Table of Contents
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A good delivery and steady stance are the foundations of success in bowls. Without them, even the best line and weight will be hard to repeat. The good news is that anyone can improve with a little practice and attention to detail.
Start with Your Stance
Your stance is the base of every shot.
Begin by standing with your feet about shoulder-width apart, which gives you balance and stability. Place your leading foot, the one that will step forward, in the direction you want the bowl to travel. As you settle into position, keep your weight evenly spread so you feel steady but not stiff.
Comfort is important, too. Everyone’s body shape and flexibility are different, so it is better to choose a stance that feels natural rather than forcing yourself into an awkward position that will be hard to repeat consistently.
Holding the Bowl
The way you hold the bowl will affect how smoothly it leaves your hand.
Rest the bowl lightly rather than gripping it too tightly, as tension in your hand and arm makes for a jerky delivery. Keep your wrist straight and your arm relaxed so the bowl can flow freely during the swing.
Before you move, check that the running surface of the bowl is upright and ready to roll along your chosen line. This small check helps prevent mistakes later in the delivery.
The Delivery Action
The delivery itself should be smooth and steady.
As you step forward with your leading foot, keep your head still and your eyes fixed on your aiming point. Allow your arm to swing in a natural pendulum motion, bringing the bowl forward in a controlled manner.
Release the bowl close to the ground so that it runs smoothly onto the green rather than bouncing. Once the bowl has left your hand, let your arm continue its swing in the same direction as your aiming point. This follow-through helps guide both your line and rhythm.
Staying Consistent
Consistency in bowls comes from repeating the same routine every time you step onto the mat. A simple pre-shot routine is a good way to build this habit.
For example, take a moment behind the mat to pick your aiming point and settle your thoughts with a deep breath. Then, step onto the mat in the same way each time, positioning your feet carefully.
When you deliver the bowl, focus on using the same smooth motion you have practiced.
By keeping your actions repeatable, you reduce the chance of errors and give yourself a more reliable game.
Practice Tips
Improvement happens most quickly when you practice with purpose. One useful method is to work on line and length separately.
In one session, focus only on rolling your bowls along the correct line, and in another, practice achieving a consistent length. To help check your accuracy, place small targets such as coins or markers on the green and aim for them.
Short, focused practice sessions often work better than long, casual ones. Ten to fifteen minutes of concentrated effort can help you build muscle memory more effectively than an hour of rolling without a clear goal.
Final Thought
Bowls is a sport that rewards rhythm and control rather than force. A balanced stance, a smooth delivery, and a simple, repeatable routine are the keys to consistency. The more often you practice these basics, the more natural they will feel, and your game will steadily improve.