Being A Lead player

First few paragraphs were updated Sept14th 2019 --
As my 75th birthday approaches I am beginning to look at my Internet blogging and the stats today (Sept 14, 2019) shows a continual interest in the role of  a Lead in Lawn Bowls Competitions. Now Sept 18, 2023 I am doing another update as this blog of 2015 still is at the top of viewer visits. Here, in this update I ask "What is the role of the Lead" (I have placed new comments in italics bold)

Blog Stats 24 August 2019

No other player, not even the skip is more important than the lead as a controlling player of the gameé The skip will be required to find the game strategy and make those shots as the last few bowls are played; but the skip's only influence are his own bowls and his own performance.

During this year, I accepted to play "Lead" in a "Super League" because I found the participants were being attached to a "Dart Bowls" thinking.  Everyone, or as the skip request; shot toward the jack and at the end, like in darts the closest bowl to the center of the house was consider as good bowls. A "good Bowl to me depends upon how many opponent bowls it forces to be wasted or avoid the opponent using a clean draw to the jack. Also, at 78 now, I enjoyed the relaxation of being a Lead.

In Lawn Bowls there are three task that must be performed with every end of play. First, as the end begins, there is the need to place the Mat and throw the jack up the green and have it centered. Next is the Vice or Second which will be assisting the skip by being in the head when the skip is there at the mat. These twp team member will probably be required to make decisions on the  actual final points won or lost. Not to forgot the Vice (or second) on how to measure, if necessary and if in doubt to call the referee. Never giving away a point.

 Last of the three task is delegated to the skip who will defines the game strategy throughout various part of the game; and be the last to play. A major part of the Leads task is to develop a communication between the team member and attempt to evaluate the best method of getting the best performance. One might ask how ?. A new player learning to lead will do the best to give the Skip what he wants. An experience Lead will make decision of "What if". (Like what if I am too heavy ? or too light ?) which is fine tuning their performance. Also with free time after their bowls they  get to see the game from a position of "What have I done.. and how it affects the game strategy or results.

 Lets for a minute look at the important of how "The Lead" will defined with their beginning bowls what the end and the head will  look like after 6 bowls. (the two "Lead's Bowls) In strategy for the lead, Long ago when Bowls 4s was played more frequently here in Canada; I was told "Your job is to put your bowls on the Jack as pressure on the opponents"   The lead should be taught the importance of his  personal decisions and performance and how such decisions by them or the skip will result in the final bowls in the head, and if a personal decision will change the results. Toward the end of this blog, we find a National competition of Pairs and the skip and Lead discussion of strategy.  They decide who is right and their decision by the children game of "Rock, Paper, Sissors"

Stats of Blog Sept 14 2019
We see the same stats week after week

One of the major important of the "Lead player" decision and his influence in the team member's delivery  is by their placement of the mat as he picks and evaluates the "Receiving Area". 

The "Bowl's Receiving Area" is that small area of the bowling green in front of the Mat (or to the side) where your team players will lays their bowl to the green.

 To often the lead is the less experience player of the team, having bowled for only a few year and if the lead has not  been educated in how to evaluate the "Bowl's Receiving Area" it may cause problems. Yes, your bowls to the jack are important but also you are able to influence the bowls of your team members with this decision

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   The "Bowl's Receiving Area" may be different for each team player and certainly is different for the left-handed bowlers. If you want your skip to be able to perform  those difficult and great shots then their Bowl  need a good clean "Receiving area". You also will see a difference as you bowl and placed  your bowl to the green  and watch it's roll. We assume that the protective screen has protected the greens from damage but "Damage"  is more than visual debits caused by a badly delivered bowl.  If players are using large or heavy bowl, and  someone is continually dumping them onto the screen rather than a "Laydown Roll"; then a collection of  dents can be seen on the green under the screen. Worst still is if the mat has always been at the same location; there is certain to be damage visable under the screen. The lead can win or lose a tournament by their ability to place the mat and being aware of it location.

The lead in placing the Mat should be aware of his own team unique delivery style. Everyone has a different location in front of the mat at which they place their bowls to the green; and if the receiving area of the bowl is bad, your teammate will have difficulty doing a good delivery. There is nothing. worse than a bowl, starting it roll up the green from the edge of an indentation or debit. Of the three players on a Triple, the skip placement of their bowl is the most important. If they roll it to the green, 2 feet in front of the mat, then  the mat should place knowing that it’s a good receiving area, even if other members of the team have a different "Receiving Area". Eventually you will even think about the difficulty that your mat has for the opponents.  Always advise your skip of damage under the screen an allow them to request the referee to look at that location. Sometimes, two screens are needed for a bowler and that decision is made by the Greens personel and the referee if such a change is to be made.

Today, her in Eastern Canada, a lot of clubs are using. protective screens as part of the mat placement, and  very often  the screen is placed prior to the mat. And sometimes by someone else than the lead. Certainly, at these times, the lead cannot analyze or survey the "Receiving Area" in front of the mat.

 There are two ways to accomplish the solution to this problem. One is to place the mat and throw the Jack which is then centered, and then afterwords placed the screen which could be done by the second or "Vice" while lead  has gone to pick up their bowl in preparation for their delivery. However, one the Jack has been centered the Mat can not be moved; so to slide the screen under the mat it is necessary to bend the front few inches of the mat and pull the screen back under the mat.

 The other is prior to placing them that and the screen to evaluate the playing surface where the screen will be placed. Knowing that the mat will be placed 2 to 6 inches onto the screen you will want to have a good playing surface under the screen where your skip and other team members are placing their bowls.

