@@petersaunders747 Hi Peter, at our club we did make sure we followed the guidelines provided in the crystal mark fourth edition rules, page 15, 6.1.5 which in a nutshell means the nearest part of the groundsheet is placed on the mat line, so the 2 metre line, so that the front of the bowls mat is in line with the nearest part of the groundsheet so players bowl on the groundsheet itself. I did see once the mat placed on top of the groundsheet but that is wrong. I hope that makes sense. Obviously the groundsheet cannot be moved once placed. No one likes groundsheets but sometimes they are needed as you know, and in your case it is definitely worth the inconvenience. Regards Alec

After I sent my question to you I was talking to my wife who did remember exactly how a groundsheet is placed when used. Thanks anyway for your reply. Regards.

@@alberttickle1106 yes, it is a dead bowl and must be removed. In addition, if by dropping into the ditch, it disturbs another bowl or the jack, the disturbed bowl or jack is put back where it was. 🙂

Mostly it is two bowls, but when you use four bowls in a game (singles and pairs) you can use all four. 👍

@@alberttickle1106 whoops, I replied on my other account, yes, that was me. 😊 Not the first time I have done that. 😂

@@alberttickle1106 yes, the rules do state that, but too many players tend to linger a bit too long I’m my opinion. I don't really see the point in just standing there and possibly delaying the next player. I have got into the habit of leaving the mat once the my bowl is about half way down the green, but only stepping to one side and I still watch what my bowl is doing. At least the next player can start to position himself if he wants to. I think I started doing that as often in evening games the light starts to go and I like to get on with the game. But that is just my view, others do stay on the mat as you say, which is fine as long as they move once the bowl has stopped. Thanks for the comment. 👍

@@RichardBloyce since the bowl only turns when it starts to slow down, and on shorter jacks it has less time to do so, the line can be narrower, slightly. But it also depends on the green, or the rink you are playing on as the running surface can affect how the bowl runs, and they are often different. Generally though, you do take less green on a shorter jack, and more on a longer jack. But be careful not to over compensate. 🙂

@@slippyg yes, the line is different on that rink. That is not uncommon, as the green may have undulations on the green that affect the line you need to take. Every rink is different, especially outdoors.

Now that is interesting, and sounds like a good idea to me. 👍

Hi, Thanks for the question. A good one too. The distance between the jack and the bowl is the shortest distance to any part of the bowl. The measure is always at the same point on the jack, as the fixed point on the tape measure is always centre on the jack. However, with the bowl it is not so easy because of the shape of the bowl and how it sits on the green, so the point of the measure (at the bowl end) must be moved around to determine which part of the bowl you are measuring is closest to the jack. I obviously have not explained that well enough, so maybe it is something I should redo. With regard to the measure in the ditch which has the ditch edge to take into account. Yes, the bowl in the ditch when measured to a jack also I n the ditch is fairly easy at it is a straight line. However, the bowl that is still on the green has the ditch edge to contend with which makes it harder, as you cannot measure through the ditch, it has to be over the edge. This means that the bowl on the green has a slight disadvantage. Agreed, it is tough, but it is not possible to measure through a solid surface, you have to go over it. That has always been the way it is done, which may seem unfair, but is is the same for both teams and is unlikely ever to change. As I said, it is tough, but part of the game. Good questions, and thanks for both of them. 👍

Great to hear, and just confirms how much someone can get from marking. Well done indeed.

@@baharudinabdullah6845 hi, the club is Camberley & District Indoor Bowling Club, Wilton Road, Camberley GU15 2QW, Surrey, England. 😀

There should be similar markers on an indoor rink, if not, they will need to be put in place :)

Most bowls shops sell them, or go online and there are several websites that will be able to help. Just make sure you buy one that is the correct size for you as they do vary in lengths. Do shop around too, as prices vary. Best avoid Amazon as they seem to be more expensive there. If it is the Hacksaw type you want, try here: hunterbowls.co.uk which is where I bought mine.

Hi Keith, yes, I cover this in my 'Lawn Bowls for Fun 20 - What is expected from a new bowler,' about eleven minutes into the video. Hopefully that will answer your questions. :)

I think we did win. :)

I must admit, I find having my feet close together makes me feel unbalanced. Although I do have a particularly poor balance system so it affects me more than others. Yes, some players start with their feet together, then step forward to bowl. If that works then great, Others who are less balanced have their feet slightly apart. I always say do what is comfortable for you. Let me know if aiming closer to the mat works, it should, but everyone is different, I do know bowlers who swear by the bank method, which is fine. :)

That is really great to hear, thanks.

