Lawn Bowls Delivery: The Movement and The Release | Technical Difficulties 

Al, Thank you for the thoughtful comment! 8 years means your are just starting your journey in bowls, regardless of age. Glad you took up the sport and even happier that you are enjoying it. I've spent some time in Inverness as half my family is from Scotland. Mostly Glasgow/Clydebank region) but some live way up north! We appreciate the feedback as we hoped to create something simple to lay a solid framework for a solid delivery -- then players can add their own changes to make it their own. Hopefully, our videos are getting better as we go and we hope that some of our new projects will also be as good! All the best!

Glad you like them!

Thank you Howard!

Glad you like them!

Thats amazing Gray! Congratulations and hope your game continues to improve! All the best.

Thanks! We appreciate the feedback and are happy that so many are finding them useful.

Indeed.

Glad you enjoy it!

Thank you for checking out our videos!

Hello! Thank you for checking out the video and we are so happy it has helped you out!

Awesome! We really hope this helps your game.

Our pleasure!

Hi Patrick, The community means well in most circumstances when they are offering advice, but the consistency and expertise behind it can be questionable. Before you make any changes to your delivery based on bits and pieces of advice it's always best to seek out a qualified coach to ask questions and get help making those adjustments. Glad you enjoyed the video!

Glad you like them!

@Steve Hall amazing! Hopefully some of those small tweaks and some good repetition and practice will really help you raise your game. Congrats and keep it up!

@@CanadianBowler 👍❤️

Glad you enjoyed it!

Thank you so much!

We are so glad that these videos helped you out! We are hoping to keep this series going with some more instructional videos, so keep and eye out for that!

Glad you found our video! We hope it helps and let us know how things go!

@@CanadianBowler Have my 2nd day today. I’m singing praises of your teaching to 2 other new ladies & even to the club members. Knowing what to work towards to, helps me to improve my deliveries. In Australia, we are going into Winter.

Appreciate the support and glad it has helped!

Thank you Rob!

Awesome, thank you! we really appreciate the feedback.

Glad you got so much out of the video! This is exactly why we wanted to create the series and help players like yourself find those things that are bothering you and iron out the wrinkles! Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Glad the video was helpful Steve! I'm also 6ft+ and getting down is a big key to consistent delivery. Hope it helps and good luck in your big matches!

@@CanadianBowler Thanks very much, well I'm an established 2nd team player, but one of these games is for 1st team, I'm excited, but I want to be able to do myself justice

Well going forward to Sept 2022,I have actually reached a club final and won it 21-12,Attention to detail was the key to my success ,I'm absolutely delighted ,Thankyou so much 😀

AMAZING!

Thanks very much ,there were about 60 people watching, many first teamers ,it was so thrilling

Thank you! Cheers!

It will take some time and repetition, but focusing your attention to your follow through and trying to make sure your hand is palm up and pointing to your chosen target point is key. You can try this by placing visual markers on the green so it's clear and you can then work on forcing that follow through and repeating it regularly. You can also do some shadow delivery drills off the green and if you have a mirror you can do that towards you can reinforce that motion by seeing yourself and correcting it as much as possible

@@CanadianBowler thank you so much for your speedy answer. Great advice and I will be doing the practice drills. I really think that your videos are the very best.

I wouldn't recommend the knee twist behind, but if it is a natural movement and not excessive it's fine. Lots of players do it. My overall concern with it is when it's extremely exaggerated -- when you are young it is not a problem but as you get older and flexibility may be an issue it can become a problem that needs addressing as now you are changing a part of the delivery sequence. So the short answer is it's fine to do if it comes naturally, but trying to step out straight and have as little leg twisting or knee movement would be ideal. More from longevity and injury prevention as I don't believe doing it helps with the technical application of the delivery.

It's a game that you can play forever, but age/injuries/ailments all play a part in HOW we play the game. Making adjustments to equipment (smaller bowls perhaps?), the way you set up and deliver a bowl (sometimes static delivery works) can help keep you bowling at a higher level. Take a look at some of our other videos like this one: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-E92aYQKxE5g.html where we offer some tips.

Sometimes it's a matter of taking a step back, slowing yourself down and looking at the basics. When you've bowled for many years sometimes you get into a routine that is hard to break. Hope you find more and more success!

We are currently working on a fee more videos for the series! Thanks for checking them out!

Hi Jared. Nothing wrong with what you are doing. If it helps with the delivery, keeps you playing and you are successful at it keep going! As long as you have that back foot on or over the mat when you release the bowl, you are golden!

