Measuring Which Bowl is Shot?

   First, while watching the World Bowls 2012 in Adelaide, Australia, (on line streaming), I saw for the first time an official using  a Lawn Bowls Trammel Measuring.  All these different devices for Bowls measuring can be found on .lawnbowlsonline.com.au   I was surprise to see the officials use this device in the measure as I thought only a Bowls Tape was permitted. I now see  this tool, the Orbital Measuring Tool . (Each cost about $330 Au) and  even Telescopic Measure Tube.(below) for sale  in Australia.

Telescopic Measure Tube

(Update 2024, with the photo (below) This was a recently posted comment on our  Ontario Discussion Board by Ralph Ellis, (a well known Canadian Elite). " This is a Taylor Sonic Measure being used at World Bowls in the 1984. I own one. It is extremely accurate, and an umpire's measure in my games has never disagreed with it. It failed commercially because it was expensive, and lawn bowlers are cheap. It was around $200 in 1980s money or equivalent to $600 today. The only technical drawback was that in strong winds, the measurement would fluctuate for a long time before settling down. Great for indoors or clubs with tree cover to break the wind." (end of update 2024)

Taylor Sonic Measure

  To those following this Bowls Blog,  I guess it is your Christmas gift a bit early as of all my blogs this March 2017 blog is the most visited. (Dec 23,2025 reader/view was 5,523)  But, like any gift, it is as good as you make it by using it.  Knowing the small unique tricks on how to use it correctly and this  method of measuring your bowls before the end of the game, can have surprisingly  accurate results. But like any tool, you have a learning period after which you will find you have an unbelievable skill and amazing pre-measurement precision and confidence which will allow for decisions which lead to more won games.

 In Westmount's LBC, Montreal Canada, during a Qualification semi finals of the Provincial Single ;  I was playing hard but trailing 19-20 of a 21 point game. The marker had said that the two bowls were a measure and because the decision of next bowl (and possibly the last bowl) was important: I walked to the head to know if my opponent had shot. I had to decide if I should attempt a "Tap-back" or a light removal of  Andy's bowl. If I drew for shot then it would be only 20-20 score, if the final measurement gave him the shot. And if I missed  the tap-back of his bowl or even worst removed mine own bowl; the game over. These shots are of a very fine precision. A shots decision not made quickly or in haste.

  Because of my experience in the french game of "Petanque" where we can measure which "Petanque ball" is shot at any time; I had several years of experience using a visual method of measuring. With the below mention Visual Measure system, I was able to see that I had shot and only need a draw for 2nd shot to win the game.  In "Petanque" if every time the team captain  questioned who had the shot; they were to bend and measure the balls; the game would be long and the captains would quickly become tired. I have seen several time in an end of play that it was a close point. So to have a method of visual measurement and have the confidence of your visual skill, the bending and tape measure is not necessary although it is always permitted.

After walking to the head, checking who had shot and returning to the mat I decided I only needed to draw shot (making the questionable bowl a 2nd shot) and the game was won.  After the draw, the bowls in question were measured and being close the umpire was called. It was as close as I had thought (within millimeters) but my visual measure had been correct and I went on to the finals against Johnny, who eventually won our game and was that year's  Quebec's Single entry in the Canadian Nationals.

The second year student asked me " How do you measure which of two bowls is "Shot" when rules prevent you from  any device being placed between the bowl and jack  before the end of the game ?" and I answered "That is why the Skips get the big money" and went briefly into  several methods which a serious player will find being used. However, everyone has their own method and level of confidence on deciding which bowl is shot when visiting the head; and after many years believe their method allows an accurate decision before the rolling that last bowl of the end of play. 

Finger Measure  I know you have all  seen those crossed fingers at the chest as the skip walks around the head doing their measuring of the bowls. "How accurate is this method? ", one might ask.   Well first it is important that I attempt to explain how this "Finger Measure" method works. Although I don't use it often I will try. Then to complete this blog, I will explain  why  I believe my Center-to-jack system ( found below) is a bit better. 

 Develop the system you are most comfortable using because accurately knowing the shot before the bowls are measured at the game end can be of a major important. Especially when the decision of  that last bowl means a win or a lost, or the wrong decision causes a emotional lost of focus or believe in your ability.

.

     Using the "Spread fingers at the chest" method requires that the Fingers be placed at the inside of the first bowl to be measured and the other finger on the inside of the jack. Now without moving the fingers or the hands' position, while the hands are still sitting on the chest; walk slowly to the next bowl and jack and repeat the same verification. It is important to learn to use a perspective vision of the bowls as indicated a few paragraph after the detail explication of my "90 degree/ Center Line" Method. You will see in that photo that your two eyes see the bowls and jack differently.

