what is lawn bowling?

interested in learning more about bowls?

Bowls, or lawn bowling, is a strategic, challenging and fun sport that can be enjoyed by anyone. It has proved to be a fun couple/family activity for many of our members. It is played on a large smooth grass surface called a “green”.

Lawn bowls are large, hard resin balls (called bowls) with a bias to them, so that they travel along an elliptical path, rather than going straight.

The object of the game is to roll your bowls closer to the target than your opponents. The target is a small white ball called a “jack”. The jack is rolled the length of the green and centred to start each end. Players from each team take turns rolling their bowls down the green toward the jack until all the bowls have been played.

Bowls involves offensive and defensive strategy. An added challenge is the jack may be displaced within the confines of the rink by the movement of any bowl. The score is the count of the team’s bowls nearest the jack after an “end”. The number of ends played to make up a game varies, and is usually between 10 and 25 ends depending on the event.

A GAME FOR EVERYONE

Who can play?

People of all ages and abilities can play the game of Lawn Bowls. It is a low impact game that is extremely accessible and at a reasonable cost. It’s a sport for life. Lawn bowling is one of the Commonwealth Games sports for those who enjoy competition, and there are fun events where competition is secondary to having an enjoyable day out. We even have "barefoot bowls", so anyone can join in!

One of the best parts about the sport is that anyone can play no matter their age or skill level. You don’t have to be able to jump high or run fast to enjoy the sport. It is all hand eye coordination and allows everyone to start at the same level. The outdoor bowling season is usually from the beginning of September to the end of April, whilst indoor bowls can be played year round at clubs with indoor greens. Barefoot Bowls is also played over summer.

Our club has two outdoor grass greens and is run by our 120+ members, and your contribution to events by way of volunteering would be most welcome. Social memberships also available.

Our club has all the equipment required to get you started. So, act now by wearing flat-soled shoes, comfortable clothing (uniforms are only worn for tournaments) and head on down to Trafalgar Bowls Club to see the action, and to set up a free introduction to the game.

it's GREAT FOR KIDS

5 reasons why lawn bowls is great for kids

With so many youth sports for your kids to try, why should you consider lawn bowls? Surely it’s for people at the other end of the age spectrum? Well not quite…

Lawn bowls is great for kids, here we outline the top 5 reasons why your son’s and daughters need to try lawn bowls this summer.

Getting outside

Lawn bowls is a summer sport, so you should get plenty of time to enjoy some fresh air and some sunshine.

This is particularly important for children as the exposure to vitamin D from the sun is essential to healthy growth.

This is also a great way to cultivate an “outdoor lifestyle”, setting you and your family up for lots more outside activity. Lawn bowls is central to this idea in many countries around the world where this is the norm.

Suitable to all shapes and sizes

Unlike other kids’ sports, lawn bowls is open to children of all shapes and sizes.

It can be disheartening for children playing football or rugby, only to have their enjoyment ruined by larger stronger children who dominant youth leagues.

Lawn bowls rewards those who are dedicated and skillful, and anyone can do that!

Great community

How many times have you watched your child play football only to be appalled by the behaviour of the coach, or other parents?

These toxic environments aren’t great for kids, however bowls clubs are full of welcoming and helpful people. Each one encourage a sense of community, where everyone helps out for the betterment of all members.

Improves teamwork, concentration and focus

Even though bowls can be played individually, games are more commonly played in teams. To win a game each member must play a particular way for the good of the team.

This is great for kids and will undoubtedly help them through their school years and beyond.

Lawn bowls nurtures many other soft skills. Concentration and focus are required as well as how to win and lose with respect.

It’s fun!

What better reason is there to play bowls other than “it’s great fun”! It’s such a compelling and addictive game to play, and when you throw in a large slice of luck, it can make for some fascinating and tense gameplay.

So, there you have it, 5 reasons for your kids to take up lawn bowls today. Head on down and we can guarantee you will receive a warm welcome.

Dropping into the Club or send an email and we’ll get you started.