As someone who’s been playing bowls for over 35 years, one of the most common questions I get asked by newer players is this – “What’s the best way to improve?”
My answer is always the same: practice, practice, and then practice some more. But not just any practice. If you really want to improve your consistency and become a competitive bowler, you need to spend time practicing alone.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Rolling up with friends is great fun and part of what makes bowls such a social sport. But if you’re always playing casually with others, it’s easy to slip into bad habits, or rush your delivery. When you’re on your own, you can slow things down, focus on your technique, and really work on the parts of your game that need attention.
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Why Practice Alone?
Here are just a few reasons why solo practice is so valuable:
1. You can focus on your delivery
Without the distractions of a casual game, you can really pay attention to how you deliver the bowl. Is your stance balanced? Is your arm swinging straight? Are you following through properly? When you have no one else around, you can take your time and repeat your delivery over and over until it feels natural.
2. You can build a repeatable routine
The best bowlers are consistent because they’ve built a routine they trust. Practicing alone allows you to go through your pre-shot process the same way every time. That routine is what holds up under pressure in a close match.
3. You can work on specific shots
Want to master the draw shot? Or maybe you struggle with your weight control? When you practice alone, you can set yourself little challenges – draw to the jack from both hands, or stop your bowl within a two-foot target zone. No need to play full ends. Just repeat the same shot again and again until it’s second nature.
4. You control the pace
Solo sessions can be short and focused. You might only practice for 30 or 40 minutes, but if you’re concentrating fully, that can be more useful than two hours of distracted roll-ups with friends. It’s all about quality, not quantity.
Tips for Practicing Alone
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your solo practice:
- Set a goal before you start – For example, “I want to land three bowls within a mat’s length of the jack from the ditch end.” This makes the practice session more purposeful.
- Use markers or cones– These can help you create target areas on the green to aim for. You can even set out loan bowls from the cupboard to help with drills.
- Work on your weaker hand – Many players avoid using their weaker side. Solo sessions are a great time to even things out. I will often draw 2 backhand (my go to shot) then 2 forehand – one every end of a practice session. My friend Andy will work 20 minutes solid forehand, followed by 20 minutes backhand. The important things is to work on your weaknesses as much as your strengths, if not more!
- Finish with a confidence booster – End your session with a few shots you’re good at, to leave on a high note. Especially if you started well, then form tailed off – try to do some basic shots for yourself to finish and call it a day when they boost your mood back to what it was earlier.
A Final Thought
If you’re serious about improving your game and getting more competitive, make time each week for a solo session on the green. It might feel odd at first, especially if you’re used to the buzz of playing with others. But over time, you’ll notice something important – your shots will start landing more consistently, your confidence will grow, and you’ll begin to enjoy the game on a whole new level.
Remember, even after all these years, I still go out and practice on my own. Because no matter how experienced you are, there’s always something to sharpen, something to improve.
So next time you’ve got a spare hour don’t wait for someone to join you. Just grab your woods, head to the green, and get stuck in. Your future self – and your match results – will thank you.