Lawn Bowls for Fun 19 - Finding the correct line.

This video is about how to more consistently find the correct line and length.
Equipment I use:
Apple iPhone X
DJI Osmo 3 Gimbol
Rode Smartlav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphone or RODE Wireless GO - Compact Wireless Microphone System
Standard Tripod.
iMovie

[@kittyvanditshuizen5320]

Absolutely brilliant instructors. Simple and practical but not boring. Thank you so much. Been bowling for 6 weeks. This is so helpful.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

@@kittyvanditshuizen5320 thanks for that, so glad it helped. 👍

[@frankdevries5739]

The way Alex talks about bowls; you can feel his passion and love for the game.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Thanks Frank. You are correct, it has been a 35 year passion. :)

[@trecking_oz]

As someone who has only played a little on a casual basis and wanting to start playing on a regular basis this was a great informative video. Thank you

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks.

[@chrisure5393]

Bowling for 23 years. I'm fit, healthy but neck problems so I find it hard to release the bowl looking up at the grass I need so I look down. Thinking this was stupid. I now know, from your instruction this is correct, so now I can take it to another level. Find my grass move my eyes down to the line and bowl along that line. THANKS.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

I hope it helps. Let me know if it does help.

[@anjali108]

thank you! i took my first lawn bowling lesson today. your videos are so helpful as i learn.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Great to hear, thanks. I hope it went well.

[@craighefford7034]

Thank you Alex 😊. Just starting playing 4 weeks ago had 4 lessons 1 each Thursday for 2 hours. Can't wait to get outdoors in spring and summer. Keep up ya good work 👏

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Great news, you will not regret it, it is a brilliant game. Good luck.

[@clydemartindill9456]

I've started coaching four new members and have recommended this excellent video.Thanks so much for the huge effort that must have gone into producing it. By the way I use old compact discs on the green to give new bowlers practice at finding the line. Disco Hits from the 80's seems to work the best!

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Haha, great idea. I would prefer the 60's though. 😁

[@PaulEngineer]

@@LawnBowlsforFun The vinyl tends to crack after a few hits. ;)

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

@@PaulEngineer haha, I never thought of that. 😬

[@sargentstephens45]

..I tried a couple of old Michael Buble' CDs and my bowls went downhill very quickly..!!

[@Phil.1964]

Had my first lesson a week ago and had three practice roll ups since, throughly enjoying the videos and finding them very helpful

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Good to hear Pip. Thanks for the comments. 👍

[@andy7829]

HI Alec. Even though I'm a relatively experienced bowler i found this video very helpful. I appreciate all your effort. Many thanks.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks very much for the comment.

[@middleearth7442]

Glad to see bowling is finally back :)

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

yes, it is great to bowl again. Hopefully next summer we can get back to normal bowling, or at least closer to normal bowling. Thanks.

[@cigarboxguitar9519]

Great video Alec. Thank You!

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

My pleasure!

[@practicalsolutions5166]

Hey Alex great presentation just what I have been looking for happy bowling sir

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the feedback.

[@paulcalpak4068]

Very informative video. Thanks Alec.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Glad it was helpful!

[@imranchishti5457]

Much gratitude for the wisdom sir. Learned a lot.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stuartallen8758]

Really appreciated seeing your video as a beginner, you are indeed an accomplished teacher, will keep following.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Awesome, thank you! Good luck with your bowls.

[@richardbarrett4104]

Alex, I've tried most focal points, but 3/5 meters seems about right for me these days outdoors. However, most greens we play on are not as flat and straight as yours, so that line does vary. Great help thank you.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

@@richardbarrett4104 I am the same, 3/5 metres seems to work for me. 👍

[@steveanslow2613]

Alex, just watched your video on line and length, and enjoyed the advice given. I've been bowling for just a year now and experienced lots of roll ups, outside, this summer, with no competitions allowed. We were just into the indoor game when the second lockdown occurred. I'm looking forward to a "clear" year. Our practice sessions have concentrated on a sight line based on the rink markers or similar, but I did try bringing that closer (as suggested) using circular coloured markers, and it did improve matters. I work on the principle that sighting 30 yards away, a one degree deviation causes chaos. Outside, I also look for that mark in the grass, but as the rink markers were moved, so the minute undulation in the rink was apparent. This was not meant as a long email, but thanks again. I am a member of Clevedon Prom and Clevedon Bowling Club, made famous by David Bryant, who sadly passed on this year.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Hi Steve, everyone is different, and some players swear by using the rink markers. If it works then great, but I often have people come to me with line issues and when I show them the method I used for the vid it helps in most, not all, cases. I think roughly 90% it helps. It is funny, but I knew a bowler who used to do everything wrong, he looked a mess while bowling, but he was a natural and doing everything wrong seemed to work for him. He was much better than I will ever be, so how could I tell him he did everything wrong. LOL, I know when to keep quiet. :)

