Most beginner errors are not failures of talent. They are small breaks in routine: changing too many things at once, aiming at the jack instead of a line, or rushing a close-head decision. Fix the routine and consistency usually follows.
1. Aiming straight at the jack
A biased bowl curves. Choose a line outside the jack and let the bias bring the bowl back. Use a fixed rink marker as your visual reference.
2. Changing line and weight together
When a bowl finishes wide and short, it is tempting to overhaul everything. Change one variable at a time so the next bowl teaches you something.
3. Ignoring the bias side
Check the small-ring side before every delivery. Build the same grip-and-check cue into your pre-shot routine until forehand and backhand become deliberate choices.
4. Chasing the jack with every bowl
Bowls is about building the head, not only drawing shot. A useful bowl behind the jack can protect against movement and remain relevant later in the end.
5. Inconsistent feet and release
Use the same starting position, balanced step and low release. A repeatable action matters more than an athletic one. Make sure part of one foot remains on or above the mat at delivery.
6. Watching the bowl too late
Track the full path. Where did it begin to turn? Did it lose pace early? That evidence improves the next delivery more than the final resting place alone.
7. Walking or talking during an opponent’s turn
Possession transfers only after the previous bowl rests. Stand behind the mat or clear of the head, stay still and give the next player an undisturbed rink.
8. Moving bowls before the score is agreed
Do not kick bowls aside or collect the jack until both sides agree the shots. Once the head changes, the evidence may be impossible to reconstruct.
9. Measuring too early
Measuring starts only after the last required bowl comes to rest and any requested 30-second settling period has passed. Premature measuring can carry a penalty.
10. Losing track of the card
Agree the end, write it immediately and check the running total. A clear score lets players choose sensible tactics instead of guessing the match situation.
A better practice loop
Pick one target, one mat position and one correction for a short block of bowls. Record the outcome. WGTS can add digital scorecards and a camera-assisted view of close heads, helping you turn a vague session into visible evidence.
Take a clearer view onto the green
WGTS brings camera-assisted bowl measurement and digital scorecards to your phone. Use it as a decision-support tool for social play and practice; for competition decisions, follow your club and event rules and call the umpire or use an official measure whenever required.
Download WGTS for iPhone or get WGTS on Google Play.
Rules note: this guide is based on the World Bowls Laws of the Sport, Crystal Mark Fourth Edition. Domestic regulations and a competition’s Conditions of Play can add to or vary some procedures. Check the rules for your event.