Do we realize that  Every player delivers their "Forehand bowl" within a few inches of the centre Line (both left or right handed players ). Think about this... Such a delivery means that the bowl is placed beyond the "Center Line " (a few inches  to a foot from the mat) and then rolls outward and back toward the  the Jack if on "Center Line"  

A bit different on the "BackHand Delivery"  where the bowl is anywhere from a few inches in front on  "Centre Line" if standing on the "Corner of the Mat: or even to the Side as the bowler "Rolls parallel" to the mat and retruns to "Center Line". So if the mat placement gives a good "Receiving Area" for the start of the bowl's roll, as laid softly to the green, the lead can take credit for that perfect shot  the skip has just performed. Remember, there are  so many different "Forehand" and "Backhand" Deliveries..

So teaching a Lead to look at these small detail and then to move the mat forward or back a few inches to give the best possible "Receiving Area" only means that their decision is helping make the best possible bowl roll.  (For both teams). 

Placing the mat. When the mat is placed and the jack thrown up the green to the distance, requested by the skip; the lead should step to the side of the mat and await the skip to center and approval the mat is on  "Center Line".Especially if the strategy of either team is to change the location of the mat regularly. After the skip has advise the lead to move the mat, left or right, the lead should return to the center of the mat  and centre the jack. When the Jack is centered, the lead should begin  their Delivery routine by going and picking up their bowl. Very likely during this time the screen will be placed by the "Second". 

So what makes a good lead is first of all, to be able to drive your bowl to the Jack with a fair precision at the distance which is very often chosen by the opponent. If your team has won the point and mat, the lead should be able to throw the Jack to the distance requested by the skip. If the skip has given to the lead the choice of choosing the "Jack distance",  the lead should be able to throw the jack to the distance which  is best for first their distance and then that distance best for their team.  At his "Natural Distance the First bowl should be on the jack or within a foot.

 What about the rolling the jack and eventually how the lead's first bowls arrives in the head. These decisions and the education of the Lead means that their first bowls is going to build the head in such a way. " What is the ideal first bowl" is often asked by a new player playing "Lead". Of all the bowls a "lead" can roll, the ideal first bowl is a good delivery to within a foot or 18 inches of the jack.

An interesting  principle which is often discussed about  the Lead's Delivery of his First bowl after having thrown the jack which states "If the lead's bowl is delivered within 30 seconds after the jack has been rolled and centered; that the "Muscle Memory" of the Jack roll will become a part of the  "Muscle Memory" of the Bowl Delivery. "Muscle Memory" is discussed else where is simply if you do something often enough, you will eventually do it without thinking. (the subconscious uses memory of muscles).   A "psychoneuromuscular Theory" suggest that even thinking or remembering an action will result in the brain communicating with the muscles in preparation of the action to be arriving soon.

 Try this exercise... Take a Golf Ball, a jack and your Bowl and do three Natural Distance rolls (as if you are rolling your bowl).   Do they arrive at the same distance? If not how much difference. Certain laws of Physic says your Foot/Pound effort used with that delivery being the same; that the size of the object will collect the same force but that that force will result in the same distance, because the different size balls (Golf, Jack, and Bowl) will have less resistance from the greens.. Think about it... Try it.. Develop an ability to remember your roll force and apply it to your Bowl delivery.. Can it be done ?? This is what learning is. An idea, develop skills based upon the idea and then using them in Bowl's Play.

 Wheather by luck or because of a good delivery the "Lead's bowls  will defines how the head will be develop and the expected performance of his fellow teammates. Yes we see skips who preach the "Do what I say" as the lead comes to the mat; but by asking a lead to perform does not get the shot made. I tell my lead "Do you best to try and give what I am asking". and then as we pass at center green, I some times explain how their great shot will resulted in the points. When playing "InterClub Games" where my lead may be a first year club member of the club  which we are visiting; I simple request  "Put two on or near to the Jack and we will see for the other, we are a team"

When coaching players for the position of Lead I insist on them respecting the wishes of the skip and to apply their understanding of the decision of where the mat is placed. When they are not doing a delivery, they should be. Watch all  the players (team and opponent) and understand how their mat decision effect them .  Yes the skip may define the length of the jack but in placing the mat on the green the lead who had done his mat placement verification; can still move it a few inches. If the lead feels a success or failure of their bowls and their fellow teammate bowls. All decisions have been good ones.

Some Basics of Bowls delivery first. Lawn bowlers perform two types of deliveries. Forehand and Backhand.  And each bowl roll touches the greens in two completely different lines of delivery. The Backhand which is taught first to new students is placed on the green near the center line and rolls outward along the line of delivery and with the bias returns to the center line in front or behind the jack depending upon the delivery weight . This is taught first because you can not turn your wrist or bend your elbow when doing a Backhand Delivery.

(The following text is the original blog of  July 25 2015)

In the game of Lawn Bowls, especially in Pairs and Triples: the first player to roll their bowls

Youtube Video -  Nev Rodda

is usually called the "LEAD" or "LEADER". In building a good team, the lead's ability to place their bowls on the Jack is the major factor. Important enough that it may influence the team skips choice of a player's position. In "Social Games" the lead is usually the less experience player or newbie and they are told to simple do as the skip ask.

However, in competition play the value of the "Lead"  is more on their ability to develop the head of bowls with their beginning bowls. These first bowls in the head often define how the head will be developed and as a controlling factor against the success of the opponent lead.
 " The Lead (er) is the most important player on the team. I can t emphasizes that enough" explains Nev Rodda , author of the Youtube video "Lawn Bowls, What is the role of the Leader" 

 This blog attempts to expand   on this details of the leads important in pairs, Triples and Fours.

  Last weekend I watch a local "Provincial Play down" which is used to choose the representative of our province in National Competitions. I watched as the opponent lead placed 3 tight bowls on the jack in the first three consecutive ends.  Immediately, I knew the outcome of the game as I had coached the losing team on Game play and the responsibility of building a good head and the control the opponent lead's bowls.. As I watch the game, I understood how the mindset of the losing team was on  a "draw, draw, draw" performance. To the leads  this had become an individual competition between the two leads.  I later leaned that the  final score was  29 to 9 after 18 ends. Who was to blame.