[@rodneymcgiveron]

I was playing three in our pennant team on our 14.5 second green the other day and was struggling a little bit with line on both sides ..in the finish after about half a dozen ends of 25 ends I finally found my spots on the surface of the rink both sides . As soon as I got the line it went from all over the place to very accurate ....I think getting your line is way more crucial than speed ...I also play a lot of golf at our club which is a joint golf and bowls club and in a big way putting helps me with my draw bowling especially with lining up .. Also my golf tees come in handy when practicing . I often place a couple of tees out from the mat about 200 mm apart four metres away and try to bowl in between them ...seems to help ..Great video ....

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Thanks Rodney. I agree , once you find that focal point it can make a huge difference. I like that tee idea, I will try that.

[@derrickhodgson3]

Great video for beginners. Thank you so much.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Thanks Derrick, appreciate the feedback.

[@nigeldavis4220]

Thanks Alec, a very helpful instructional video.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Thanks Nigel.

[@pauldsouza5082]

Im a beginner and that was so useful... Thanks Alex

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Happy to help! Thanks.

[@clairedoran4024]

Thank you, very helpful to this new bowler!

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Great to hear! Thanks

[@rodnewman6519]

Going for my first ever try at bowls a week tomorrow, this was really useful. Not that I expect to achieve great things when I go, but this has shown me what I can do to at least not embarrass myself.......... hopefully 😂😂

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

You will be fine and you will enjoy it. Bowls is a great game, whether it be social or more serious. Let us know how you get on.

[@rodnewman6519]

@@LawnBowlsforFun well had my first acquaint session at my local bowling club this morning. Glad to say while I didn’t set the world alight thanks to your informative videos I didn’t disgrace myself either. Looking forward to many more sessions going forward. Thank you once again for really useful videos.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

@@rodnewman6519 good to hear you did okay. The first session can be nerve-racking, but now that is out of the way you will be fine. Well done, and thanks for letting us know. 👍

[@jeremybeadleslefthand480]

I've found a method which in practice has helped me to become much more improved. I started playing 9 weeks ago and already there is talk of me being a skip next season! Possibly a little bit hyperbolic but I've earned my place in the club teams on merit now 😁 What I do is find the spot where I want the bowl to start turning towards the jack. I then make my imaginary line from the 'turning point' and bring it back to somewhere close to me that I can focus on. Of course, I can only use this method after a couple of ends in away games. Identifying spots on the wall is fine but at a club where you are playing to hedges, then looking that far is a recipe for disaster. So I've tried to cultivate my approach. I'm not saying it is unique, but thought it may be interesting to see any opinions on this method 😊

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

That is great. Exactly, find a spot, aim at it, or do what you do, aim at a point on the green in front of it along the line. It sounds like you have sussed it out. Well done.

[@chrishaines8206]

Well, our outdoors season has finished - at least we managed to play for part of the season ! ! ! I managed to get to the pairs final but unfortunately came 'second' - better luck next year. Our club indoor season is underway with men's competitions hopefully due to start soon (Welsh Government permitting). Learning how your woods work indoors again is great fun LOL. I am also due to play in a winter league a nearby indoor bowls centre - again Welsh Government permitting. Watch this space . . . Looking forward to your next Lawn Bowls for Fun episode.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

I just started indoors too, I find it takes me a while to get any sort of consistency. It is harder than outdoors, as the surface is much faster and therefore wider, so if you do something wrong the green takes no prisoners. But although harder, I prefer it. Once I get settled in I enjoy it and am a better player indoors as my style suits a faster surface. You also do not get wet. :) Enjoy your bowls.

[@johnrandall6522]

Very helpful video and excellent presentation easy to follow

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Hi John, thanks, glad you liked it.

[@steveanslow2613]

Did I mention you are a natural at this coaching.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Thanks Steve, what a nice thing to say.

[@jonthedap25]

Excellent information. Thank you.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Glad it was helpful!

[@trevorkenward7661]

Thanks for a great video.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Glad you liked it! Thanks.