  Take one measurement by placing the left (or right) finger on the inside of the bowl, and the finger of the other hand to just touching (visually) the jack. Now here is the trick to proper measurement.  Use the left eye when checking the left finger touching the bowl and similarly, use the right eye, for the right side when touching the jack. Yes it works quite well.  (At this Blog's end is a suggestion for the photo above from NZ photo collection).  It is a combination of this finger measurement and my "Center to jack" measurement explained here. Not having used this finger method of measurement I appreciated the readers comments  on my suggestion  at the end of this blog. He states "I think the finger method needs the toes halfway between the bowl and jack and aligned with an imaginary line. The reason for this is to reduce the variables when you move to compare the next measure.") This method works well if the two bowls and the jack are in a straight line, but what if the bowls and the jack make an angle or so placed that the three each become a point on the triangle's three points. 

Center to Jack measuring system   or  "90 degree/ Center Line" Method.   

One can see this system of measure used when the bowls and jack are not in a strainght line . Over the many years of Petanque (even now at 80 I still play (my indoor sport during the cold winters). This is my second go-to measurement system although I have worked at four or five different tricks. (Example the thickness of my finger or thumb being viewed between the bowl and jack). Learn to apply precision in your various steps of preparation toward the visualization of the actual point. Of course also have confidence in your ability to use this  system.  If you have other method, unlike these two measuring system, you will probably be using one or another depend upon how the bowls are placed.

First, let us start with basic math. Geometry and the right-angle triangles says that when two triangles are placed with the common side together, then those two opposite sides in front of the "right-angle Triangle are of equal distance.  So if with the Jack between two bowls and a tight measure difference we first start by finding the middle distance between the bowls. (Forgot about the jack as it will probably be at the top (or apex) of the triangle diagram (as in the bottom part of the photo). This method becomes more difficult when the two bowls are in a strainght line with the jack. I often, at these times place my hand to block or hide the jack as I find the middle point between the two bowls. at each opposite end are at equal distance from the jack. 
There is an important part of this photo.  This apex of the triangle and line of the 90 degrees, up from the base of the triangle, indicates equal when it runs through the "Exact center" of the jack. (if there is the least little difference of this 90 degree line running through the center of the jack, then the ball which is closest to the center side of the jack is the shot, even if a few millimeters.  (look at the below example photo of the foot below)

Secondly, To have this method work accurately it is necessary to find the "exact" middle between the two  Bowls (or balls if Petanque); so continue to move your foot (as in the photo below) left and right until you are sure you have the middle. You will see eventually that the space on the left and right of your foot are the same distances. (Photo 1 below). If done properly, you will be moving your foot left and then right as you evaluation of the left and right bowl distance from the middle of your shoe. (I wear a black felt mark line on my white bowls shoe for this reason)

2017 Indoor S.Finals 

Once the middle point between the bowls is found, you move your heel left or right, so that  your middle point of your shoe (the toe line if you have drawn one) points toward the jack at exactly 90 degrees. (do not aim at the jack but aim at 90 degree to the line between the two bowls and passing thought the toe of your shoe. If done properly you will see that the jack is not what your line is point toward. I have even see the line point toward a few millimeters of the center of the jack.

  It may seem difficult but forget about the jack and think of the line between the two bowls and the 90 degrees outward from you where your shoe points. 
 I am going to mention a problem at this point because it is important.  In the sport of petanque the balls are completely round but in lawn bowls the bowls may not be round side pointing toward the jack. (because of  the way the bowl is sitting). If it is the Bias side of the bowl facing the jack I allow a few millimeters plus or moin and walk away with a bit of confidence but not total confidence. Actually a member told me the different on the opposite sides of the bias is only a few millimeters.

  But if the bowl is sitting on one of the  Bias labels then you can be sure the bowls are round. (the running surface is round)  (of course this is where the umpire will be measuring it.  Although you may, like in photo 2 (below), find it necessary to use different parts of each bowl for your measurement (because of the bias the final measure by the unpire will be that side of the bowl closer to the jack . (Update May 2017 to add photo of Claire Johnston of Scotland during her  2017 Indoor Mixed Pairs Semi-Finals  as she is checking which bowl is shot with  her foot and this method of measurement. (as it was Game over, the Umpire was called following her verification during this indoor game)

In the pictures below we see that the bowl on the right (measurer left) is closer because one notices that more of the jack is on that side of the 90 degree line.  I have learned that, in time and practice,  you can see which bowl is shot to within fraction of a jack (In the photo (3) the 90 degree line passes to the left of the centre of the jack, this is the difference in the measure. (1/4 jack width for the bowl on the right) . Remember, the closer the 90 degree line passes to the center of the jack the closer the measurement will be or the distance will be the same)

When the bowls are both on a straight line which passes near the jack, your evaluation will be easy. .However, the weakness of the method is when the bowls are farther apart and especially when they are at an angle on like with a clock hands  at 10:15. (opposite side of the jack ) When practicing this method and for learning, use bowls that are sitting flat so you can better see their positions.  In time you will also know how to evaluate those standing bowl  and it not affect you when use for the eye  to find the mid-distance point of the bowls.