I felt guilty as a Coach because the point which was taught certainly was not well communicated. Even if the lead had forgotten, the skip should have told his lead of the need to stop the continual strong lead's  control of the game by his bowl placement and how it affected the head was build.

(2019 update) This week (May 2019) teams from 25 countries on the Atlantic Ocean are gathered in Wales for the 2019 Atlantic Championships. (May 10 to 23th) and thankful to South Africa Facebook page, I had an opportunity to watch several games.  The photos left are from the Woman's Pairs Finals (South Africa and Malta) In the first end of play ( Photo 1) we see SA lead on the jack as Malta lead's (white bowls) a bit heavy. In the photo, the lead's 3rd bowl is requested by the SA skip to be placed behind the jack

where the touched jack will be send  (foot turned sideways). On the next bowl Malta lead made contact on the SA bowl and sends the jack back. However, the SA lead's bowl was not there.  Can you guess who won the game ? (end of Update)

 At this level of play, even in the first end of play; the need to quickly adjust is important.  Yes the skip could have let the lead throw the next two bowls into the jack but most important is each bowl is of value and the best position on the green for the Skip is what the lead should understand and attempt to do.

During the 2019 Australian Open on the Gold Coast )  in the Woman's pairs of  ( C.Krizanic / N.Scott S.Duffield / A.Haevecker. Section 7 Day 3  we see that the team lead of Carla Krizanic suggesting to her skip  Natasha Scott to play a long jack. Because they had won several points earlier on minimum distance jack and this is the last end of play, Because they disagree, they both meet in center green and discuss it. In order  to decide the different view,, used a child game of "Rock,Paper,Scissors" and  the lead won to decided  distance.
 Yes, in an international game of  world quality lawn bowls using this small child's game as one of their tools they were allowed for a decision without either disrespect. Respect in Communication is important especially in Team's discussion on play. And maybe even  more than skip obedience.

  However, it is clear in watching the game and their play on a short jack distance they have their ability to take-off weight down to a precision. We see in watching their play the two methods of removing weight.  Natasha stops her delivery arm forward movement and lets the bowl drop and roll forward while Carla does a stop of her forward delivery movement and waits until her bowl is on the green before continue to her forward step.  This weakness of the opponents abilities on short jack delivery; was probably detected in the early part of the game and kept or used occationally, Now it is of major important decision at the end of the game.

Of course they won 14 - 10 and moved on to the qualificators. Also we see them wisely use the short jack delivery distance and then return to a long jack to not allow the opponent to develop or perfect their abilities.

A mindset of  "I maybe can get a better shot than their bowl."  is not game tactics or play strategy but just hopeful wishing. The thought should be. "Oh, I see what you did to outplay me, It won t happen again because...."  In the above mention  video Nev say " Forgot about EGO, this is not about playing well, " this is about playing as a team " " and winning as a team." "Four players playing as one unit, four players working together to achieve an outcome"


HOWEVER, before a lead can control the head and make individual decisions for the team, the team has to agree that these decisions and developments are his responsibility as a team player."The Lead (er) is guided through the thoughts and wishes of the skip (per)" says Nev suggesting his decisions have been discussed and delegated before the actual game. (UD 2019 - In the above photos, the skip knew the need for the back bowl and the lead should have been able to place a near perfect bowl) When the skip suggests a jack length or a bowl delivery  to a certain position in the head; he is indicating a different in team strategy to the lead and the importance of not each bowl that is rolled need to be on the jack.. "The lead must think outside the confines of the game" and understand the meaning of the change in his performance that is being requested not just always put a bowl on the jack..

I was taught that a 12 end game has three parts of play (4 ends each) which should be used wisely.

The First 4 ends of play  (two up and two back) are to know the opponents and the Playing surface. The skip will see different things than you  the lead who is probably studying the opponent lead.  Yes you must collect points in each end but concentrate on reading and collection information that will improve your game is important as you play. (Even as team lead)  If the score is slow on the first ends, (4-2 after 4 ends) there is plenty of time to learn these important facts which are available. I remember a 4's game where the second said to me "The  opponent lead has a two foot less weight on his backhand" This meant that were 4 players (lead and seconds of both teams) were equal strength on the draws.. the lead was weak on his back hand.
 But if by chance, there is a big lost of points in the first or second end, than maybe the time for study of the opponent is over and the skip's decision will be to jump ahead and learn from the  2nd part of play  the " Fine Play" Section of the game.

In 7th end adding 3 to make 10 - 10 

Interesting photo of Score board.  The 2nd part of 12 ends of play (5th to 8th) is called "Fine Turning" because both teams know the line and got a feel for green speed.  In the photo we see that  after 20 points collected in 7 ends.one team has Fine tuned their performance faster than the other team  Must have been a few 1s and 2s and a few 4s and 5s, in this later section as we see a team collects 3 points to tie game. .

In this section the team against team strategy is begun and decided by the skip. If the team is front end heavy with their lead building a strong head the points will be collected by being concerned to stop this strong lead.  The mat will be moved, the lead bowls blocked, the jack moved anything to give the skip a even playing area when he comes to the mat.  No skip can save the game when he comes to the mat or with his last bowl with 3 or 5 points down.

The third section of play strategy "keep it together" is where we find that probably both teams have unique forces. Efforts to keep the game going toward a win may applied to maintain the lead or always recapture of the jack and take control of the game with a play of bowls controlling the opponent maybe with unique jack distance. It is nice to come pass the 8th end into the 3rd section with a near even score or a fair lead.  Remember after 8 ends of play the players know their ability and draw distance and line.  You are both at your best and the only way to win is to be at your best mental and physical.  And team harmony and communication best.

