Bowls for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started

Have you ever watched a game of lawn bowls and wondered how it all works? You’re not alone. Many people are curious about this deceptively simple sport, especially when they're new to it, which is why we’ve put together this short guide on bowls for beginners.

Whether you've seen bowls played at your local club or you're simply exploring new ways to stay active, the idea of picking up a biased bowl for the first time can feel intimidating. We’ll walk you through the basics, from rules and equipment to real-world beginner bowls tips and club etiquette. At Bowlr, we help clubs run smoothly so you can focus on enjoying the game.

What Is Lawn Bowls?

Lawn bowls is a precision sport with deep roots in British culture, dating back to the 13th century. The goal is simple: roll your bowl closer to the small target ball – the jack –than your opponent. While the objective hasn’t changed, how and where bowls is played has evolved.

There are different variations, including outdoor lawn bowls and indoor bowls, which are especially popular during the winter months. The most common type in the UK is flat-green bowls, typically played on well-maintained grass or synthetic greens. Whether indoors or outdoors, the game combines strategy, patience, and a touch of friendly competition.

Basic Rules of Lawn Bowls

Understanding the rules is key to getting started with confidence. Here we are going to break down the essentials to make your first game easier to follow. If you're looking for guidance on bowls rules and scoring, this section will help you feel more at ease.

• Each game is played between two players or teams who alternate rolling bowls toward the jack.
• Formats include singles (1 vs 1), pairs, triples, or fours, with the number of bowls per player varying accordingly.
• The objective is to have your bowl(s) closer to the jack than your opponent once all bowls are played in an "end."
• Only bowls that remain within the boundaries of the rink and haven’t been knocked into the ditch (unless they touched the jack) are considered live.
• Scoring is simple: one point per bowl that’s closer to the jack than the opponent’s nearest bowl.
• In singles, matches usually go to 21 points. In team play, games often consist of a fixed number of ends.

Lawn bowls, for beginners, can seem overwhelming, but it needn’t be. Once you’ve played a few ends, the flow becomes second nature.

Essential Equipment for Lawn Bowls

Before stepping onto the green, you'll want to be familiar with the basic bowls equipment. Fortunately, getting started doesn’t mean splashing out on a full kit straight away.

Bowls, also known as woods, come in various sizes and weights, each with a built-in bias that causes them to curve as they travel. The jack is the smaller, target ball, typically white or yellow, depending on visibility needs. Players deliver from a mat placed on the green, which marks the legal delivery point.

A small tape measure is used to decide close calls. You’ll also need flat-soled shoes to protect the playing surface, and some players like to carry a cloth for polishing their bowls.

Many clubs lend or hire out bowls equipment for new players, making it easy to give the game a go without any upfront investment.

How to Play Bowls: A Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide

Now that you know the gear and goals, here’s how to play bowls in practice. These beginner bowls tips will help you understand the flow of a typical game:

1. Place the mat on the green and stand with at least one foot on it.
2. Roll the jack to a suitable distance, where it is then centred.
3. Take turns delivering your bowls, aiming to get as close to the jack as possible.
4. Watch your line and weight, accounting for the bias in the bowl’s path.
5. Measure distances at the end of the round to determine who scores.
6. Repeat the process for the number of agreed ends or until a points target is reached.

With each end, you’ll build confidence and get a better feel for judging distance and bowl behaviour.

Beginner Tips to Improve Quickly

If you're new to the sport, these beginner bowls tips will help speed up your progress and keep things enjoyable:

• Focus On a Steady Stance: Good posture and balance are the foundation of accurate delivery.
• Avoid Overthinking the Bias: Let the bowl do the work. Stay relaxed and consistent.
• Start with Draw Shots: These gentle, controlled deliveries teach you control over line and weight.
• Use Roll-Up Sessions Wisely: Practise under match-like conditions whenever possible.
• Ask for Feedback: More experienced bowlers are often happy to help if you ask.

Learning takes time, but small improvements each session add up quickly. Many lawn bowls tips come from simply playing and observing others.

Club Etiquette and What to Expect

Like many traditional sports, bowls places strong emphasis on etiquette. Understanding how to behave on and off the green helps everyone enjoy the game.

Dress codes are typically smart-casual, often requiring flat-soled footwear and sometimes club shirts or whites for official matches. If you're unsure, just ask, as most clubs are happy to guide new players.

On the green, be respectful: stand still when others bowl, avoid casting shadows over the jack, and never talk or move during delivery. When it's your turn, ensure the previous bowl has come to rest before stepping forward.

Good manners also extend beyond the end of the match, where handshakes and polite acknowledgements, win or lose, are part of the culture.

Understanding bowls etiquette helps build a welcoming, respectful environment where everyone feels comfortable learning and improving.

Joining a Bowls Club in the UK

If you’re thinking about joining a bowls club, you’re in good company. Many local clubs across the UK are open to new players and offer taster sessions, roll-ups, and beginner coaching.

To get started, search online or visit your local leisure centre for information. Clubs often list details about open sessions, membership types, and seasonal fees. These are generally very affordable, with options for juniors, seniors, and casual players.

It’s a good idea to bring flat shoes and wear comfortable clothing. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, as the bowls community is known for being friendly and welcoming to newcomers.

Helpful Resources for New Bowlers

When you’re ready to learn more, there are plenty of trusted resources to support you. Bowls England and the English Indoor Bowling Association (EIBA) both offer beginner guides, coaching contacts, and lists of affiliated clubs.

You can also find free video tutorials online that cover delivery technique, rules, and strategy. Many clubs provide informal coaching or assign mentors to help new members settle in.

If you’re keen to get involved or broaden your knowledge, visit your local club or browse Bowlr’s site for details about how we help streamline club management – we help clubs with their admin, so they can spend more time on the green.