Bowls Glossary

The direction that a bowl is to be delivered in.

In games of singles, some formats allow for a positive or negative handicap to be applied to players of different ability. For example, in a game of first to 21 ends one player may start at +5 shots and one at -5 shots, meaning the player with a +5 handicap need only score another 16 shots to win, whereas the player on -5 handicap must score 26 shots to win.

Refers to the area of the rink where the jack and any live bowls that have been delivered on any particular end.

When a bowl delivered with more force than required to deliver it to a desired position on the rink. Bowl a relative description of the physical weight of the bowl, compared with a standard weight bowl, or an extra heavy weight bowl. Heavy Green a description of the relatively slow pace of the green compared with a quick or fast green.

The name of an Australian-based bowls manufacturer.

Bowl indicates that your bowl is the closest to the Jack- “we are holding the shot” Green a relative description of the line a bow is taking on the rink a moment in time. A bowl that is holding its line is an indication that it is travelling a different line to that normally expected, due to either the condition of the green, the pace of the green, or the delivery action of the bowler.

lists of achievements that are placed on display, usually within a club house or an associations head office. Honour boards usually recognise office bearers, championship winners, and representative honours at region, county, state, national and international levels of competition.

The direction a bowl takes when it is slowing down and has just about a meter or two left to roll. Some bowls hook more then others, especially older Classic bowls with extreme bias.