In a 18 end of play game the quality of the team is more closely studied as both are now trying to roll all their bowls with maximum efficiency and it becomes a game strategy of  attacks (offensives) on the weak point of the opponent or  build a strong defense. (Defensively)

In your 1st 4 ends "Learn and Build"  Section you should be asking question like
 - Does the opponent "Lead" favor forehand or just as good on both fore and back hand. ?
 - What is the Natural Distance of the "Lead"  how well does he add-on and take-off his weight.?
 - Is there a Narrow Green or Wide green and how wide are the bias of the opponent skip.? (To block a side of the head for the "Lead"  and not affect the draw of the mate or skip is useless tactics.
Remember your skip has his job and you have yours.  In fours you and the Second can talk and advise each other of your readings and findings.

Thank you.  Good Bowls.

As a new part of this blog I will at the end post the

Blog viewer Stats July 27th 2015

Viewer Statistics with comments on unique change in Views.  The following photo show that beside the regular English Blog viewers like Canada, USA and Australia we find Europe viewers in Ukraine India and of course South Africa.
Sometimes it is unique subject matter and not necessary bowls that draws the viewers. The search engine of Yahoo and Google may have picked up the "Subconscious Mind" aspect of the blog. But still interesting to see these views.

Bowls - Think it Do it and be Amazed

I'm Back  Yes blogging AGAIN.  We pick up a book and reading it we get involved with the story.  If about bowls, our sport, we get to relating the subject with our experiences on the green.

Google photo (pcf.org..NZ)

HOWEVER,  Life goes on.  The Blogger, myself, has a life and  at 70 years old the knowledge is there,but so also there are a lot of things going on relating to health.  The C word is always there today, and when we hear mention or family members are hospitalized we forget everything and live a completely different life. This summer without competition and bowls is different but I find time passes fast.

  Well, all is good for me.  What was a spot on the lungs and thought caused by second hand smoke, is just an old scar matter, My loved one has had her operation and seems to be recovering well. I, and my mind can relax.  Bowl season is almost over but I am back to Blog as I am amazed by the readership and comments.

What this got to do with Bowls.    There is a social side of Bowls and polite respect for our opponent. We hate losing but must accept that the best man (or woman) wins.  As i look back at the blogs written over the past few years some blogs have been at the forefront of readers. (I used a small "i" because after the BIG "C" we are small.  or Maybe the BIG "G" as He seems to be involved in our life)

Subconscious mind Exercises has had 1859 reads since written in December 2012. And it is not a 5 minute read, it is long.  But always every week ,it has, at least, the volume of readers interest.  When I wrote that I thought that it was over the head of many of the Blog readers and would be considered as PuppyPop or wishful thinking.  Recently,  while discussing it with a bowler I discovered a sincere indication of the separation of Conscious and Subconscious mind. The first exercise of that blog was to use the Bowl rolling exercise to have you feel the point where the Subconscious mind is involved.

To know and see the difference between the two minds. Subconscious and Conscious try this interesting experiment.  (Experiment because it might not work for all)

Open and close your eyes and feel the muscles involvement that is presence. To one individual they said "When I feel for that muscle movement it is like a spring Blind popping up on the window and going around and around".  Now that you feel that muscle movement we are going to say that that is your conscious mind.  You tell you body to do it and conscious thought on your part does it.

Subconscious mind is the body doing things which it know you need doing like your heart or lungs. It would be dangerous if we had to think to breath in a breath or cause blood to flow with a heart beat. The area of control of the conscious mind is two parts of interest.  First, like the Cancer mention above, the subconscious mind can give great health and recovery by positive conscious efforts. Interesting I wrote  "conscious effort" in having the Subconscious mind help heal disease or mental problems.  But it is a big conscious and continual effort to be positive and see good in the worst of situations.

Second, lets see the Subconscious mind over conscious body movements. After reading this try the following exercise.  Do the above eye opening exercise and feel the muscle movements involved. Now close your eyes and tell yourself you can see through the eyelids by remembering what is in the room or scene around you. Look hard and even see the white of your inter eyelids.  Now with that thought fixed in your mind, try to open your eyes. Your subconscious mind will not allow you to open your eyes even you know the muscle movement.  Why. Like a computer occupied in doing something it is keeping the situation of eyes closed so you can see through your eyelids.  If you had already said it is foolish you can not see through you eyelids.. your eyes will open..

HAVE YOU TRIED IT ?  Amazing that it was so hard to open your eyes.  If you did not try that exercise than don t read further as the mind is not a tool box to throw thoughts into and maybe try to use one day..  Be honest to yourself and me (the blogger with belief you will benefit from this idea).. try it and understand the subconscious mind control over the conscious efforts.

If you had engaged your subconscious mind to control your delivery and roll the bowl right to the Jack, it will likewise prevent you doing things which would otherwise allow you to achieve that goal. If you had belief in God's healing and Prayer your subconscious mind will heal.  Positive thinking will bring abut positive results.

Over the years (for newer bowlers) you have rolled 100 or 1000 bowls and watched the result. With older bowlers of 25 or 30 years of experiece at bowls, we may be getting close to having rolled 100,000 bowls.  Your subconscious mind know what you are trying to do and does it if you allow it to be in control.

Imagine the outfielder throwing to the pitcher or Catcher in a "Save that Run" situation thinking before throwing or analysis the force need.  The ball would never get there or not in time.  Think it Do it and be Amazed at it.

Walking the Mat

Watching the Potter 2015 Single Final between Andy Thomson of England

and the Scottish  Indoor Champion, Alex Marshall I heard the Announcer say "Using the Mat on the far edge" Andy attempts a jack roll and rolls pass as he tries "to turn the jack".    The bowl passed just in front of the jack.  The style of delivery of Andy is to stand on the far back corner as delivery foot placement.  However if he had moved forward to the front of the mat the same bowl would have rolled the jack. These bowlers are the best in the world and it is not intended to suggest faults. But we normal players do not have their skill and often these tricks or "Tools" of delivery are helpful in our success.

