Bowls, also known as lawn bowls, is a sport that is played on a grass surface using bowls, which are spherical balls with a bias or weight on one side. The aim of the game is to roll the bowls, or “deliver” them, as close as possible to a smaller ball called a “jack” or “kitty”, while also trying to disrupt the opposition’s bowls. Bowls is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt and was later popularized in England during the 13th century.
The game is typically played outdoors on a flat, rectangular grass surface called a “green” that is divided into parallel playing surfaces called “rinks”. The rinks are typically between 36 to 40 meters long and between 4 to 6 meters wide. Each end of the rink has a set of markers that indicate the boundaries of the rink and the position of the jack.
Two teams of one, two, three, or four players compete against each other, with each player using four bowls. The team that has the bowl closest to the jack at the end of each end, earns one point for each of their bowls that are closer to the jack than the closest bowl of the opposing team. The team that reaches the agreed number of points first, wins the game.
A game of bowls begins with the “lead” player from each team delivering the first bowl. The lead player delivers the bowl by rolling it along the surface of the green, aiming to have it stop as close as possible to the jack. The opposing team then delivers their bowls, with the aim of getting their bowls closer to the jack or “bowling” the opposition’s bowls away from the jack.
Once all bowls have been delivered, the end is over, and the bowls are measured to determine the score. The team that has the bowl closest to the jack earns one point for each of their bowls that are closer to the jack than the closest bowl of the opposing team. If the jack is moved or knocked out of bounds during the end, the end is considered “dead” and is replayed.
Bowls can be delivered in different ways, depending on the player’s skill level and the conditions of the green. There are three main types of deliveries: the “forehand”, the “backhand” and the “upshot” or “yard on”. The forehand delivery is when the player delivers the bowl with their front hand leading, while the backhand delivery is when the player delivers the bowl with their back hand leading. The upshot or yard on delivery is used when the player wants to deliver the bowl with more weight and accuracy to reach a specific spot on the green.
Bowls is a sport that requires skill, precision, and strategy. Players must be able to accurately judge the speed and direction of the green, as well as the weight and bias of their bowls. They must also be able to anticipate and adapt to the conditions of the green, such as wind, rain, and sun, as well as the opposition’s bowls.
The sport is governed by the World Bowls, which is the world governing body for the sport of bowls. The World Bowls organizes international competitions, including the World Bowls Championships, which is held every four years, and the Commonwealth Games.
Bowls is a sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. It is a great way to stay active, improve fitness, and socialize with friends. The sport is also known for its inclusive and welcoming culture, making it a great option for those looking for a competitive or recreational activity.
Bowls clubs are found all around the world and typically have a mix of members from all ages and backgrounds.