All sports have their own language but not to worry! Now you’re ready to get started, here are a few terms that will help you chat about the sport.

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Backhand | When (for a right-handed player) the bowl is delivered so the curve of the bowl is from the left to right.

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Bias | The shape of the bowl which causes it to curve.

 

Delivery | The moment the bowl leaves the hand.

 

Ditch | The gully around the green. If a bowl ends up in the ditch and it is not a ‘toucher’ then it doesn’t count.

 

Draw | A bowl delivered at the correct weight, and with correct line, to arrive exactly where you want.

 

End | The sequence of play from the moment the mat is placed down until all bowls have been delivered and you know who has won. A bit like a game in tennis!

 

Foot fault | If you don’t deliver the bowl with part of your foot on the mat.

 

Forehand | When (for the right-handed player) the bowl is delivered so that the curve of the bowl is from the right to left.

 

Green | The total playing area. There are usually 6 rinks on each green.

 

Jack | The little round target ball to which you’re trying to get your bowls closest.

 

Mat | The rectangular shaped mat from which the bowler must deliver the jack and/or bowl.

 

Pace of Weight | The amount of force with which the bowl is delivered to execute a particular shot.

 

Rink | The rectangular strip of the green, between 4 and 6 metres wide, on which the game takes place.

 

Stance | Position adopted on the mat prior to delivery.

 

Shot | The bowl that is nearest the jack at any stage of play.

 

Toucher | A bowl that hits the jack during its original course. This bowl still counts even if it ends up in the ditch.

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Ready for a game? You can find your nearest outdoor club here or indoor club here, or alternatively we have more information from Bowls England on how to get started here.

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