Update Aug/2018 - A recent 2018 blog on the fault of experience bowlers being overly dependant on a Delivery Line Reference  during their delivery instead of seeing in the "Mind's eye" where their bowl will go needs me to make clear how this trick helps experience lawn bowlers with their delivery line  If you bowled to roll the jack and passed within inches and you know your properly delivery line; maybe the missing of the jack was because of a small hill or valley which changed the bowl line.  If you do another instinctive delivery the bowl will pass the same place as the previous one.  By walking the mat, (opposite side of missed jack) and double the missed jack distance you will hit the jack this time because the change in your bowl's roll has been adjusted.  (Why double ?? Because your skip will tell you the distance from the bowl to the edge of the jack.  You want to hit the jack in the center to add a few inches in your stepping the mat)


As a "Arm Chair Critics" or Bloggers, I  sometime offer a different view and even become inclined to  suggest a method of getting that bowl you delivery; to the shot you want. In a previous blog called "Delivery Line Toolbox", one of the Delivery Tricks which was suggested was that a lawn bowler could develop and by doing so would improve his delivery skills, said.

"Walking the Mat - Because the mat is defined in Section 3, Article 7 of rules as 600 mm by 360 mm (23.622" x 14.173") this small foot wide mat allows for a little bit of "Mat Walking "  With the Section 5 (Game) and Article 21A (Foot Faulting) requiring that the player have one foot on or over the mat at the time of jack or bowl delivery; we have a great deal of place to put our foot and (still) move around on the mat."

Below the Youtube  Video of Bowls Scotland National Championship 2014 Men's Pairs SF2  is used as an example of players with different delivery styles and it  shows how to use the trick of  "Walking Mat".

Foot on right side of mat

Foot on left corner of mat

In this  Youtube Video the lead. Colin Howie,  for the Troon Portland LBC team, (Photo on right) is an example of delivery from the left side of the mat.We will see later in the blog and the video that because he is tight to the left of the mat, he has the restriction of not being able to move any further left.  Also from this same Youtube Video we see his opponent lead (photo on left)  from the Dander Hall Miners team, Billy Peacock is an example of a bowler using the right corner of the mat. 

 Lesson 1 - Do you know what happens if you move left or right on the mat and use the same delivery (line or Point of aim) ?  Try it. Delivery from 3 positions as the mat is large enough for left, center and right placement of you foot on the mat.

 In  this  above mention video ,  we see Colin's bowls all passing just inches short and arriving left of the jack. In the previous blog the following photo was also composed of his 4 bowls to show his  delivery results and how "Walking the mat would have helped.

 The left photo show his first three bowls and their finish place behind the jack to the right. (his right looking from the mat) The right photo shows that his fourth bowl was a bit heavy with the idea it would not bend as much  and probably  would have taken the jack back to his three other bowls.

Very often a good bowler knows that he gets less bias on the bowl  if it is a bit heavy. This is a mistake because the bowl's delivery and approach to the jack must be the same wait or else if you do touch the jack, you do not have a "Trail Jack" but a "Punched Jack".  A "Trail jack" is usually when the jack stays with the bowl as the bowl slowly trails the jack (on the bowl) back to the new position.

 If his normal stance on the mat was to be with  his foot in the center (like the photo of the Australian champion Kelsey Cottrell)  (photo right); it is then easily to move a bit left and catch the jack with the same delivery roll.

 Watch the video's  first end of play, and know the value of this tool as a change in delivery.. It appears to me to be more accurate to do a small adjustment of foot on the mat; rather than  believe that a heavier bowl  will  have the same bias. Bias changes with bowl speed and green speed as it rolls.  Why make it more complex... the change of line or change of weight is harder to master. ??

If the bowler like Colin is a "natural delivery"  bowler the change in delivery weight will require that he also change his delivery line.  In using a "Natural Delivery" we see a style of delivery where the bowler's mind (subconscious) will adjust the " delivery line" for the heavier weight. The bowler will think that he has given the same line.  Principle here, is that  "if you have done the delivery so many time that you only need  "to think where you want the bowl", then you can let the mind makes that delivery adjustment (subconscious mind)"  as you move left or right on the mat.  This is more precise and  you are not changing your delivery weightm and  the mind (subconscious) does the same line of delivery. (Or so you think)  Don t out think yourself.

The Second reason why you should have the "Walking The Mat" ability is to change your "Receiving area".  What is the Receiving Area?  The place on the green in front of the mat where your bowl first makes contact with the green is often referred to as your "Receiving area"

 In an previous blog it was suggested that the lead needs to know and always check the  "Receiving area" of their team mates when first placing the mat,  To be aware of damage to the surface where you or your fellow teammates will place the bowl; only means moving the mat ahead or back a bit to get the best roll of the delivered bowl.

What is so hard about checking the surface and to be sure to not have debits or damage where they place their bowl.  However what if your team has not placed the mat ?  In placing the mat, the opponent  lead may have given his team a good surface and in so doing given you or your team mates;  a bad "Receiving Area".  If you need to change your  stance on the mat to improve where you place your bowl (your "Receiving area"), in order to not lay down a good delivery in the middle of  bad debits.

Interesting Story from Bowling out of Montreal.  I was teamed in Pairs with Scot and we were against a Westmount Team. Scot and the Westmount skip ( Richard) were the club "Greens keeper".  I noticed that the Westmount lead was causing debits and when we had the first bowl, and as lead, I knew that when placing the mat; it should be moved ahead or back a bit to give a good "Receiving Area",

 Scott my skip was an excellent Green keeper back at our club.  Because Richard, the opponent skip and I were both left hand bowlers, when I placed the mat I did not think of my skip who like the Westmount lead was right handed. As a new player and as lead, I should have known the left and right handed players on both teams. However, I placed the mat for my self to have a good receiving area and when the skips came to the mat, my skip was delivering his bowl in the debits of the opponent lead and Richard the opponent skip had a clean  "Receiving area" . Looking down at those debits as he bowled Scott (my skip) completely losted it as he tried to deliver around those debits.

