Set the target
The first player delivers the jack. After a valid delivery, it is centred on the rink as the target for that end.
A simple introduction
Lawn bowls, explained simply
In flat-green lawn bowls, you roll biased bowls towards a small target ball called the jack. The aim is to finish closer than your opponent. It is easy to begin, wonderfully social and offers a lifetime of skill to explore.
Why does the bowl curve?
The bowl’s shape creates its bias, making it curve as it slows.
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
Agree the score when play has finished: one shot for each bowl closer than the opponent’s nearest. A tied end scores no shots.
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 all live bowls at rest within the rink boundaries, including any live bowls in the ditch.
End
One round of play in one direction. It may finish with shots scored, a tied result or a dead end.
Shot
A point scored, the nearest bowl or a type of delivery. 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 delivery weight—the effort needed to reach the intended length.
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
Keep learningReady for the next step?Explore rules, etiquette, formats and ways to have a go →
Grass, synthetic and indoor greens
Flat-green bowls is played outdoors on grass or synthetic greens and on full-length indoor rinks. Carpet bowls, short mat bowls and crown green bowls are separate disciplines with their own rules. Across the settings, controlling line and delivery weight remains central.
The best way to understand bowls
Give it a try
Find a welcoming club or discover a social bowls session near you.