Thanks David! Release is such a critical part of the delivery and also such a tough one to review and correct as it's a little blip on the whole delivery process. If it isn't a mobility issue I would suggest trying to get a little video of yourself doing a handful of deliveries. Video can help identify other things that may be playing a part in your either not getting low enough, jumping up too fast or just a timing issue. Make sure it's a steady camera (tripod is best) so it's clear and steady. I would usually suggest going through the delivery motion without a bowl (maybe just a jack or ball to start) and try some tweaks (getting lower, slowing down, etc.) and see if anything helps you get that ball rolling smoothly and on point, then switch to a bowl and repeat and see if things stay smooth. It can be frustrating, but be persistent and if possible have a coach (or a good third party) help review from the outside.

Hi Peter! We will be making a video on aim and visualization soon. It is about finding a target/point of reference and drawing your line and trying to train yourself to see that line the bowl will take. It is similar to golf where you see the whole path and then pick a target on the green and aim and roll towards that. Great question!

Thanks for fast reply to my comment. I shall look forward to your future video on “Aim and Visualisation”.

Weight is tricky -- Your weight comes from the movement, so trying to work on controlling your body movement and speed through the delivery process can help. A good drill to try and work on this is to set out 3-4 jacks (or targets) on the green with 2-3 feet between them. So set one at minimum length, then one 2-3 feet farther and so on. Start by trying to group your bowls on each individual target -- as you get better at that, then switch and try to land each of your bowls to a different length. This will help you get the feel for adding/subtracting distance and hopefully will help with weight control.

Sure. I have done these practices but not taken them seriously. Ok, I will do them again and again. Thank you 🙏🏽

Typically I'd shy bowlers away from an overly athletic backswing. As I note in the video all you need is to get it between your butt and your back foot. It's not necessary to swing your arm way back to get a lot of power/speed and is wasted movement. If you are someone with a large backswing or are doing that for a drive you will need to have a way to squeeze the bowl for grip. It would mean moving to more of a claw grip where you are basically squeezing the bowl to hang on when you bring the bowl way back and up behind you. Or you may need to review the size of bowl you are using if you find you are having it slip. Basically you are having to think more about not dropping the bowl than making the shot.

Great. Thank you. I get it now.

Thanks for the question Michael! Unfortunately one of the areas we cut for time and consistency was some info on the off hand placement. We couldn't' go too in depth on every aspect or we'd have an hour long video. The reason we say to not place your off hand on your knee is around anchoring yourself or using it as a crutch. Often if we don't mention it players will grab their knee or use it to rest/put weight on which causes issues. It then creates a single connection point to your leg and creates issues around stepping , moving and creates a strange centre of gravity. It is ok to have your off hand on your arm, chest or leg or really anywhere if you aren't putting weight on it , grabbing for balance or have it get in the way. So, in this video it should slide freely down the leg. We will be doing some short addendum videos on questions and comments around the delivery videos and this will be one of the topics for sure as we've had a number of questions about it as I do place my hand on my leg but it moves freely and doesn't bear any weight. Great observation and question!

Absolutely. There's no rule you have to move, but having no motion and all arm as your method of controlling weight makes it more difficult overall.

Appreciate the comment. Some different angles would have shown more of the hand and arm and how those some together from the grip and stance into the movement and release. Totally fair!

@@CanadianBowler You do great work, I've been posting these to my clubs FB page. Keep up this great content, there are so few making it. Especially in North America. Can only take so many kiwi's telling me why I'm wrong.

@@carianoff We appreciate all the support! The feedback has been fantastic. We will likely make some more short videos to answer and address some of the comments and questions that have been asked.

Typically yes -- the video will show one angle and usually a single side of delivery. This would mean you'd want to adjust if you are bowling the other hand. You want your feet lined up to the target you are rolling towards. Then line the rest of your body on that same line.

Hi Steve! Glad you enjoyed the video. We have a few videos being worked on that deal with shot selection and finding your point of aim. Keep an eye on the channel!

Hi Janet, it seems like you have a series of obstacles that you are trying to overcome. Have you considered looking at a bowling aid like a bowls arm to help remove some of those obstacles and see if that really helps you enjoy the game more? They do also make sizes down to quadruple zero in many makes and models. Might be worth looking at a smaller bowl (if possible) and see if that helps you hold on and release it better. The size of the bowl doesn't matter for the game itself, it's all about finding the right bowl size for you.

We hope to make a series of videos on bowls but also on how to pick your line/take grass and also how to help control weight. Keep an eye on the channel!

