Your Essential Checklist
Tempted to take up lawn bowls? You’re not alone! The sport attracts players of all ages and fitness levels – so you will be in good company! Starting any new sport can be a bit daunting though. That’s why it’s important to bear some things in mind as you get to grips with bowls. From buying the right lawn bowls to finding a club that is the perfect fit for you, here is what you should think about.
Understanding the game
You might have seen bowls on TV and thought that it looks fun. So why not take some time to study the rules and familiarise yourself with them before you get started yourself? Of course, you will develop a better understanding of the rules the more you play, but it doesn’t hurt to start off with an understanding of the basics. So, to sum that up: you need to roll your bowls closer to the jack than your opponent.
Shopping for what you need
Next comes shopping for all the gear you need! The most obvious are the lawn bowls themselves. It’s really important to shop for these from a trusted retailer, as you will be able to ask them questions about size and bias and really take your time finding the perfect set. Remember, you can buy bowls second hand if you are on a budget. Things like clothing and shoes should be on your list too- which ties in with our next point.
Finding a club
Finding a club is one of the first things you should do as a new bowler. Don’t be scared – it’s a really welcoming sport and clubs are always glad to have new members join their ranks. Most clubs hold sessions where beginners can come and have a go and talk to the members. This is a great chance for you to try out some different lawn bowls and also see if there is a dress code you need to follow.
Find fellow players
Learning from your fellow players is one of the most important things for you to do. If you join a club, there will be people there who have been playing and maybe even competing for years. So ask them questions! You will learn so much about the game and will grow much faster as a player. There are lots of communities online too, so you can connect with bowlers all over the world. Take a look on social media or head to a bowling forum to get started.
Just have fun!
Last but not least, remember to relax and have fun. Bowling has so many benefits, from getting you up and moving to introducing you to people that you would never have met otherwise. It’s such a nice sport to take part in and is a really great way to relax. Some people may go on to compete, but if you are happy just spending an hour or two on the green every week, that’s fine too!
You’re ready to begin
There you have it – your essential steps for getting started with bowls. Once you have begun playing, you will wonder why you didn’t do it sooner!