 When needing to adjust your delivery "Receiving area" the need to move left or right on the mat is the first reason for "Mat Walking". As a "Line bowler" you may have to adjust your bowl if the "Receiving area" of your bowl is bad.  By developing this trick or tool in your "ToolBox of Tricks" you should be able to move on the mat and obtain the best delivery ofyour bowl.   Also, in your "Post Analysis" of your "Good delivery" you must know that this small defect in the green has changed the actual roll or performance of  your bowl. This is your feedback for the next delivery.  But if you don t know how to "Walk the mat" you may try leaning ahead or to the side to place the bowl on a different part of the green.  Now, with a Balance problem you create another problem in your delivery.

Delivery Tool Box Usage

Lawn Bowls Perfection depends upon several controlled variables once you have your delivery Style perfected or "Stable".  To the Social Lawn Bowls player their game is much like "Darts" where they throw and attempt to get close to the center.  Yes, and some players do literally "Throw" their bowls instead of a well placed "Roll".

photosearch photo

    With difficulty in getting the proper weight for the delivery to the jack distance and  the regular missing Line; there are  also the variables of the environment. The Greens can be perfect in maintained but always there will be that  ridges or a small valleys to be avoid. The wind may be consistence however as the day develops and the sun dries out the morning dew, the green will be seen to increase it's speed. Even at the "Mat Line" where several players have  walked to and from the mat, when playing that direction; the green  have now showing a change in speed, if your play is to have  the jack is brought out to the "Spotting Mark". It now  seems impossible to have your bowl stop at the jack as the speed send it now to the ditch.
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Like a child which was given a "Tool Box" for Christmas the novice bowler must learn what the various tools of Lawn Bowls are and how to use them.  For the child , the "Hammer" is for Nails while in bowls, the "Hammer" is having the last bowl and being wise with it use.  The child learns that the square is for measure and angles,  or that the level is for  a good smooth surface, but in Bowls the Angles are more your line of Delivery or knowing what areas of the green are level or with a small fall.

When given the "Delivery Tool Box" of a bowler we discovere some strange and  various tools, which were developed  and only used  for the proper application.  Unlike the child who  attempts to examine the various items and imagine how the can be used, the bowler should know which tools and which conditions require their use.  Yes the hammer can be used to break things for the child, your "Runner" becomes the  force to the strike at the head. Using your Delivery Line Tools requires you understand their use.

Walking the Mat  The first lesson taught to a student is to always place his feet on the mat at the same position and location. This should be your starting point.  Don't change where you place your feet in a normal delivery, but every coach will expect you to understand what happens if you do not place them correctly.. (Body pointing in the direction of Delivery Line)  As a "Hammer" is for "Nails" the Delivery Line Tool of  "Walking the Mat" is often not even seen when used".

Talyor Lawn Bowls

You wanted to do a "Jack Roll"  but you are told that you just missed it by two inches, or a space shown by the skip with his thumb and fore finger. If you moved you feet on the mat the same distance you will have the jack if your line is the same. Several Blogs on this are " Feb 2015 Walking the Mat" and then 4 new blogs in 2017.Walking 1/3 ,2 /3  and 3/3 
 Using the above photo as an example and if you are able to do the same perfect delivery and same line of delivery and you move your "Mat foot" back so the toe is now 2 inches from where you normally place it you should be touching the jack.  Another inches and you are dead on and still another two inches and you will tap the front of the jack. (the jack is 63 to 64 mm or 2.48 to 2.52 inches large) Or in other words. Walking the mat is able to do better than that.

Exercise to learn Walking the mat   First it is important you have the same natural weight and line. Ideally would be a rolling ramp which direct your bowl and with the same weight, but with two pieces of ribbon on the greens separated by the

rolling surface of the bowl (approx 1 inch) and your natural delivery weight you can see what happens.

 As you move around the mat ( walking) from left to right so also move the ribbon the same distance you move you foot. Remember only move one ribbon ( outside now becomes inside edge of BOWL. Lao generally as you move back or forward on the same side if the mat your ribbon can stay the same. Remember the rules required you start with both feet on the mat but once done you can place only one foot ( Mat foot) on the mat as you prepare your delivery.
 The following  two diagrams should also help you understand the changes.
 As per the above chart from Talyor Lawn Bowls we see an example how each manufacturer produces several different bias bowls. You should know your bias. With a subconscious image of your bowl roll (Like the one at right) you can know your roll and the finish of your bowl from the middle of the mat.
  What happens with the same line (between the ribbon markers (diagram right) when you change positions on the mat. Make sure your weight is the same and roll directly between the two ribbons.  You should find that moving left moves your final resting place to the right and vise versa. And the moving back (center mat) moves the resting point further back or ahead of the jack.

Off Step Delivery.  Developing  (as I work from the public library and only have 2 hours on the computer this will be finished tomorrow.

Delivery Line ToolBox

In a previous Blog for the Lead, it was suggested to know the "Receiving Area" of the bowls of your team players and the Opponents.  This is the area of green directly in front of the mat where the player lays down his bowl to begin his delivery. Thank you to Bowls Scotland Facebook Photo for examples of Delivery usage of the mat.

Front of Mat Delivery (Bowls Scotland FB)

Usually a right handed lawn bowler standing on the center of the mat will lay it down 8 to 10 inches from the center or "Jack Line". If the bowl is a "Backhand" Delivery it will cross the center line and arc outward and return to the Jack which if it has not been moved, is on the "Jack Line".

  Because most lawn Bowlers are about two feet wide, and  the left handed Lawn Bowler will place his bowl on the green ("Receiving Area" a foot on the opposite side of the center line; the "Delivery area is about 2 feet wide. From that area of green of the Right handed Bowler to that area of Green of the Left Handed bowler.
  Therefore, with the exception of players who do a high delivery (chuck their bowl) or do off the mat deliveries this "Receiving area is about 18 inches in front of the mat. However, with the use of various tricks of Delivery in your Delivery Line Tool Box you can increase this area to 5 (five) feet on the left or Right side of the Center or "Jack Line".

