The bowl that is not currently counting may still be the most useful bowl in the head. Back position is about likely future movement, not consolation for a missed draw.
What a back bowl does
A well-placed bowl behind the jack can become shot if the jack is pushed backward. It can also limit an opponent’s reward from a controlled run. The exact value depends on which hand the next bowls are likely to take.
Place it deliberately
Choose a target area a modest distance behind the jack, not simply “as far as possible”. If the bowl finishes too deep or on the wrong side, it may offer little protection and may even help the opponent.
Know when to draw closer
If the opponent already holds shot and there is no likely jack movement, another back bowl may leave the immediate problem unsolved. Read the head and score before deciding whether position or a direct scoring bowl is needed.
Practise the length change
Set one target around the jack and another behind it. Alternate four bowls to each target while keeping the same delivery rhythm. Record how many finish in each useful zone; Bowls Australia’s activities resource offers more structured practice ideas.
Source: Bowls Australia Activities Handbook. Check your national regulations and event conditions before a competitive game.
A useful back bowl has a purpose, a side and a distance.
For a shared view of close heads, try WGTS for iPhone or WGTS for Android. Use the official measuring procedure whenever your competition requires it.