About Lawn Bowling
What is Lawn Bowling?
Lawn bowling is a fun, social sport that’s easy to learn and enjoyable for all ages.
The game is played by rolling slightly weighted bowls toward a small target ball called the jack. The goal is to get your bowls as close as possible to the jack while using strategy to block or move your opponents’ bowls.
Games can be played casually with friends or in a more competitive setting, making lawn bowling a perfect mix of skill, strategy, and friendly competition.
Game Play
The Aim of the Game
In lawn bowls, the goal is simple: roll your bowls so they stop closer to the jack (a small white target ball) than your opponent’s. Each bowl that is nearer to the jack than the nearest rival’s bowl scores a point, often called a “shot.”
The jack is the target ball, rolled out first at the start of each end. A coin toss determines who rolls the jack initially; after that, the winner of the previous end rolls first. The jack must be rolled correctly and is then centered in the play area. Improper delivery results in a turnover, giving the opposing team control of the jack. The jack may move during play if struck by a bowl.
Team Play
Lawn bowling centers on teamwork, friendly competition, and respectful play. The three main roles on a lawn bowling team are Lead, Vice, and Skip.
Responsibilities
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Set up the mat and roll the jack as directed by the Skip.
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Start your team’s play and assist in forming the head.
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Gather bowls after each end; losing Leads tidy up, winning Leads prepare for the next end.
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When not playing, remain quietly behind the ditch to avoid distraction.