What are the basic rules and techniques for beginners in lawn bowls?
Lawn bowls is an ancient game, with origins traced back to the 13th century in England.
It was a popular pastime among medieval monks and nobility.
The bowls used in lawn bowls are not perfectly spherical - they are slightly lopsided or "biased", which causes them to curve or "draw" as they roll across the green.
Proper grip and stance are crucial in lawn bowls.
Beginners should hold the bowl with their fingers across the bias, and maintain a balanced, square stance to ensure accurate delivery.
Unlike other bowling sports, the objective in lawn bowls is to get your bowl as close to the small white target ball (called the "jack") as possible, rather than knocking it away.
Lawn bowls can be played in several formats - singles, pairs, triples, and fours.
The number of players per team affects the strategy and scoring.
The green (playing surface) in lawn bowls is made of closely-mown grass, and must be kept meticulously flat and smooth to ensure consistent ball motion.
Weather conditions like wind and moisture can significantly impact the trajectory of the bowls, requiring players to constantly adjust their delivery based on the green conditions.
Bowls have a "bias" (heavier side) that causes the bowl to curve as it rolls.
Players must learn to control and use this bias to their advantage.
Lawn bowls features a unique scoring system where points are awarded based on how close each team's bowls are to the jack at the conclusion of an "end" (like a frame in other bowling sports).
Etiquette is highly emphasized in lawn bowls.
Players are expected to maintain quiet and stillness while others are delivering their bowls.
Successful lawn bowls players develop a keen sense of distance, trajectory, and "weight" (the speed of delivery) to precisely control where their bowls come to rest.
Lawn bowls clubs often have coaching programs and experienced players who are eager to share tips and techniques with new participants to help them improve their game.