Trial Bowling Session - What to Expect

When you arrive at the club any member will be happy to introduce you to a qualified coach who will show you the facilities.

We will discuss the objectives of the game, basic rules and etiquette and aim to have you delivering your bowls with a smooth and comfortable delivery by the end of your first session.

All equipment - bowls, mats, and jacks will be provided and while we do have some flat soled shoes if have you have smoothish soled trainers or similar you may be more comfortable wearing these. Your coach will check if they are suitable. Loose clothing will allow you to move freely. Shorts are allowed.

Physical Difficulties

Don't worry, just discuss any issues you may have with your Coach who will work with you to find a delivery style that works for you.

The Future

If you would like to continue playing bowls, coaching can be provided on Tuesday evenings or at a mutually convenient time during the week. All coaching is free.

Guide to the Game

The aim of the game is simple. Get your bowls as close as possible to a small white ball called the 'jack'.

It might sound easy, but the fact that the bowls do not travel in a straight line seriously adds to the tactical challenge. Bowls can be played indoors or outdoors, and the rules are the same, with top stars from both formats coming together to play lawn bowls at the Commonwealth Games. All the action takes place on a standard bowling green, which is a flat square 34-40m long. This is divided into six playing areas called rinks.

After a coin toss, the first bowler (the lead) places the mat and rolls the jack to the other end of the green as a target. The jack must travel at least 23m and, when it comes to rest, it is moved across to the centre of the rink.

The players then take turns to bowl. When all the bowls have been played, a competitor or team gets one point for each of their bowls that is closer to the jack than the opponent's closest bowl.

After all the bowls have been delivered, the direction of play is reversed. This is the end of an end!  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 points. In the other three formats, the winner is the team that scores the most points over a set number of ends.

The following link provides a good introduction. BBC SPORT | Other Sport... | Bowls | Bowled over