl comes to rest the rink passes to opposition.
- Be respectful of the playing surface, do not drop your bowls on the green. Do not mark the green with badly delivered bowls.
- Pay attention to the game to keep concentration and encourage your team.
- Keep to your own rink, do not wander and distract other bowlers.
- Do not remove any bowls from the head until the outcome of the end has been agreed.
- Keep your shadow off the jack.
- Appear to enjoy the game whether winning or losing.
- Be a good ambassador for bowls.
Coaching
Budleigh Salterton Bowls Club is a friendly and supportive club and you will receive encouragement and useful help and advice from our many experienced members. Coaching is invaluable however, in giving a more formal grounding in the sport and we provide coaching to our members, particularly those who are new to the club or who are beginner players.
Our coaching program over the last two years has rewarded the club with several new starters achieving success beyond initial expectations.
Coaching is provided at scheduled times throughout the playing season and individual and small group coaching sessions can also be arranged which are more focused on specific areas.
A noticeboard dedicated to coaching is outside the men's changing room in the club house. This is the place to get the latest coaching information and contact details for our coach. It is recommended that club members check this noticeboard regularly for upcoming coaching sessions and other useful information.
Everyone can benefit from coaching for example
Upcoming Coaching Sessions
Our coaching program over the last two years has rewarded the club with several new starters achieving success beyond initial expectations.
Coaching is provided at scheduled times throughout the playing season and individual and small group coaching sessions can also be arranged which are more focused on specific areas.
A noticeboard dedicated to coaching is outside the men's changing room in the club house. This is the place to get the latest coaching information and contact details for our coach. It is recommended that club members check this noticeboard regularly for upcoming coaching sessions and other useful information.
Everyone can benefit from coaching for example
- A new bowler who wants to know where to start and to get a feel for the game and to begin their journey with the sport
- An improving player who would like to progress their game
- An experienced player who feels that something has gone wrong with their game and would like help to identify and resolve the problem
Upcoming Coaching Sessions
Videos
There are a large number of videos and tutorials about lawns bowls on the web. Some of which are very old but still give invaluable advice from the sports greatest players. A selection have been included here that may be helpful in giving a grounding in the game to new bowlers and many experienced bowlers may find new insight too.
1. Lawn Bowls For Fun
This is a YouTube channel that gives a gentle and engaging introduction to the sport and embodies the spirit of the game. It is hosted by Alec from a club in the UK. There are over 40 short videos covering all aspects of the game, the early videos are aimed at new and beginning bowlers. The content slowly does get more advanced as the videos progress but none of them are challenging. The videos are mostly numbered so watch them in order if possible but this is not critical.
Here is a link to the series of videos, Lawn Bowls for Fun
2. Tony Allcock's Art of Bowls
This is a series of three videos that goes through the game of bowls in detail. Although the video series is very old there is lots of helpful material in the content.
The titles are
Tony Allcock's Art of Bowls Vol. 1 - Basics
Tony Allcock's Art of Bowls Vol. 2 - Bowling The Jack
Tony Allcock's Art of Bowls Vol. 3 - Putting It All Together
This is a link to the first video in the series, Tony Allcock's Art of Bowls Vol. 1
Tony Allcock OBE (born 1955) is an English bowls player. Born in Leicestershire, England he is considered to be one of the leading bowlers of his generation and was twice world outdoor singles champion (1992 and 1996) and three times World Indoor Singles Champion (1986, 1987 and 2002). He is now chief executive of Bowls England. Having been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 1989 New Year Honours for services to bowls, he was promoted to Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2019 Birthday Honours for services to lawn bowls.
3. Bowls Masterclass with Richard Corsie
This is a series of three videos giving guidance to bowlers at various levels.
