Good skip signals reduce distance, wind and background noise to a few clear ideas. There is no single universal signal vocabulary used by every club, so the best system is the one a team agrees before play and uses consistently.
Signal the hand first
Make the forehand or backhand clear before adding detail. Point to the intended route rather than relying only on left or right, which can be interpreted differently from opposite ends of the rink.
Show the intended finish
Indicate a precise target area with a hand or foot, while staying clear of the head and following player-position rules. A target beside or behind the jack is easier to understand than a broad gesture across several bowls.
Separate line from weight
A player needs to know whether the call is a draw, a controlled yard-on bowl, a running shot or a drive. Use distinct, pre-agreed gestures for each pace. Avoid inventing a new signal during a tight end.
Report the result simply
After a bowl stops, confirm whether it is shot, how many shots the team holds and whether the head has changed. The team-role guidance in Bowls Australia’s club network recommends short, positive instructions and appropriate hand signals.
Ask for confirmation
The bowler can point to the hand, repeat the weight or use a brief question before stepping onto the mat. One confirmation is better than a confidently delivered bowl on the wrong line.
Keep the tone constructive
Communicate the next job, not disappointment about the last bowl. A calm skip protects concentration and makes it easier for every player to commit to the call. Praise useful position bowls as well as bowls that count immediately.
Respect possession of the rink
The team whose bowl is being played has possession until that bowl comes to rest and time has been allowed to mark a toucher. Opponents must not distract the player. Keep signals efficient, then take the correct position behind the jack or away from the head.
Combine the call with match context
A clear digital scorecard helps the team understand why a defensive or attacking call is being made. WGTS combines scorekeeping with camera-assisted measurement on compatible devices. Try WGTS for iPhone or WGTS for Android.
Team tip: agree signals before the match, especially when players are new to one another.