• Geoff Behrent writes:
Bowls is a very easy game to play.
Also read: SA’s #1 gives back to bowls
All a bowler has to do is get their bowls as close to a target (the “Jack” – used to be called the “Kitty”) as possible. The more bowls a team gets closest to the Jack, the more points (“shots”) the team gets. Within a bowls game, there are usually several rounds (“ends”) played and the team accumulating the highest total of shots is declared the winner. See? A very simple format. It’s almost comparable to the game of golf when you come to think of it. Except that bowlers do not have a variety of clubs, caddies, and golf carts at their disposal. But, interestingly, golfers usually play 18 holes and likewise, bowlers usually play 18 ends.
Also read: Is bowls a “dying game”?
So, when it comes to bowls, all that bowlers have to do is to roll their bowls down the playing area (a “rink”) towards the Jack and get as close as possible to the Jack. Very easy in concept, you’ll no doubt agree. But, it is not as easy as first appearances will have you think. You see, the problem is that bowls are not round, they are not perfectly spherical. One side of the bowl protrudes somewhat causing the bowl’s trajectory to curve to some degree. This is the so-called “bias” of the bowl. Furthermore, the Jack is placed at differing lengths on each end adding to the complexity of the game. It remains a very easy game to play, but mastering its nuances is way, way more difficult.
Broadly speaking the game of bowls comprises two elements. The physical and the mental aspects.
Bowls isn’t the world’s most physically demanding game by any means. It does however provide great exercise. There is a lot of gentle lifting, bending, and muscular movement. A bowler will walk over half a kilometre during a game while enjoying the benefits of healthy fresh air. All of these, when combined, lead to general well-being.
The mental aspect is also key. Bowling requires acute mental awareness, strategic thinking, patience, and concentration. The mind, therefore, remains active, memory is exercised and therefore can be improved, and a person’s personal “feel good factor” is enhanced.
So what’s stopping you from playing this game? The exclusiveness that once surrounded bowls no longer exists. The dress code is very relaxed. Age is not a deterrent. Skills levels are such that the absolute novice can compete with and against seasoned players and every player will still have great fun.
See you on the bowling green soon!