Bowls Scotland FBook Photo

Walking the Mat   Because the mat is defined in Section 3, Article 7 as 600mm by 360mm (23.622" x 14.173") this small foot wide mat allows for a little bit of "Mat Walking "  With the Section 5 (Game) and Article 21A (Foot Faulting) requiring that the player have one foot on or over the mat at the time of jack or bowl delivery; we have a great deal of place to move around on the mat. Photo shows back of Mat usage for delivery Learn how to use the mat fully and the results it will give you.  Every tool in your tool box will one day be valuable .

Example of Walking Mat applied in Bowls Scotland National Championship 2014 Men's Pairs SF2  on Youtube  shows that because player delivery stance is such that he is off the right corner

Bowls left of jack without possible Mat Walking

of the mat for his "Receiving Area" of his bowl he is missing the Jack on the left and all his bowls are at the same final resting position. He can not move a half foot size left to catch the jack. Watching the delivery shows that Walking the Mat is not a tool in his Delivery Tool Box.

Because your foot is about 4 inches wide and the mat is 14 inches you can place your "Mat foot" at the extreme left or extreme right of the mat for delivery.

Australian's Kalsey Coffreil

Walking the mat is both forward and backward as well as left to right.  In developing your "Delivery Line Toolbox" you should know what result you have when your "Remaining" foot is located on each of the 4 corners of the mat .

  One of the major differences is when  you have done a "Natural Delivery and arrived 16" (inches) behind the jack.  With the same natural delivery and moving from the front of the mat to the back of the mat your bowl will be that 16" closer to you and on the jack. (remember the mat is 24 " long and your foot is probably 12 inches. (excuse the use of Inches as at 70years old and as a Canadian I still think in the British Measure). Photo of Kalsey Coffreil shows how much of the mat is unused when the bowl is placed on the green.at delivery.

Off Step Delivery.  This delivery occurs when the bowler places his "non-delivery arm side foot "on the mat and does a wide side step from the mat.  By standing in this "Spread Stance" and doing a gentle delivery it is possible to move as far as 4 feet off the mat.  Most Blocks do not restrict a bowlers ability to reach a position on the green or the Jack, but a double Block wall will create concern.  By a Off-step Delivery  you will pass those blocks without difficult.(When I find a photo fo Off-Step Delivery I will update this Blog)

Amazing, a Off Step Delivery is not hard to find the line because often the Blocks are at the Shoulder of the Delivery Line and by using these bowls as your line of delivery your bowl will pass just within the bowls. Yes you bowls will arrive at the jack because they have a different line of approach and the Bowl's finish will often be on the jack line.

Inside Step (left) - Outside Step (right

Inside Step Delivery  This delivery is more difficult than expected but can be developed to extend your delivery at least a foot beyond the opposite corner of the mat from your "Delivery Arm Mat side" Because some instructors insist that you place your bowl on the green beside the inside of your Stepping foot, often a new bowler develops this Inside Step Delivery and must be corrected to step into the Jack line and deliver the bowl within a foot of the Jack line..

All the tools in your Delivery Tool Box should apply to an instinctive Bowl Line Delivery. Such a delivery means you see in your mind the three parts of your Delivery Line, (Arc of Delivery, Shoulder, and Finish Curve) and you deliver your bowl to arrive at the expected place after the finish curve has happen.

Sometimes it is simple to improve our Mat Etiquettes as suggested by the Ottawa Club of "Nepean Lawn Bowl Club which suggests " 6. After bowling each bowl, step off the mat to the right. As you approach the mat to bowl, do so from the rear left."

Reading Blog Stats

Blogging is expressing your views and experiences to interested readers.  Knowing what is of interest to the readers and visitors to the site depends upon the analysis of the Blog Stats supplied by blogger sites like www.blogger.com.

Two Basic types of readers are found visiting a site. First, the regular who in discovering a new blog has been posted, or on visiting regularly; is a continual follower.  Second is the visitors who arrive due to some search engine and visit several of the blog posting.  As a Blog writer, both are important and should be included in the development of new Blogs.

Regular Blog Visitors To all of us there are many interesting subjects which we would like to share with the readers, however as a blog author I must respect the content type which has drawn my readers. There are several types of Social Media Formats and I use my Twitter to inform my followers about Bowls and news while FaceBook is a more Personal Cyber life.

My Facebook Account

 Having been a Blind Bowls Instructor and Coach over the past several years, I have build a part of my Facebook as .Blind Lawn Bowls  Of course, few Social Media Formats are user friendly to those with Visual Problems.
   Although I attempt to push news and invite participants as administrator to this Blind Bowls FaceBook page; my major objective is to remind the reader that they must tell the Visual Impaired individuals of what they read because few of the computer aids developed for the Blind allow Text and photos mixed.
On my Facebook I wrote "Ready for something strange!!! "A Feeling". On the last day of my 70th year, I found myself being judged and not wanting. We do not know our life until all our experience are bottled like a fine wine. Aging of the wine is all things seen and judged, and great is knowing "One's Value". If you miss understanding one day you we'll know."" because everyday we learn and see more and more of who we are or have been. None of this is Blog worthy unless that has been the subject for the last 5 years.

Blog Statistic Information  The Blog Stats reveal the new visitors and their subject interest which has brought them to the blog.The regular topic of interest has been "Three Subconscious Mind Exercises" written

This Blog's Stats for last 7 Days.

in December 2012. Of course, I should and will write more of these blogs but also my audience are regular lawn Bowler who are searching for information.  Articles like the e-book of Rob Judson, an Australian coach.who In a February 2003 did a  SCRIBD publication " of Lawn Bowl Coaching. A lot of the opinion and views are from my experience in Lawn Bowls, Petanque (French Bowls) and Archery where being in the zone is a major part of perfection of the sport.