The titles are
Bowls Masterclass with Richard Corsie - Part 1, Beginner Level
Bowls Masterclass with Richard Corsie - Part 2, Intermediate Level
Bowls Masterclass with Richard Corsie - Part 3, Advanced Level
This is a link to the first video in the series, Bowls Masterclass with Richard Corsie - Part 1
Richard Corsie MBE (born 27 November 1966) is a Scottish international outdoor and indoor bowls player, he is considered to be among the best bowls players of all time. He won the World Indoor Bowls Championships singles title three times during his career and also won the pairs title twice with Alex Marshall and Graham Robertson respectively. He won the pairs title at the 1992 World Outdoor Bowls Championship with Marshall and two years later won a Commonwealth Games gold medal in the singles at the 1994 Commonwealth Games beating his long-time nemesis and friend Tony Allcock in the final. He was the Chairman of the Professional Bowls Association when the World Bowls Tour was formed on 1 January 1997.
4. Good Bowling - Presented by the English Bowling Association
Originally produced by the 'English Bowling Association' this video contains helpful tips & tricks for beginners and advanced bowlers alike.
The video can be found here, Good Bowling
5. Bowls with David Bryant
This video is a comprehensive guide to many aspects of the game, from choosing bowls to stance and delivery and types of shot. A good grounding in the game even if very dated.
The link to the video is, Bowls with David Bryant
David John Bryant CBE (27 October 1931 – 27 August 2020) was a three-times World (outdoors) singles bowls champion (in 1966, 1980 and 1988), a three-times World indoors singles champion (in 1979, 1980 and 1981) and a four times Commonwealth Games singles gold medallist. He is generally considered to be the greatest bowler of all time, winning 19 World and Commonwealth gold medals in total. In the 1969 New Year Honours, Bryant was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to bowls. He was promoted to Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 1980 Birthday Honours, again for services to bowls.
1. Lawn Bowls For Fun
This is a YouTube channel that gives a gentle and engaging introduction to the sport and embodies the spirit of the game. It is hosted by Alec from a club in the UK. There are over 40 short videos covering all aspects of the game, the early videos are aimed at new and beginning bowlers. The content slowly does get more advanced as the videos progress but none of them are challenging. The videos are mostly numbered so watch them in order if possible but this is not critical.
Here is a link to the series of videos, Lawn Bowls for Fun
2. Tony Allcock's Art of Bowls
This is a series of three videos that goes through the game of bowls in detail. Although the video series is very old there is lots of helpful material in the content.
The titles are
Tony Allcock's Art of Bowls Vol. 1 - Basics
Tony Allcock's Art of Bowls Vol. 2 - Bowling The Jack
Tony Allcock's Art of Bowls Vol. 3 - Putting It All Together
This is a link to the first video in the series, Tony Allcock's Art of Bowls Vol. 1
Tony Allcock OBE (born 1955) is an English bowls player. Born in Leicestershire, England he is considered to be one of the leading bowlers of his generation and was twice world outdoor singles champion (1992 and 1996) and three times World Indoor Singles Champion (1986, 1987 and 2002). He is now chief executive of Bowls England. Having been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 1989 New Year Honours for services to bowls, he was promoted to Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2019 Birthday Honours for services to lawn bowls.
3. Bowls Masterclass with Richard Corsie
This is a series of three videos giving guidance to bowlers at various levels.
The titles are
Bowls Masterclass with Richard Corsie - Part 1, Beginner Level
Bowls Masterclass with Richard Corsie - Part 2, Intermediate Level
Bowls Masterclass with Richard Corsie - Part 3, Advanced Level
This is a link to the first video in the series, Bowls Masterclass with Richard Corsie - Part 1
Richard Corsie MBE (born 27 November 1966) is a Scottish international outdoor and indoor bowls player, he is considered to be among the best bowls players of all time. He won the World Indoor Bowls Championships singles title three times during his career and also won the pairs title twice with Alex Marshall and Graham Robertson respectively. He won the pairs title at the 1992 World Outdoor Bowls Championship with Marshall and two years later won a Commonwealth Games gold medal in the singles at the 1994 Commonwealth Games beating his long-time nemesis and friend Tony Allcock in the final. He was the Chairman of the Professional Bowls Association when the World Bowls Tour was formed on 1 January 1997.
