Lawn Bowls Academy

Master The Green

A complete course for beginners and intermediates — from your very first delivery to competitive play on the rink.

Explore the Course
8
Core Modules
40+
Lessons
2
Skill Levels
∞
Hours of Practice
Why This Course

From first bowl to confident player

Lawn bowls is a game of precision, patience, and strategy — yet it remains one of the most accessible sports for any age or fitness level. This course breaks everything down step by step, building your knowledge from the ground up.

Whether you've never touched a bowl or you're looking to sharpen your game for club competitions, every module builds on the last.

🎯 No prior experience required
📐 Detailed technique breakdowns
🏆 Competition strategy for intermediates
📖 Full rules & etiquette guide
Rink View — End in Play
Full Curriculum

Eight modules,
one complete game

Progress at your own pace through each module, building skills systematically from foundations to advanced tactics.

01
Beginner
Introduction to Lawn Bowls
Understand what lawn bowls is, its rich history, and the basic objective of the game.
  • History & origins of lawn bowls
  • The objective — what you're trying to achieve
  • Types of play: singles, pairs, triples, fours
  • Indoor vs outdoor bowls
Start Module →
02
Beginner
Equipment & the Green
Learn about bowls, the jack, the rink, and how to choose the right equipment.
  • Anatomy of a bowl — bias explained
  • Choosing the right size & weight
  • Understanding the green & rink markings
  • The jack, the mat, and the ditch
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03
Beginner
Stance & Grip
Build a solid foundation with correct body positioning and a consistent grip.
  • Upright vs crouch stance
  • Claw grip vs cradle grip
  • Foot positioning on the mat
  • Common beginner mistakes to avoid
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04
Beginner
The Delivery
Master the fundamental delivery action — the core skill that underpins everything in bowls.
  • The forward swing & release point
  • Follow-through technique
  • Forehand vs backhand delivery
  • Consistency drills
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05
Beginner
Rules & Etiquette
Know the laws of the game and the unwritten code of conduct that defines the sport.
  • Basic laws of the game
  • Scoring systems
  • Green etiquette & sportsmanship
  • Dead ends, touchers & liveplay
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06
Intermediate
Reading the Green
Develop your ability to judge pace, bias, and the line required for different situations.
  • How green speed affects your line
  • Reading grain & moisture
  • Adjusting for wind conditions
  • The "weight" of a delivery explained
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07
Intermediate
Shot Repertoire
Expand beyond the draw shot and learn when to deploy each shot type strategically.
  • The draw shot — perfecting your bread & butter
  • The yard-on & controlled weight shots
  • The trail & cannon
  • The drive — when and how to use it
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08
Intermediate
Match Play & Strategy
Think like a player, not just a deliverer. Tactics, pressure management, and team roles.
  • Singles strategy — controlling the head
  • Team roles: lead, second, third, skip
  • Building and attacking a head
  • Mental game & competition preparation
Start Module →
Core Skills

The techniques that
make the difference

Each technique is broken down with clear visuals, step-by-step instructions, and practice drills.

⚫
The Draw Shot
The fundamental shot in bowls. Deliver your bowl along the correct arc so it comes to rest close to the jack.
🎯
Forehand Line
Aiming point selection for your forehand delivery, adapting to green speed and bias at different positions.
↩️
Backhand Line
Developing equal comfort on both hands — essential for match play when the head demands a specific approach.
💨
Weight Control
Controlling pace from a soft draw to a firm trail. Learn to feel weight in your pendulum swing, not just your arm.
🏹
The Drive
A full-speed delivery used to break up a dangerous head. High risk, high reward — used sparingly but decisively.
🧠
Head Reading
Assessing the count, identifying threats, and choosing the shot that gives you the best outcome — not just the safest.
Sample Lesson

See how we teach

Quick Reference

Bowls glossary

The Jack
The small white target ball that players aim for. Also called the "kitty" in casual play.
Bias
The built-in curve of a bowl. When delivered, the bowl curves in an arc toward its bias side.
The Head
The cluster of bowls and the jack at the end being played. "Building a head" means positioning bowls strategically.
Toucher
A bowl that touches the jack during its delivery. Touchers remain live even if they end up in the ditch.
The Ditch
The channel around the perimeter of the green. Bowls that reach the ditch are generally dead, except touchers.
Dead End
An end that is cancelled and not counted in the score, usually because the jack was moved out of bounds.
Shot Bowl
The bowl closest to the jack. The team with the shot bowl is said to be "holding" or "lying" shots.
Skip
The captain of a team in fours or triples. The skip bowls last and directs team strategy.
Weight
The pace or power applied to a delivery. "Good weight" means the bowl arrives with the correct momentum.

Pro tips for new players

These insights from experienced club players will accelerate your early progress on the green.

1
Focus on line, not length firstGetting the correct aiming line consistently is more important than pace when you're starting out.
2
Watch your bowl, not the jackFollow your bowl's path all the way to the head — it tells you exactly what adjustment to make next delivery.
3
Develop both hands equallyMost beginners neglect the backhand. Practice it from day one so it never becomes a weakness in competition.
4
Arrive early, observe the greenWatching others play before your game tells you how the green is running — invaluable tactical intelligence.
Begin Your Journey

Step onto the green with confidence

Join thousands of players who have used this course to find their footing — and their game — in lawn bowls.

Start the Course Browse the Glossary