Welcome to Lawn Bowls
Lawn bowls is one of the world's oldest and most sociable sports — and one of the most accessible. Whether you're watching for the first time or lacing up your flat-soled shoes for a trial session, there's a lot to enjoy. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before stepping onto the green for the first time.
What Is Lawn Bowls?
Lawn bowls is a precision sport where players roll biased balls (called bowls) towards a smaller white target ball called the jack. The aim is simple: get your bowls closer to the jack than your opponent's. The game is played on a flat grass or artificial surface called a green, divided into strips called rinks.
It can be played as singles, pairs, triples, or fours — making it a wonderfully flexible sport for individuals and groups alike.
The Basic Rules at a Glance
- A coin toss decides who delivers the jack first — this player is called the mat holder.
- The jack is rolled to the other end and centred on the rink.
- Each player takes turns delivering their bowls, trying to finish closest to the jack.
- Once all bowls have been played, the closest bowl(s) to the jack score points — this is called an end.
- A typical game runs for a set number of ends (often 18–21) or to a set score.
What Makes Bowls Unique: The Bias
Unlike a regular ball, a lawn bowl is not perfectly round — it's slightly flattened on one side, giving it a bias. This means the bowl curves as it slows down, rather than rolling in a straight line. Learning to read and use that curve is the core skill of the game.
When you deliver a bowl, you choose a hand — either the forehand (curving from right to left for a right-handed player) or the backhand (curving from left to right). Mastering both hands opens up a huge range of shots.
What to Wear and Bring
Most clubs have a dress code for competitive play, but for a beginner's session, you'll typically just need:
- Flat-soled shoes — this is essential to protect the green. Trainers with a flat, smooth sole usually work for a first visit.
- Comfortable clothing — casual trousers or shorts depending on the weather.
- The club will usually lend you a set of bowls to use when you're starting out.
How to Find a Club and Get Started
Most towns and villages have a lawn bowls club, and the vast majority actively welcome new members and run free taster sessions. Here's what a typical first visit looks like:
- You'll be greeted and shown the basic delivery technique by a member or club coach.
- You'll practice rolling a few bowls with guidance on grip and stance.
- You'll likely play a short informal game so you can experience the real thing.
- You'll have the chance to ask questions and find out about membership costs and session times.
Why Give It a Try?
Lawn bowls is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. It's a game of precision, strategy, and patience — not pace or power. Many players start later in life and reach a high competitive level within a few seasons. The social element is just as rewarding as the sport itself, with most clubs offering a warm community atmosphere.
If you've been curious about lawn bowls, the best advice is simple: find your nearest club and book a taster session. You might just find your new favourite sport.