So to review.
  Three different steps are required to accurately use this method of  visual bowl measuring.
          1 - You must move your foot to the location which is half way  between the two bowls to be measured. Take the time to find this center point as it is important. (because of leaning bowls always use the bowl's centre. Maybe even cover the jack with your hand if seeing the jack is a distraction during your find the mid-point.
           2. -  You  then fine tune your evaluation , finding this  center point take time to refuse it and re-evaluate it again as you move your foot left and right until you are confident that you have the exact center.     
         This center point will show you which bowls side is nearest. Known as the Center Point (CP) between the two bowls. This is also the closest point to the jack. (experience and mistakes here will eventually fine tune your judgement )

 
          3.  -  Having found the point, now look straight up (a 90 degree on that line between the bowls) toward the jack. In the diagram (above) the final photo show the 90 degree passing not though the center of the jack so the bowl on the left is closer.  As you get extremely good you can see the center line passing to the left or right of the center of the jack and have confidence in such a fine measure.

The photo at right shows what one would see if they were to use first their left and then their right eye with the tips of their fingers touching the inside or outside of the bowl or/and jack.

I have suggested that you use the left eye for the left finger and when verifying the bowls use the right eye with the right finger; although I think anyone who is always using the same eye would eventually develop a method of verifying the bowl that is shot and have the confidence that their calculation or final decision is correct.

Practice and Development of Measuring skill.

In a non-game practice you can build yourself a double triangle to see the 90 degree from the line from the two bowls. Take two right handed drawing squares (plastic) and tape the short sides together to form a long sided triangle (photo at top of page).  The number along the lower side will help you find the half way point.  This tool should be only used at the beginning to develop you confidence in your foot placement (in the middle between the two bowls).   Using this tool is only suggested to help you to know where to put your foot (mid-way) and verify  your method of fine tuning. (moving your foot left and right until you have the ability to find the center point and see the 90 degrees.  Always, when practicing this measurement, measure the bowls afterward to know you were correct on your evaluation and decision.

 1.After finding your midway point between the two bowls use the tool to verify how accurate you have found the midway point as you use it at wrist high like the finger measurement.(above top photo) Without looking at the jack or the point of the tool toward the jack. place the marked side of the square on the Closest point (CP) of each bowl. Your taped joint should arrive at the place of your shoe and your marked toe spot.
2.  After you have decided which bowl is closer, to verify how accurate your are, use the practice tool to check how the 90 degree line compares to your 90 degree to the jack. The tool is only suggested to allow you to have confidence in your judgement.  It is by using this practice tool that you will fine tune your ability.
3.  Measure the bowls to jack with a Bowls tape and find that you were correct on the closest bowl.

Update May 25 2017 Stats

I've added the stats (left) for this blog. After 5 years and over 20,000 views, this blog has been the most popular each week. (was written 11 March 2013)  (Later Updated with  photo of stats of 2017)

  Combined Finger/ Center of Jack Measure
  The center to Jack method described above  is rather difficult to use when the bowls are on opposite side of the jack, As you see (below) the  fingers are too close for a good finger measure; but a combination of the finger measuring and the center to jack method  is suggested, as using the above system is helping you develop your confidence .  

One hand hides the jack while the other
hand (finger) finds cehter. Foot placed
so 90 deg passes along line.  Hand
to see how jack fairs to line.

 Using the above NZ Bowls Photo.and bowls to be sighted here I have attempted to modify the photo to show how it is possible to have a combined sighting method (finger and center of the jack sighting).

 1 - Place one hand to hide the jack and then sight the centre of the two bowls with your finger without seeing the jack. (a small finger helps)
 2 - Placing your foot where the center passes between the two bowls (can even have your mate stand on opposite side of jack and be second position of 90 degree line.
  3 - Now remove the hand which is hiding the jack and see how the 90 degree centerline to jack passes through the jack. (or even through the jack..

You should be able to see how the 90 degree line passes to the left or right of the jack. (or even through the jack)
To the left of center mean the that the right side is closest to the jack. (largest half of the jack)
The idea of the center to jack method is to find the center of the two bowls and see how the 90 degree line pass through the jack.  But in the photo it is clear you can not put the foot half way between the two bowls to be sighted.  So do the next best thing.  Place it back away and use an  "mind image" of the above mention tool to find the half-way point.
Hope this suggestion helps with skip measuring during game play, but to use the center to jack method requires fine tuning your ability to see that center line. If you use finger measure all the time and then try this at other times, it may not work because you must fine tune your eye to see the center to jack line.
   Good luck , have fun.                                                                                  Re-written Aug 2024