Practise games for this unit.
Click on the bowls.
Drills 4 & 5. Also 6 & 7
Coaching. The Draw Shot.
The aim of the draw shot is to finish as close to the target as possible.
The correct line selection method and bowl speed control are both critical elements of the draw shot.
Click on the bowl to watch a video on the draw shot.
A practice exercise for drawing.
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Variations:
a The resting shot. A draw with a defined target.
Objective: To rest an opponent’s bowl, i.e., draw to the target bowl.
i) accuracy of bowl speed is the primary issue for this shot.
b Position or covering bowl.
Objective: To finish in a pre selected position for a specific purpose, i.e., to cover a group of opposition bowls at the rear or side of the head.
i) Back bowl. Maintain original line and increase line speed.
ii) On the head. Wide of the centre line, the player will need to change the line by altering the fixed point and thus the position of the feet. You also need to establish whether more or less bowl speed is required.
iii) Skip shows where exactly the bowl is to rest.
c The block.
Objective: Played deliberately to be short and in the way of the opponent.
i) Must be not less than 14 metres from the matline to be alive.
ii) Used to get in the way of the opposition’s intention to drive.
d Drawing to a spilled jack. When the jack has been moved by a bowl off the centre line.
i) Adjust the line from the original reference mark on the bank allowing for slightly less draw due to unused surface. (Going through new territory.)
ii) Line up anchor foot accordingly.
iii) Calculate bowl speed required – remember to increase the bowl speed if the bowl needs to travel over unused surface.
iv) Draw bowl as usual to new target.
Don’t forget your pre shot routine as it gives you a better opportunity for a consistent and accurate delivery. The routine should begin approximately 1 metre behind the mat in the direction of the intended line.
* Commence concentration, focus on and think about the shot you are going to play.
* Either receive information from the skip or make own decision as to the shot you are to play.
* Position the bowl in the hand.
* Identify the intended line selecting a permanent object on the bank.
* Visualise the shot to be played, the line and how far, how fast?
* Confirm line, establish a focus point.
* Move on to the mat.
Remember the Basics.
Hold the bowl correctly and comfortably.
Identify the line of delivery from 1m behind the mat, pre shot routine.
In deciding with hind to play, general rule is:
forehand for any target right of the centre line
backhand for any target left of the centre line
Ensure anchor foot is placed correctly on the mat. Aim along the line the bowl is to be bowled and determine the focus point.
Delivery technique. Free flowing, rhythmic movement, balanced and co-ordinated.
Control bowl speed.Follow through and watch th bowl travel over the focus point along intended line.
Always move and step FORWARD to allow full weight transfer.
Click on the bowl for a Bowls Canterbury warm up drill for beginners.
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Rules.
Possession of the rink.
Possession of the rink shall belong to the team whose bowl is being played. The players in possession of the rink for the time being shall not be interfered with, annoyed, or have their attention distracted in any way by their opponents.
As soon as each bowl shall have come to rest, possession of the rink shall be transferred to the other team, time being allowed for marking a ‘toucher’.
Etiquette.
Do not criticize bowls – either your own team or the opposition.
During the game encourage your team mates, do not criticize them. Commend good shots and learn to accept that flukes are a part of the game. Sometimes they go for you, sometimes against.
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. 
