Everything a complete beginner needs to step onto the green with confidence.
Roll your biased bowls as close as possible to a small white ball called the jack. The player or team with the most bowls nearest the jack at the end scores points.
A flat, manicured grass or synthetic surface divided into playing lanes called rinks. Each rink is 4.3–5.8m wide and 31–40m long, with a ditch at either end.
A small white or yellow sphere that acts as the target. Rolled to a minimum of 25m from the mat at the start of each end, then centred in the rink.
Asymmetrical weighted spheres (~1.5kg) that curve as they slow down due to built-in bias. Sets of four in various sizes. The curve is what makes the game tactical.
A rubber mat placed centrally on the green from which all deliveries are made. Front edge must be at least 2m from the back ditch and no more than 25m from front ditch.
First to 21 shots in singles, or the team with the most shots after 18 or 21 ends. In the sets format, first to win enough sets is declared the winner.
A coin toss decides who goes first. The winner places the mat and rolls the jack to start the first end, then bowls first.
Placed centrally along the rink. Front edge at least 2m from back ditch, no more than 25m from front ditch. Once set, cannot be moved until the end is complete.
The jack must travel at least 25m from the mat, stay inbounds. Once it stops, it's centred by the marker or an agreed player. It's now the target.
Players alternate. Always keep at least one foot on or over the mat during delivery. The bowl curves — learn to use this bias to navigate around obstacles.
Once all bowls are played, count the shots. Winning side scores one point per bowl closer to the jack than the opponent's nearest bowl.
The next end is played in the opposite direction. The team that won the last end goes first. Play continues until the agreed number of ends is reached.
Only one team scores per end. They receive one "shot" for every bowl closer to the jack than the nearest opposing bowl.
After the last bowl comes to rest, wait 30 seconds before counting. Use a measure if it's too close to call visually.
Singles: first to 21. Teams: most shots after 18 or 21 ends. Sets format: first to win enough sets (e.g., 7-point sets) wins.
If nearest bowls from both sides are equidistant from the jack, no shots are scored. The same team delivers the jack for the next end.
If tied after the final end in a knockout competition, extra ends are played until one side leads. The losing team from the last end goes first.
Keep a running total. In team games, the order of play is fixed on the card — players must bowl in that order throughout.
First player in a team. Places the mat, rolls the jack, and builds the initial head. Consistency and accuracy to the jack are paramount. Uses 2 bowls in fours.
Plays after the lead. Builds on the foundation. Also keeps the scorecard. Must be versatile — able to draw and use controlled weight when needed.
Crucial tactical role. Responsible for measuring disputed shots and advising the skip. Must be able to make difficult positional shots or drive.
Captain of the team. Stands at the head, directing teammates and calling shots. Plays last — often under pressure. Needs the full range of shots.
Uses all 4 bowls each end. Responsible for everything — the mat, jack, tactics, and every shot. The ultimate test of individual skill and mental strength.
Each player uses 4 bowls. Lead handles mat and jack. Skip controls tactics and delivers last. Requires excellent communication and complementary skills.
Flat-soled bowling shoes are essential to protect the green. Regular trainers are not permitted. Most clubs have loaner shoes for first-time visitors.
Start with a mid-bias bowl. The Drakes Pride Professional or Taylor Ace are ideal for beginners. Try your club's loaner sets before investing in your own.
Grip a bowl naturally. If your middle fingertips just meet around it, that's the right size. Sizes run from 00 (smallest) to 7 (largest).
Most clubs require club shirts and grey/white trousers or skirts for matches. For casual play, smart casual is fine. All-whites are now rare except for elite events.
Visit your local club for a taster session — most welcome beginners. You'll get free equipment and coaching. Find clubs via Bowls England or World Bowls.
Greens play faster in dry, sunny weather and slower when wet. Always do a trial end to gauge conditions before a match begins.