The High Blue Peak of 6 or 8 reads is a new visitor whom as followed several other topics after arriving at the site for the search.  It is with satisfaction that I find a regular blog visit of 15 to 25 hits per day. Yes there has been a lot written over the past 5 or more years but these "Hits" are regular and new visitors.  Often when an interested reader finds my blog interesting they attempt to follow the blog by being a follower of my Twitter account.Here in the attach photo we find a request

Springhiler's Twitter Account

for to follow.  I have kept this account locked to prevent the often advertising and non-lawn bowls visitors.  Everyone is welcome and I often visit their twitter accounts for information on the recent news of Lawn Bowls.
Yes, I know that 126 followers is not many but I am sure they are some of the best Lawn Bowls players in the world. Some of the Twitter following are clubs who are doing great things with the youth and the handicap or Visually Impaired.

 Last summer I was excited to find a heavy following from the far East or South Africa. These countries are strong in Long Bowls and of course the "Bowl's Stats" map show me what countries are following.  Of course, if I am not submitting a blog every week the visitors are usually those English countries which find the blog because of a Search Engine.

Two days Later  Looking back at this blog's stats two days later (updated 24th) I learn at about six (6) readers had accessed my Blog for the Twitter entry and regular follower.

Blog Stats after 2 days

Two Days later I find that only 6 views of this blog. The spike in the stats are new readers who have accessed the blog and then read several of the older entries.
  Word of Advice  If you believe in your sport and want it to grow, you must make it a visual part of your life. Yes do great on the green builds interest in your club and region, but the Internet and Social Media has made the world small and we can all reach out and spread the word on Bowls or Blind Lawn Bowls.

Communication & Team Signals

A request from a Blog Reader was "Will be playing on a ..triples team this coming 2015 season. Could you write something abut team signaling that our members can learn over the winter. Thanks from the GreensBowler"

(Photobucket com)

Is this a Team Signal in the photo (Just on the shoulder of the Pointing Circle)

Here Goes showing some team Signals  ---  With a long time Pairs Partner I did the following Team Signal (will explain it meaning afterward ) First Draft before Christmas plse accept mistakes)

Signal - Open Hand, palm facing Player on the Mat..   Signal - Fingers on Chest show recognize signal for Love   Signal - Requested Forehand Bowl   Signal - Did a Crossed Arm in front of Chest "X"  Signal -Pointed to Opponents Bowl and Drew hand back toward Jack  Signal - Showed Three finger on chest pointing downward  Signal -  Stepped to Jack and Side stepped 18 inches  Signal -  Tapped ankle of foot pointing toward Player  Signal - Made small circle with thumb and forefinger  Signal  - Pointed to Jack and moved hand  back to Bowls behind Jack  Signal - Showed Bowls "Ours"  Signal - Showed four finger on chest  Signal - Made Baseball Safe type Signal (hands crossing body left and right)

First reaction of my partner was hand over his face and turned away from the Mat.  So I did it again all in the sme order and movements.   What I was saying was:
Attention  - Signal  Open Hand Palm toward Player on Mat  - Used to warn Signals coming
I Like     -  Signal  Hand on chest to say Love (Sign Language)    Suggesting I will suggest something.
Forehand - Normal Signal taught by Club to Beginning Players

LOVE (You, It, "L O V E")

Be Careful - Signal  "X" or Do Not Do  to warn of danger.
Not to Roll Opponent Bowl to Jack  - Showed Bowl as Opponent and it movement toward Jack
Giving 3 points  Signal for Points with finger on chest point down.
However - Going to Jack.. Suggesting a change in thought about the Jack
If 18 inches wide - Step side way from jack indicates playing a false jack  (as if the jack was there)
Can Get shot     - Pointing to Ankle of foot indicates where bowl should stop
If jack rolls   - Showing Jack (small circle with thumb and fore finger) and movement sign
Back to Bowls - Showing the bowls as "Ours"
Get 4 points   - Showing points up or gained  (fingers at chest in direction of oppose arm
SAFE - Your Choice - Signal of Baseball which I often use to tell Pointer they have choice of Jack Distance.

Safe or "Your Choice"

Yes a complete conversation but would you have wanted to yell it up the green or demand the player come to the Head and see.  Only a team that plays together would appreciate this conversation but it has some interesting signals.

First before doing a personal or team signal it is best to indicate that such a signal is coming.  (the open palm toward the player) suggesting.. Wait a Minute..  Could be touching your Ear to Say "Listen". But the need to have full attention when doing Team Signals is very important.  In triples it is usually between the skip and mate that this communication happens.

It is clear that this Skip is yelling instructions up the green.(Photobucket.com)

In the photo there are a lot of bowls and teams playing and if each is calling instructions up and down the green it shows a lack of respect for the bowler on the mat.  Sometimes a team is faster playing than another and the skip is on a neighbour green with Bowlers still on the Mat next to him..  Check out Mat players when yelling up and down the green Please
Second, the indication of Points up or down should be a rather invisible signal as sometimes the change in the head makes a big difference and you don't want to bring this to the opponents attention.  Especially if the opponent skip is on the mat and the communication is not that great between them.

Generally the Signals are from the head to the Mat Player however some signals are needed from the Mat, such as "Signals Request for Information".  "Are we up or Down ?" "What Changed ?" Distance from Jack ?" (Circle of thumb and finger and other hand moving away and back to that hand). Remember that reading the body language of the Skip or Mate can also be telling you about the shot.
A turn and walk away from the head with out a "great Bowl" Signal  can mean something went wrong.

Signals should always be Positive Communication or Request.  The Thumbs up for a Good Bowl or Got Shot is encouraging to the player on the mat. Indicating the number of points change when something happens is only polite.  Even with a mistake the player on the mat will think the worst or be worried when next coming to the mat.

Remember that the Skip is in charge and his instructions should not be a request but a direction of order of play. The signals taught to novice players are always instructions and not request. Forehand, Frontal bowl, Back Position.  Also a skip should value the efforts of his team mates and indicate the success of shots and points up or down.

Enjoy and hope you find some ideas in this blog..