[@andrewf7822]

Really helpful. Thank you so much.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Thanks Andrew, appreciate the comments. 👍

[@davidcontraut7707]

I will be 2000& something subscriber....enjoyed your video.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Thanks David, yes 2000, amazing. I never expected the vids to do as well as they have, so I must keep it going. It is great to see it has helped new bowlers.

[@Flybymediauk]

Great video and learning lot so thank you

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Thanks.

[@MrTonypurnell]

Thanks for this video, very useful

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

You're very welcome and thanks for the feedback.

[@raelenesharp-rc2zw]

Thankyou from a newbie in Perth Western Australia 😍🇦🇺🦘

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

You are very welcome. And thanks.

[@davidgray5585]

Very nice simple instructions thank you

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Glad it was helpful!

[@franksquires9770]

great advice ..thankyou

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chrisatkins2026]

Another great video, very informative. I have tried to take on board some of the suggestions regarding aiming points and patches on the green etc. I really struggled this week on our middle rink 3 to read the line. Some parts of the rink seemed to be variable with almost a gully on backhand shooting the bowl to the right at the shoulder and a bump on forehand causing straightening. Should I start trying out other bowls sets in the club to see the difference in the turning performance, or should I persevere with the same set. I am using Taylors but not lignoids.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Consistency can be hard to achieve even for top players. I try to do the same thing with each delivery, preparation, lining up, stance etc. But of course to make things even harder each rink is different, some are easier than others. I played a rink the other day that was different depending where the mat was, so it was certainly a challenge. Keep at it, try to read the green, if you can do that your consistency should improve.

[@alancarlyon3928]

Great explanation, but at my club the bias is either tight or sharp on most of the greens! They are so different that I have created a notepad remembering me where I am too aim! I am new at this club and it is a new challenge in my enjoyment in bowling!

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

That is a very good idea, remembering the line can be a challenge, so keeping notes will help.

[@angelh8262]

Brilliant series! Thank you so much I really enjoy watching these coaching lessons and find them extremely helpful. Why are my bowls so inconsistent? Any tips on getting more consistent would be helpful thank you. ( I think it could just be the challenge of bowls 🤔😅😂

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Consistency is the way to become a top bowler. I find that having a routine on the mat, so it becomes second nature, helps. If you watch top bowlers you will notice they do the same preparation each time. Once on the mat they have the same routine and always follow trough with bowling arm. It's more complex than that but those are the basics. Good luck with your bowls Angel.

[@Luuka11]

Very interesting 👍🌸

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@betterapproachtolife.motiv3265]

Very good Alec

[@stumck4841]

Watched this video as has defo improved my game, as i understand better during the game where im goin right and wrong... i do still seem to waste some bowls tho , i have 1 or 2 good ones a end but vert rarely them all , i presume better consitancy will come with playing more , ( only started outdoor this season)

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Hi Stu, yes consistency will come but adjusting line is so important. I find it surprising how many players keep to the same line even though they do not hit the target, or they over compensate. That is why I use the closer aiming point, I find the adjustments come easier. I know that if I am 12-15"" off the line I only have to aim an inch or two to correct that line. Last week I had a players ask me for help as his line was all over the place, I asked him to bowl his first bowl and I marked on the green the line it took. He was wide, so he then aimed inside that line and drew perfectly. He tried for a few more ends, and although his weight was a little off at times, he was adjusting the line much quicker than before. He was also able to repeat good lines more often, so went away very happy. His line has been better since then, so he is very happy. :)

[@stumck4841]

Yeah i find it handy that the bowls sometimes leave a trail in the grass ( as long as you remember which line in the grass is yours 😂😂) , too wide bring it in a bit , too narrow give it more grass, first season outdoors and ive won 2 club pairs comps and 2 finals ( triples and pairs) to play this week , one of the pairs comps i won was played as you are drawn out the hat so i was in as skip , from a complete shock as to how different it was outdoors to start with im enjoyin it more than the indoors i think ( aslong as its good weather haha) Challenge next year is better progression thru the singles comp, i will get my name on that mens club champion board 1 day 👌

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

@@stumck4841 sounds like you have had a good season. Yes, I like tram lines left, especially in morning games when there is often dew on the green. Unless my opponent is left handed, then it not much good. 😬

[@shanehicks7346]

Funny game bowls...I have fixed my line and length I was at training the other day and the coach came to me and said I need to swing my body around to the right side more when I am bowling forehand , seems so awkward that it doesn't seem I am lined up to where I want o go, causing me to stretch out too much when I am delivering the bowl..sometimes I wish people don't get into your head until you ask...

