What is Lawn Bowling?
Lawn bowling is a sport where players compete by rolling biased bowls towards a smaller target ball, known as the jack. The goal is to finish with your bowl being closer to the jack than your opponent. Although it’s a popular summer sport, and one that’s often played on vacation, lawn bowling is a strategic game that requires an accurate touch and an understanding of your playing surface.
This sport can be played both recreationally and competitively, whether as individuals or in a team format. At DP Bowls, we sell lawn bowling equipment for competitors across the United States and Canada as the official U.S. retailer of Drakes Pride. Below, we’re covering the basics that every beginner needs to know when trying lawn bowling for the first time.
How Does Lawn Bowling Work?
Lawn bowling starts with players standing at a mat, which is placed on one end of the rink. Before the players start, the jack is rolled from the mat, creating the target for the players to aim for. As the game begins, players take turns to try to roll their bowls to the target.
This is more complicated than it seems. Lawn bowls are deliberately biased, so they travel along a curved path, rather than a straight line, meaning players have to find the best delivery line that works with this curve. Once all the bowls have been rolled, the team or player with the bowl that’s closest to the jack wins.
Lawn bowling is suitable for players of all ages and is a great social game. Interested in finding out more about lawn bowling? Discover the history of lawn bowling and how Drakes Pride has been involved in the sport since 1820.
Why Don’t Lawn Bowls Roll Straight?
Lawn bowls are deliberately asymmetric, which causes them to follow a curved path as they slow down. When players take their turn, they have to consider this curved line, the bowl’s weight, and the condition of the playing ground before rolling. These playing conditions are why lawn bowling is considered a game of precision.
Many players will use custom bowls or choose their lawn bowls with a specific grip or weight in mind to suit their playing style.
What Equipment Do You Need for Lawn Bowling?
Lawn bowling can be played with single players, in pairs, or in larger teams of three or more. As a beginner, you won’t need to buy every piece of equipment, but it’s a good idea to know what you can expect to purchase over time.
-
Lawn bowls: The first piece of equipment you’ll buy and the most important. Over time, you may decide to invest in professional or custom lawn bowls.
-
Jack: The small target ball with one required per game.
-
Mat: The delivery area that players must stand on when delivering their bowls.
-
Bowls bag: Ideal if you play at your local bowls club or want to bring your lawn bowls on vacation.
-
Bowling shoes: Most playing greens will require you to wear flat-soled shoes to protect the surface.
As you get more involved in the sport, you can purchase other accessories, like Winwax to polish your lawn bowls and measuring devices if you’re playing competitively.
Ready to Get Started? Shop Lawn Bowling Equipment From Drakes Pride
If lawn bowling sounds like a sport for you, get started by visiting your local bowls club or by watching a game to familiarize yourself with the rules and equipment. Once you’ve played a few games, you can start investing in professional lawn bowls and accessories.
Shop our lawn bowling equipment or get in touch with our team if you have any questions about lawn bowls, custom bowls, or other accessories.