Practise drill for this unit.
Click on the bowl.
Coaching. The Bowling Action. The Pendulum Swing.
The bowl is delivered by generating forward momentum from a stationary position to a position that allows the smooth grounding of the bowl:
Other delivery requirements:
* Stability and control
* Rhythm
* Timing
* Weight transfer
The bowling arm action is a controlled pendulum swing.
* it starts with a slight transfer of weight forward onto toes, without lifting the heels.
* the arm drops downwards and backwards in a straight line.
* simultaneously step forward along the intended line and lower the body.
The forward swing commences in a straight line from the maximum back swing as the heal of the leading foot makes contact with the green.
The back swing and the step length will vary depend on the bowl speed required.
The bowl is released when the delivery arm is extended and vertical (bowl release occurs directly below the shoulder) and therefore the bowl is at the closest point to the ground (i.e., at the bottom of the pendulum swing) and adjacent to the toe of the leading foot.
The non bowling arm slides down the thigh during the delivery to rest on the top of the knee with the lower arm (elbow to wrist) resting firmly on the lower thigh as the bowl is delivered. This action assists with stability at release and ensures that the shoulders remain square during delivery.
The delivery arm continues along the line of delivery after the bowl is released to complete the follow through. The palm faces upwards and the head is still.
The bowler stays down allowing for full weight transfer until the bowl is well clear of the delivery hand, then watches the bowl running down the delivery line. The head must remain still.
As the bowl travels along the delivery line, the bowler will continue in a forward motion and stand up slowly. It is important to continue watching the bowl until it has come to rest.
NB Don’t step backwards or turn away.
The Stance.
Upright and relaxed.
Bowl held waist high.
Feet apart for balance
Delivery Action.
Left wrist rests on knee.
Step forward to line.
Good back swing
Bowl Release.
Arm at vertical release.
Shoulders over the toe.
Head kept still with body balanced.
Bowl Delivery.
Arm follows through.
Rear foot remains on mat.
Body stays down on release.
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Follow through.
Complete the follow through with the bowling arm following behind the bowl, down the intended line, finishing in a horizontal position. Bad habits at bowl release and follow through are a common cause of inconsistency in line and bowl speed.
* Keep hand aligned behind bowl throughout delivery
* Allow arm to follow along the delivery line with palm to heaven and head still
* Stay down during delivery with the body moving forward along the delivery line
* Complete weight transfer and stand up slowly by bringing anchor foot up to the leading foot * Move off the mat forward along the intended delivery line
Click on the bowl for some basic info from Selina Goddard.
ACT CONFIDENTLY AND BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
* Set realistic performance goals
* Practise the skills
* Expect to perform up to your current abilities
* Be in good physical condition
* Measure success in terms of your goals (not in terms of winning)
* Use positive self-talk
* Act confidently
* Trust yourself
* Embrace competition – it is the reward for practice
* Mistakes happen – learn to deal with disappointment
* Persevere.
Our club owns a DVD called “Coaching Lawn Bowls – The New Zealand Way”.
It is a “must see” for all new bowlers and those wanting to improve their bowling. It demonstrates correct technique, shows bowling strategies to practise and illustrates common faults.
Please contact any of the executive if you want to borrow the DVD.
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Rules.
The mat needs to be placed on the centre line. If, before the jack has been delivered, a player finds the mat is incorrectly placed, the player who is to play first should correctly place the mat. If the jack is delivered, but before the first bowl is delivered, and the mat is discovered off line the opposing player should replace the mat and redeliver the jack making sure it is centred. The original player starts first.
Etiquette.
Make sure the path of the bowl is clear to avoid hitting another bowl.
Bowls New Zealand has produced a series of coaching videos, a new initiative from the Bowls New Zealand coaching group for the benefit of the entire bowling community.
Topics include: technique tactics performance nutrition mental skills fitness
Click on the icon to go to the BNZ website. 
