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One of the most fascinating parts of lawn bowls is the way the bowl curves as it travels down the green. New players often ask why the bowl does not roll in a straight line like a ball. The answer lies in something called bias, and once you understand it, the game makes a lot more sense.
What Is Bias?
Unlike a round ball, a lawn bowl is slightly uneven in shape. It is designed with a small difference in weight across the sides, which makes one side heavier than the other. This imbalance is what we call bias. Because of the bias, the bowl naturally curves towards the heavier side as it slows down. Without this feature, bowls would only travel in straight lines, and the game would lose much of its strategy.
Why Does the Bowl Curve?
When you deliver a bowl, it starts off in a straight path. As the bowl begins to lose speed, the bias takes effect, and the bowl bends gently towards its weighted side. The faster it is moving, the less the curve will show, but as it slows down near the jack, the bend becomes more obvious. This is why bowls often appear to swing dramatically at the end of their journey.
Using Bias in the Game
Learning to use bias is one of the key skills in bowls. By turning the bowl in your hand before delivery, you can choose whether it curves to the left or the right. This allows you to play around obstacles, find a path through crowded heads, or place your bowl in a safe position. Understanding the amount of curve also helps you judge how wide to aim when you step onto the mat. Experienced players learn to trust the bias and allow it to bring the bowl into the head.
Different Bowls, Different Biases
Not all bowls have the same degree of bias. Some sets are designed to bend more, while others have a narrower line and curve less. This is why bowls come with bias charts or guides, showing how much they turn on a standard green. Players often choose their bowls based on the type of green they usually play on and the style of game they prefer. A wider bias can give more options around obstacles, while a narrower bias can be easier for drawing straight to the jack.
Practising with Bias
The best way to understand bias is by spending time on the green. Practise delivering your bowls at different speeds and watch how the curve changes. Try aiming wider than you think you need and notice how the bowl bends back towards the target. Over time, you will learn to judge the right angle and pace to make the most of the bias. This practice builds confidence and helps you plan more tactical shots in matches.
Final Thought
Bias is what makes bowls unique. It turns a simple game of rolling balls into a contest of skill, judgement, and strategy. By understanding why a bowl bends and learning how to use it to your advantage, you take an important step forward in improving your game.