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Too true. I sometimes see players do something that may look wrong, but if it works then stick to it. A very good bowler I know has a very odd stance, some wold say he sets up all wrong, but he is much better than most of the people saying that. He is way above my standard, so there is no way I will ever try to tell him. lol

[@walshsevern]

Thanks for this. Could you explain why the practise markers weren't the same distance from the centre line?

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Hi, sorry I did not explain that very well. The reason is because although most rinks are similar, they all have slight variations On our bowling green, there is a very slight slope, you can’t see it, but it is there. So the red line is the direction to bowl when bowling to the left, as the bowl is fighting the slope, but the blue line is the direction to use when bowling to the right, as the bowl goes with the slope which means the bowl curves more in that direction. This happens on all bowling greens, each rink is different, so you need to work out the best line to take. If they were all the same it would be a lot easier. 😀 I hope this helps explain it better. Thanks for the question. 👍

[@alanhewlett7530]

Alex, I play only indoor bowls and try to use the spots as suggested. The spots are app 1 metre apart. So the 1st spot up aiming point is app 8" to the side. But if the mat is moved right up I assume the aiming point then is less, is this correct. Great videos for beginners, thanks

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Yes, slightly. The aiming point will very slightly depending on how far away the jack is, but not a great deal. Of course the rinks may have runs and dips too, which means you may have to take a different line depending on that. I played on a rink yesterday which had a wide line on full length jacks, but was very narrow on short jacks, because of a dip on one part of the green. Tricky. 🙄

[@user-ey2pn3rv4h]

Thanks for the video really usefull tips there how can i bowl consisently as thats my problem at the momeny. As wgen i bowl in a match the first 6 ends im hitting the line and length majority of the time then the second part of tge ends it seems like i forget everything i did in the begining. Any help will be appriciated

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Yes, I know how you feel. Sometimes one half of the game you are bowling well, then it all goes wrong. Or the other way round. Why is that? I could write a book on it, but even top sportsmen find it hard to understand whey that happens. It is worth trying to work out why, if the length has changed? is the mat in a different place? I am a big believer that if you are losing a game, when you get control of the mat, try and change something, which may be better for you or put your opponent off. Sometimes though it just happens for no reason, we have all been there. :)

[@TedProMarket]

Hi Thanks for your program, why is the left side smaller angle than the right side.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Hi Ted, greens, and even different rinks, vary. On that one there is a very slight slope from right to left, so on the red line (left) it does not need as much green (line) as it fights the slope. On the blue line (right) it goes with the slope, so you need to go wider. As I mentioned, every rink can be different so it is a case of finding the line you need to take. I hope that helps.

[@Mr.Unperfact]

I m From INDIA..... ... Hope I found a coach like you.... 😊

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Thanks, what a nice comment. I hope you find a coach and you enjoy your bowls. Good luck to you.

[@6birdiesx1]

Hi Alec, I’ve just taken up the game and have very bad knees from playing soccer in my youth. I tried using a traditional delivery with a step and getting the knee low but I’m in agony next day. It seems you’re delivering very well from a fixed stance. Am I seeing that correctly? I think it may be the only way forward for me.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Hi Brad, Yes, I generally use a fixed stance, I find it easier and get good results. The main problem with a fixed stance is the lack of forward momentum which you get with the athletic stance, (taking a step). The problem I have with taking a step forward is I lose my balance as my balance is very poor. Which is why I do struggle in early outdoor season games until the green speeds up, which is often not until June. On fast greens and indoors I do not have a problem with a fixed stance, in fact it is very much my preferred method, which hopefully will be the same for you. It takes a while to get used to it, but stick with it and you will find it will help. Let me know how you get on.

[@alanpearson3208]

I note in the video "finding your line' that the backhand marker is closer to the centre than the forehand. Is this because the bowl is actually delivered on the forehand side of the centre?

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Hi Alan, it is simply because on that rink, the line is tighter on the backhand than on the forehand due to the green sloping to the left slightly. It is surprising how often that is the case. A few weeks ago I played on a green where the backhand marker would have been almost in the middle of the rink, and the forehand one about 12” to the right, which was because the green sloped a great deal to the left. Finding the correct line (aiming point) can be a real challenge sometimes. Thanks for the question. 👍

[@alanmcewen7731]

I am right handed but my left eye is my dominant eye, so I cant look down at a line on the ditch or mark , I have to triangulate my delivery line, if you are having trouble getting your head around this try using a bow and arrow (right handed person) and cover your right eye see if you can sight up the arrow on the target.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Yes, I bet that can make things difficult, but no doubt you have worked out a way that works for you. Good luck with your bowls.

