Bowls Lingo

BACKHAND When (for a right handed player) the bowl is delivered so the curve of the bowl is from the left to the right. It is right to left for a left handed player.

BIAS The shape of the bowl which causes it to curve

DELIVERY The moment the bowl leaves the hand

DITCH The gully around the green. If a bowl ends up in the ditch and it is not a "toucher", then it doesn't count.

DRAW A bowl delivered at the correct weight, and with correct line, to arrive exactly where you want

END The sequence of play from the moment the mat is placed down until all bowls have been delivered and you know who has won.

FOOT FAULT If you don't deliver the bowl with part of your foot on the mat

FOREHAND When (for a right handed player) the bowl is delivered so the curve of the bowl is from the right to left. It is the left to right for a left handed player.

GREEN The total playing area. Our green comprises 5 rinks.

JACK The white or yellow target ball to which you are trying to get your bowls closest

MAT The rectangular shaped mat from which the bowler must deliver the jack and/or bowl

PACE or WEIGHT The amount of force with which the bowl is delivered to execute a particular shot

RINK The rectangular strip of the green (between 4 and 6 metres wide) on which the game takes place

STANCE Position adopted on the mat prior to delivery

SHOT The bowl that is nearest the jack at any stage of play

TOUCHER A bowl that hits the jack during its original course. This bowl still counts even if it ends up in the ditch

Page last updated 17/03/2024