New to the game or just want to learn some bowls lingo to sound like you're an old hand?

If you've never bowled before or want to go back to basics, here are some handy notes on what it is all about.

The Basics of Lawn Bowls

Green / Rink : area in which play takes place, usually a flat, grassed area, bounded by boundary pegs

Centre line:  the line down the centre of the rink

Jack : small white/yellow ball, rolled out along the centreline, the idea is to get bowls as close as possible to it

Bowls : the balls used by the player, up to four each, weighted on one side causing it to curve as it rolls

Mat : placed on the centre line, players stand on it to bowl

The Bowling

• Stand on the mat, feet together, knees and waist bent slightly
• Take ball in your preferred hand (right or left)
• Step out with your opposite foot (left or right)
• Take a small back swing
• Bend down and roll bowl along the ground
• Roll it out at an angle, so the bowl curves back towards jack 
• Avoid dropping or bouncing bowl so as not to damage green
• 
  

Strategy

Draw shot: A slow, measured, finessed bowl trying to end closest to the jack

Drive shot: A harder, faster bowl used to try to knock other players' bowls away

Scoring

• The player who has their bowl or bowls closest to the jack wins
• Points are awarded according to the number of bowls closest
• Players judge the distance and number by eye
• If in dispute, a measuring tape is employed
• If still in dispute, an umpire called in to resolve

So get out there, keep it friendly and enjoy!