How to train a new bowler

Bowling News

Lindley BC bowler Philip Walker sent me a copy of some guidance he has started to develop after getting involved in helping a new bowler settle into match play. It tries to cover the areas that a new bowler needs to know about and answer their questions before they are posed.

Some of the guidance is fairly basic but that is what you would expect to see for a new bowler. Are there areas that need adding? Are there different points you could make?

Philip doesn't think these provide the full training package but he continues to work on them as his trainee learns what works for them and what doesn't. Tell us what would you add to the guidance. Maybe you have produced something similar before. Share it with your fellow bowlers for the benefit of new bowlers everywhere

Subject: A FEW THOUGHTS ON BOWLING

THESE ARE JUST MY THOUGHTS - YOU MAY THINK DIFFERENTLY - WHAT SUITS ME MAY NOT SUIT YOU.

BEFORE THE START - PLAYING AT HOME

• Practice where you intend to play.  

• Practice your favourite marks.    

• Practice where the game will start.    

• Concentrate on the consistency of your actions.

• A practice should mirror a game.

BEFORE THE START - PLAYING AWAY

• Practice say 4 or 5 ends at your home green before setting off to the away game solely to concentrate on your bowling action - to 'get in the grove’.  

• Walk around the away green to identify eg uphill and downhill parts.

• If playing after refreshments, watch the first lot of bowlers - what can you learn?

• Decide where YOU will start the end - move the mat to suit you by lining it up with your chosen mark.
  

HOME AND AWAY

• Choose a good marker who will move around the green and give you info on, the distance of your or your opponent's bowls from the jack.

THE GAME

• When setting a mark choose a mark on the green (most popular)  say 8 feet or more from the mat.   Or, a mark off the green eg edge of a bush.     

• Move the mat ( up to a metre) to line up your mark and where you intend to bowl.

• Concentrate and stare at your mark- then bowl the jack.   

• Repeat for your bowls.

• Don’t rush - take your time.   

• Stand on the mat until your bowl stops and decide if your second bowl needs some adjustment.

• Have a relaxed consistent bowling action.  

• Try to follow through with your bowling arm.

• Try to deliver the jack and bowl close to the ground - don’t bounce them.

• Before bowling imagine the line of your bowl to win the end.

• Develop a delivery routine.

• Don’t bowl over the crown but say 5-10 yards on either side.

• Try to work out your opponent's strengths and way of playing asap - eg long or short marks, finger or thumb, straight or falling marks, etc.

• If you are playing all over the green and doing well, then continue.  

• If the game is close or, you are losing then “ run for cover” - get on your favourite marks asap.

• Refrain from talking to your opponent or spectators - it affects your concentration.

• Try not to only play straight marks at home

• .Against left handlers at home, bowl falling marks.
  

DON’T BE SHORT - our biggest mistake.

• The aim is to beat your opponent's last bowl.

• Bowl the line of the jack - not the line of your opponent's bowl.

• If struggling, keep trying - every point helps the team.

• Try to be confident - if you expect to lose you most likely will !!

DEALING WITH A BAD START   

• Don’t panic.  

• Don’t make excuses.  

• Keep your composure.  

• Keep playing your game.   

• Trust in your ability.  

• Concentrate on your next delivery - not your last one.

• Be prepared to seize the next opportunity.
  

HOW TO MANAGE AN OPPONENT'S COMEBACK    

• Stay calm.   

• Do not worry.   

• Keep your focus.   

• Don’t worry about how well your opponent is playing.   

• Believe in your ability and try to improve on your previous bowl.   

• Wait for the opportunity to regain the jack and to get back on your marks.

FINISHING OFF A GAME

• It’s a skill.    

• Don’t try too hard.   

• It’s down to consistency and concentration.

• Focus on every bowl.
  

DIFFICULT OPPONENTS

• If an opponent wants to engage in conversation be pleasant.

• Be professional.

• Continue to play your game.   

• Block them out when you start your delivery routine.

• If all else fails - tell them you’re deaf !!

WHAT ARE THE SECRETS TO IMPROVEMENT?    

WHILST PRACTICE IS IMPORTANT IT IS DOWN TO THE 3 C’s.

CONCENTRATE   At all times.  If winning easily, don’t switch off thinking the game’s won.

CONSISTENCY  Bowl your bowls the same as the jack. Consistent action  - time after time after time. Consistently near the jack every end. Not a few good ends then a few bad ends.

CONFIDENCE It’s difficult if you are on a losing streak,  playing a bowler who usually beats you or, a green you always find difficult. But if you are pessimistic before the start and when bowling then most likely you will lose.

Remember you CAN  bowl the perfect bowl - you have done it before.

So, try to be confident.

The difference between us and better bowlers are that they CONCENTRATE more, are more CONSISTENT and more CONFIDENT of playing well.

PHILIP WALKER.   

June 2024