Hello! Thank you for the compliment we really appreciate everyone that watches our videos! There are those that talk about larger step and larger backswing = more weight. We don't believe in that method of weight control or adding weight to your bowl. The idea for control is setting your aiming point either closer or farther as you need to get to a short or long jack or possibly a running shot. By adjusting your target point you are either shortening or lengthening where you need to roll your bowl and naturally you will step a little longer, move a little faster and your follow-through will likely get longer. Nothing should be manufactured like forcing a larger step or creating a longer backswing. You also shouldn't be trying to push the bowl, it should be a nice natural release with no added movements on it. It will take practice and repetition to get your delivery down and remove the forced movements, but working on setting your aim point on the green (usually equal to where the bowl will break or bias kicks in) and then shortening that or lengthening that will help you control weight. This gets tricky on ultra-slow greens like 9 seconds or less where you'll be forcing a bowl to get to the target and the finesse and smooth delivery is likely not in the picture. I hope we can make a video on point of aim as well as weight control to go over some of these questions in more detail to help!

@@CanadianBowler Thankyou very much for answering this question. This has never been explained to me before. Looks like I have a lot to work on as my aming point is usly on the bank or equel to the jack. I will now practice this method and see how it goes. It does makes sence.

Always a tough question. Best thing if you don't have a good surface to practice on is to find a decent one and use padding to cover things like walls and then you can roll into them and practice a delivery without actually rolling a bowl full length. It will give you at least a chance to try the movements and then when you finally get to a green you can put it all together and see how you perform. As for dropping the bowl, if you have a proper set for your hand size and don't raise your arm too high behind you, you shouldn't have an issue.

@@CanadianBowler thanks

Hello! Thanks for the comment and request. We are under some major snow right now in Canada, but once we have the ability to do some videos and demonstrations we can definitely work on some topics like adjustments to delivery like you've noted above.

@@CanadianBowler Thank you very much for getting back to me and for putting my request under consideration. I look forward to watching more of your videos.👍…..

Hey Yopeko! Thanks for checking out the video! Realistically clubs should be offering coaching sessions for new/novice bowlers to work on the delivery. Laying the foundation should be a key spot and then you correct the little inconsistencies as you go -- not try and correct everything because the player was never shown in the first place. Videos on line and weight will be coming this season -- we are just getting out of winter here in Canada so we haven't had a chance to hit the greens yet. Keep an eye on the channel for new content like that!

It's less about brute physical strength as it is creating and maintaining momentum from the start of delivery motion right through your follow-through. Of course the speed of your playing surface will make this harder or easier, but focus on good form and keeping yourself moving so you can generate the right force to get your bowl down the green.

We don't recommend using a cradle grip for bowls. It offers too many issues with trying to get the bowl away clean and smooth. The grip we note in our grip video is a more natural grip and doesn't sit in the palm of your hand.

Hi Nikki - approaching the mat is important. Some players stand back, set themselves up with their point of aim and take a few steps onto the mat in that direction, some stand directly behind and take one step in that direction. The main point is to be 100% set with your shot goal, your point of aim and be mentally ready to roll a bowl -- THEN step on the mat so everything is facing that direction. And as you said, don't overstep and lose balance -- balance is a key component to a good delivery.

The key to delivery is to complete the motion through release. As long as you aren't rushing through and shortening anything and your release point is clean you should be fine with continuous motion in follow through. If your consistent I wouldn't change anything as it's obviously working for you.

@@CanadianBowler Thanks for the input.

Hi David! Thank you for checking out our videos! This is a great question and the answer is a tough one. The best way to review your delivery is through video. If you have the ability to have someone (or a camera on a tripod) video your delivery from a few angles and see that point of release and how low (or not low) you are. Similarly if you are finding a drop or loft in your delivery try switching to jacks and rolling a box of them until you feel it's getting smoother and adjust your step and lunge motion to try and get that ideal motion, release and follow through. It won't be easy as the release is so quick it is sometimes hard to figure out. Video helps get a good perspective and allows you to slow it down and rewind it. Having a coach or at least a third party watch can be a great option as well of they have experience working on these things. It's always going to be a tougher path doing it on your own. Once you do find a consistent release and smooth bowl then it is like you said. Repeat, repeat, repeat until you don't have to think much about it. It will just be natural. Hope this helps!

Ideally you should have everything flow towards your target, including your follow-through. But the key is to completely release your bowl before moving your arm. When you see a lot of top players bring their hand/arm across typically this is after their delivery is complete. Where you see issues is when someone is prematurely moving their arm across and influencing the release of the bowl.

@@CanadianBowler thank you!

Hi Neil! I've worked with a few players that have a similar issue where for one reason or another can't keep their eyes up the green to spot the point of aim they are trying to take. It's hard to make suggestions without actually seeing you bowl, but I can offer a few that you can try and hopefully something will click for you and help. First would be to find a comfortable walking step as your regular distance and remove any pushing or sudden movements. Make it was smooth as you can and as stable/balanced as you can to avoid having to look down or drop your head. Sometimes is some jarring/quick motions that make us do things like look down (off balance), push our arm (motion is not synced), shorten our follow-though (trying to control weight artificially) . You could try and draw your line even farther down the rink towards you. Typically we'd want to look at the breaking point of the bowl as our spot, but in your case drawing it even further down and finding a spot you can keep your eye on while delivering might work. Another would be to adjust your delivery to lower yourself more and remove some of the action of moving forward-- not sure if it will help but it may remove some of the motion that causes you to drop your head. Do these sound like options that may help?