[@tuikarawana7709]

hi alex what are you using for your bowling markers? not cgi is it hehehe...

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Hi Tul, the ones on the ground, the real ones, are felt. They hold quite well, but on a windy day I can stick tacks though them, Clever eh? :) Yes, the coloured lines are cgi, they looked better than I expected them to be. honest. :)

[@jennilaing]

What material are the 3 coloured markers made from?

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Hi, I use felt, as indoors they stick nicely to an indoor surface and outdoors they seem to stay put, but if windy I can pin them to the surface with a small plastic tack which does not affect the bowl if it runs over it. I have seen coloured card being used and even paper, but that is too easily moved if the bowl runs over it. I once saw someone use a coloured counter, as being so small it also did not affect the bowl when contact was made. I hope this helps.

[@user-js5er7bq7j]

Hi i am having a problem with my twisting of my hand when i am playing lawn bowls! My question is how do i stop doing this movement!?

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Try following through with your arm, this often solves that problem. Your arm and hand should be pointing down the green in the direction you sent the bowl. Leave it in that position tor a few seconds to ensure you do follow through. Let me know if this helps.

[@vivienneoscar2882]

What do you recommend to use for a marker?

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Hi Vivienne, I use a small piece of coloured felt. It tends to stick to carpet well for indoors or grass outdoors. Although I have used thin card as well or laminated card. I have seen sticky dots used as well, so there is plenty of choice. 👍

[@cedroncaine4450]

Thanks.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

You're welcome

[@victoriabowman4343]

i am new beginner i have small hands and i have down syndrome what size ball can i use i am just starting my local bowls group and i am having a tester session where do i start

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Hi Victoria, When you go to your first session they will have different sizes for you to try. Lots of ladies tend to use either 0 or 00, but there are smaller ones now. I use size 1, which are about mid size, for example: from smallest to larger: Size 0000 000 00 0 1 Diameter (mm) 112 114 116 118 121 Diameter (inches) 4 3/8 4 1/2 4 9/16 4 11/16 4 3/4 There are also sizes, 2, 3, 4, 5. but they will probably be too big for you. They will make sure they find a set that feels right for you.

[@peterwright790]

i’ve wondered why the rink doesn’t look square I see now it’s because the mowing lines are diagonal and that doesn’t help. may i suggest future talks are on a rink with lines that straight up and down. Otherwise well done.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Bowling greens are always mowed diagonal. In fact I have never been on a bowling green where it has been mowed straight up and down. I think it is mainly to stop tram lines being formed by the mower, although a green keeper would have more to say on this. If I find out more info I will add more at a later date. Good question though.

[@user-sg1dx8we8o]

Bowling with an arm tips please

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

I am still learning to use the arm effectively myself, but when I do I will make a video. 😀

[@yopekok5448]

How do we choose the right ball to play with?

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

H, thanks for the question, if you check out this video, it will answer your question. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnqunpWMrtGfhdk

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

It is certainly important to select a bowl that is not too big for the hand, but bias should also be considered. Hope the vid helps you.

[@stevenmarriott4793]

i play lawn bowls im 30 years old and still learning

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

I am 69, and still learning. :) Thanks for the comment.

[@shanehicks7346]

Why Am I bowling short at times....my line is good but I feel my action is ok, but I bowl short too often?

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

I replied but it seemed to disappear. I'll try again. First, make sure you are following through with your arm. Sometimes you pull back on the swing, or jerk the delivery, which can result in being short by a metre or two. Also, it happens to me sometimes, so I then aim a metre past the jack to ensure I am at least up to the head. If I go through the head at least I have a better positional bowl. Hope that helps.

[@colinmacdonald537]

You are easy to listen too

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Thanks Colin, I appreciate that.

[@bobcollins911]

Is this temple fortune?

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

No Bob, the video was shot at my club, FARNBOROUGH BC in Hampshire.

[@LawnBowlsforFun]

Just googled Temple Fortune, it looks nice.

[@bobcollins911]

Ah! You just disguised it to look like temple fortune then! The pavilion looks so similar. When I played there against them I used those very points as my sights. Thanks.