4. Good Bowling - Presented by the English Bowling Association
Originally produced by the 'English Bowling Association' this video contains helpful tips & tricks for beginners and advanced bowlers alike.
The video can be found here, Good Bowling
5. Bowls with David Bryant
This video is a comprehensive guide to many aspects of the game, from choosing bowls to stance and delivery and types of shot. A good grounding in the game even if very dated.
The link to the video is, Bowls with David Bryant
David John Bryant CBE (27 October 1931 – 27 August 2020) was a three-times World (outdoors) singles bowls champion (in 1966, 1980 and 1988), a three-times World indoors singles champion (in 1979, 1980 and 1981) and a four times Commonwealth Games singles gold medallist. He is generally considered to be the greatest bowler of all time, winning 19 World and Commonwealth gold medals in total. In the 1969 New Year Honours, Bryant was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to bowls. He was promoted to Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 1980 Birthday Honours, again for services to bowls.
Books
There are many books on the Sport of Lawn Bowls. A selection have been set out below which are aimed at the beginning bowler, the improving bowler and the more experienced bowler. The links point to Amazon but the books may be available at other places.
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Bowls (Know the Game) 4th Edition - Bowls England
This is a great introduction to the sport for all ages. It has clear text, many illustrations and photographs of professionals in action. It can be viewed and purchased here amazon.co.uk. |
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Bowls (Crowood Sports Guides) - John Bell
This guide provides sound practical advice that will make you a better sportsperson whether you are learning the basic skills, discovering more advanced techniques or reviewing the fundamentals of your game. John Bell played bowls for England for 21 years (outdoor 1978-1998 and indoor 1983-1996) and for his native Cumbria for nearly 40 years. He has competed in five World Championships and in two Commonwealth Games and has won four World gold medals and two bronze. Along with many other honours, John has held the British Isles, European and English outdoor singles titles. The guide can be viewed and purchased here amazon.co.uk. |
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Bowls: Making the Most of Your Game - Patrick Hulbert
This is a comprehensive one-stop-shop detailing the key technical, psychological, tactical and physical aspects of the sport of bowls, including effective teamwork strategies using new and up-to-date approaches, bringing the game into the twenty-first century. With tips and suggestions from some of the worlds greatest players, the book explores in great depth how psychology can play an integral role in your performance as well as the traditionally important aspects: tactics and technique. The book can be viewed and purchased here amazon.co.uk |
Laws of the Sport of Bowls
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As with any sport there are official rules or 'Laws' for Bowls. These are devised and updated by World Bowls which is the recognised International Federation for the Sport of Bowls. The current version Laws of the Sport of Bowls (Crystal Mark Fourth Edition) is available on the World Bowls website, on the Bowls England website and it can also be viewed and downloaded here.
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The Marker - Duties And Responsibilities
The Laws on "The Duties of Markers" are printed in the booklet 'LAWS OF THE GAME'. They are also printed in the Handbooks of the various National Authorities.
The following hints and advice are offered for the benefit of all Markers.
The following hints and advice are offered for the benefit of all Markers.
- Take time to study the Law Book especially those parts applying to Singles play.
- Always be correctly attired and have a pen (that works), a measure and chalk handy.
- Introduce yourself to both players and if necessary introduce them to one another.
- Make sure you know each player's bowls and arrange with players for the removal of dead bowls from the ditch.
- Advise them that you are required to mark touching bowls immediately they come to rest and that they should allow time for you to do that.
- Remind players that it is up to THEM to decide whether bowls, or jack, near the boundary line are in, or out, of play. If they cannot agree then THEY call the Umpire. They cannot ask the Marker to make such a decision.
- Be strictly neutral. Do not comment on, or declare, the result of an end. The Players will agree and declare the result at the end.
