Set the target
The first player rolls the jack along the rink. It becomes the target for that end.
A simple introduction
Lawn bowls, explained simply
Roll biased bowls towards a small target ball called the jack. Finish closer than your opponent and you score. It is easy to begin, wonderfully social and offers a lifetime of skill to explore.
The bowl’s bias makes it travel in a curve.
01
The game in one minute
These are the basics you need before watching or trying your first end.
Deliver the bowls
Players take turns rolling their bowls. Each bowl curves as it slows because it is biased.
Count the score
When all bowls are delivered, only one player or team scores—one shot for every bowl closer than the opponent’s nearest bowl.
Play the next end
Everyone changes direction and plays again. A match is made up of multiple ends.
02
The parts of the game
A few words make bowls much easier to follow.
Bowls
The larger balls each player delivers. They are shaped to curve rather than travel in a perfectly straight line.
Jack
The small white or yellow target ball. You may also hear it called the kitty.
Green & rink
The green is the whole playing surface. It is divided into parallel lanes called rinks.
Head
The jack and the bowls around it at the far end of the rink.
End
One round of play in one direction, from placing the mat and rolling the jack through to scoring.
Shot
A scoring bowl. If your bowl is nearest the jack, you are “holding shot”.
03
What your first visit is like
Most clubs make starting much easier than people expect.
You usually don’t need equipment
Clubs commonly lend suitable bowls for an introductory session. Ask before visiting so they can have someone ready to help.
Wear flat-soled shoes
Choose clean, flat shoes that will protect the green. Dress rules vary, but casual clothing is usually suitable for a first try.
Someone will show you the basics
You will learn how to hold and deliver a bowl, choose the biased side and adjust your line and weight.
It can be social or competitive
Enjoy a relaxed roll-up, regular social bowls or progress into club and representative competition—the choice is yours.
One sport, different settings
Next guideWhich bowls format suits you?Singles, pairs, triples, fours and social variations →
Grass, synthetic and indoor greens
Bowls is played outdoors on natural grass or synthetic greens and indoors on purpose-built carpet surfaces. Pace and conditions change, but the central challenge—controlling line and weight—remains the same.
The best way to understand bowls
Give it a try
Find a welcoming club or discover a social bowls session near you.