@@CanadianBowler I'll spend some alone time having a roll up and try these suggestions and let you know if I've had any success. Thanks so much for your help.

Try taking some time to focus solely on the delivery and even take the focus of jack/target out of the equation. Set some targets a few feet/meter in front of you and work on rolling over top of them and put your focus on not twisting your hand/wrist while hitting that target. By removing all the other distractions of a "normal" delivery you can isolate that part and do repetition on a non-twist version. When you are confident you can deliver without the twist, then try a full length delivery. You may find the need to put some thought and focus on no doing the twist, but with enough reps and time you'll eventually get rid of it and not have to think about it. Hope this helps! If you have someone who can help as a coach and watch what you do, that will help even more.

Great suggestion!

Usually I wouldn't recommend using the grips on the sides, but they are there to help if you need them (would be one of the adjustment options for those having some issues). You can use them as a guide but you don't really want to grip hard into them, more have your fingers on top.

Hi Bob! The method of having your feet together can negatively influence balance, but having a stable base and stepping out helps maintain that balance. You still have everything set and in the direction of your point of aim and then you can step out and delivery to that point.

@@CanadianBowler Depends how you're taught I guess. I use two feet together for forehand and right foot outside mat (left hander) for backhand.

😂

No rule against delivery of a bowl with your back facing the jack. As long as you are still following the basic rules like foot on or over the mat on release. Can I ask why you asked this question?

@@CanadianBowler We were playing indoor bowls and this one guy rolled two of his bowls like backwards and upset some of the players calling it unethical. I told everyone to calm down and will look into the matter. Thanks for clearing it up.

Thanks for the feedback. We've removed any background music from future videos, but the ones already posted will have that. Hope you still got a lot from the information presented!

Great Question and observation Martin. We've answered this in some other comments, but it's a point we didn't talk about in-depth on the video as we wanted to keep it short and concise. We state that you shouldn't have your hand/arm on your leg as the key point is to not create an anchor or put any weight on it. In reality, it is ok to place your hand/arm in any spot as long as you are not making it a hinge or a crutch to put weight on. Someone should be able to come and push your hand away with ease because you aren't grabbing/leaning with it. The video does show Darryl placing his hand on his leg, but there is no weight placed on it. He just feels strange/uncomfortable having his arm at his side. Thanks for noting this!

Hello @workingdogcentre! Thanks for checking out the video. In this demonstration, the green has no significance on the delivery method or grip we are showing for video purposes. We weren't trying to rip one to the end of the green and while it was sub 14 but not anywhere near 10 seconds or ultra slow. In this demonstration, there was also no cupping of the bowl in the delivery sequence (or at least the grip), but possibly the angle may look that way -- If you haven't checked it out already I would suggest looking at our grip video which shows how this particular delivery sequence is set up - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-OXvL-gmZ3qY.html. I wouldn't suggest cupping for a drive either as that can lead to other inconsistencies in delivering that bowl. I do appreciate the feedback as it allows for a good discussion. You are absolutely right that cupping is not ideal for a draw delivery which we talk about in our grip video. Thank you!

@@CanadianBowler Thanks for your reply. There can be no question that this video clearly demonstrates a grip that "cups' the bowl. Please note that under 14 secs is considered very slow. Sitting the bowl back in the hand ie. "cupping" is the recommended and most used grip for someone who drives well. Note I didn't say an "upshot" but a drive. Once again, thank you for your response. ie. I am a National Coach.

@workingdogcentre unfortunately in this case you are missing the mark with the analysis. I am the one demonstrating the grip and delivery and in no portion of the video does the bowl get cradled in the back of my hand. While we can agree on the fact that a cradle/cupping/palm grip is not ideal, I don't think we'll see eye to eye on this. I am a National Coach as well, but there's room for all variations of coaching and technical philosophies -- it always comes down to the success of the individual using it.

I'm sorry you don't think you are demonstrating a palm or cup delivery....but you are.

@workingdogcentre no need to be sorry about anything. You are fully entitled to your opinions and thoughts as well as coaching in the way you see fit. We appreciate you stopping by to share your thoughts. We are fully confident in our video series and approach to the delivery. It may not be for everyone, like yourself, and we accept that. Thank you for checking out the video and the comments!

Thanks Alan -- we apologize if the background music is an issue. It won't be in future videos. We appreciate the feedback!