I use felt ones, jut cut to size, but I seen cloth, card, plastic etc.

Great to hear from you. Of course, do link the vids on your website, in fact I really appreciate it. Thanks.

@@LawnBowlsforFun Excellent, thank you

Nice one Edward, let me know how you get on. 👍

@@toxophillus72 It depends on the stance used. If a player takes a step forward (athletic stance) to deliver a bowl, the weight starts more on the right foot, but as the left foot steps forward the weight transfers to the left foot and the right foot often ends in the air. This is for a tight handed player, so would be opposite for a left handed player. If the player uses the fixed stance I think the weight is evenly distributed prior to delivery but possible slightly more on the left foot at point of delivery as the right arm swings forward . I hope that all makes sense. 😀

@@kieranosullivan445 ahh, I wondered what the lines were for. Interesting that the UK and Australia have different rules. Thanks for explain it. 👍

I have seen great results using bowls with a particular bias on one rink, but then fail to do the same on another. It is a real challenge to find the line sometimes, other times it seems easy. I dare say the top players see the difference more that the average bowler. I suppose if you are playing skip, a 'hockey stick' effect works better to go round blocking bowls rather than a gradual bias. Since I often lead I prefer the gradual bias myself, but if I skip I may be tempted to change. I am not sure if that explains it enough, I hope so.

@@cigarboxguitar9519 Hi Bill, it sounds lovely where you are. Yes, if I am ever near your club I would happily have a game, unlikely but you never know. With regard to rink markings, we also move the rink markers daily at my outdoor club, but indoors they are never moved. I don’t know of a club that does move them, possibly due to the fact that the carpet does not wear out, although you would think it would. Also, all carpets can only be bowled in one direction as the joins (seams) are across the green, so it does not affect the bowl. I hope this answers your question. Thanks

We play indoor at my club Mount Gravatt in Brisbane,Queensland. We play from a different line each week to save wearing the carpet. All indoor clubs in Australia do this.

@@kieranosullivan445 that is interesting. I never knew that so you learn something every day. I would love to visit Oz one day and if I do I will definitely have a go on your very fast surfaces. 👍

Main difference I’ve found is the atmosphere, there is none inside 😴😴😵‍💫

@@cdb989 it was a pleasure, I hope you give it a try and enjoy the experience. 👍

Yes, I line up the ramp as if it is my arm and bowl to what I think is the correct line. The angle is very small, probably only about 10 degrees. It takes a few adjustments but after a few bowls it is running the line I want. Then I just send the rest of the bowls down the ramp. Thanks for watching the vids and I am glad they have helped. :)

It sounds ideal for you, from what you have said. Please let me know how you get on.

Well if David Bryant said that, it must be correct. I wish I could try the ramp outdoors, but it is too big to transport. If I ever do I will let you know.

@@karljoachimgoll I remember that day as none of us knew what was about to happen re Covid which was just about to break. The club never recovered from the Covid closure, and no longer exists, sadly. Also, it is funny to watch the bit at the end with Jim trying to fire at my shot bowl, but taking his own out instead. He thought it was hilarious too and was such a pleasure to play against. He no longer plays sadly, as a result of the club closing down. But good memories. 👍

@@kellymason1076 Hi Kelly. I promise you, you will never get kicked out. This summer, I have been involved with 12 new bowlers, and of course they are all different, some have learnt more quickly than others but they are all enjoying bowls and getting along fine. Some do pick it up quickly, others take longer, but there is no time limit, you just move at a pace that suits you. Any club will be happy to have you as a member regardless of your ability. I bet you are better than you think you are, so just go and get started, you will not regret it. We all have to start somewhere, we just need that first step. Let me know how you get on. 👍

Don't be silly, we and all others who started playing bowls for the first time played many wrong bias etc! So don't be put off! I still visit my club in the evening and practice most evenings! Life is a learning process and so is any sport! Good luck!

The world indoors championships are every Jan/Feb, from Potters in Norfolk, or at least the latter stages. I wish there were more games shown on TV but there does not seem to be. The National finals are at Leamington Spa soon, but I don't think any are are due to be shown on TV sadly. Best just go there and watch, it is a great day out.