Bowls
Glossary

The weighted asymmetry in a bowl that causes it to curve as it slows down. The degree of bias determines how much the bowl curves — from minimal (narrow) to significant (wide).

The small white or yellow target ball toward which all bowls are aimed. Also called the "kitty" in some regions and the "white" in informal play.

The arrangement of bowls and jack at the playing end of the rink. "Building the head" refers to the tactical positioning of bowls during play of an end.

A single direction of play, from the mat to the jack. When all bowls are played and shots counted, the end is complete. Play resumes in the opposite direction for the next end.

A point scored in bowls. A team scores one shot for each bowl closer to the jack than the opponent's nearest bowl. Only one team scores per end.

A bowl that touches the jack during its original course on the green. Marked with chalk and remains in play even if it subsequently enters the ditch within the rink boundaries.

A bowl that is out of play — in the ditch (unless a toucher), outside rink boundaries, or on the bank after being struck there.

An end in which the jack has been driven out of the rink boundaries or over the bank. No score is counted and the end must be replayed.

The individual lane on which a game is played, 4.3–5.8m wide. Also refers to a team of four players (Lead, Second, Third, Skip) in fours competition.

A shot delivered with enough weight to reach the jack without disturbing it. The fundamental skill of lawn bowls and the shot from which all other shots are derived.

A full-speed delivery aimed at the jack or opponent's bowl to disrupt the head. Players must warn those at the head before firing. Minimal bias effect due to speed.

A shot played with jack-weight to carry the jack further back into a favourable position. Considered one of the most difficult shots in bowls due to the jack's small size as a target.

The captain of a team. Stands at the head during play, directs teammates, calls shots, and delivers the final bowls. The most strategic and influential position in team bowls.

The first player in a team. Responsible for placing the mat, delivering the jack, and building the initial foundation of the head. Consistency to the jack is their primary skill.

The third player in a fours game (also called Vice-Skip). Responsible for measuring contested shots and advising the skip on the state of the head.

The front edge of the mat. This line serves as the reference point for measuring jack distance and is the minimum point from which distances to the ditch are measured.

A shallow trench at each end of the green. Bowls that enter the ditch are generally dead, unless they are marked touchers. A jack in the ditch within the rink boundaries remains alive.

The entire playing surface, divided into rinks. Must be between 31m and 40m in length, and is usually square. Can be grass or synthetic (carpet) surface.

For a right-handed player, a delivery in which the bowl is aimed out to the right and curves back to the left to reach the jack. The hand on which the bias faces away from the body on delivery.

For a right-handed player, a delivery in which the bowl is aimed out to the left and curves back to the right to reach the jack. The hand on which the bias faces toward the body on delivery.

A device (retractable tape or telescopic rod) used to determine distances between the jack and competing bowls when it is too close to judge with the naked eye.

When a bowl deflects off another bowl and ends up in a favourable position. Can be accidental or deliberately planned by experienced players who can visualise the deflection angle.

A shot played with approximately one metre more weight than a draw. Used to remove an opponent's bowl or disturb the head while still allowing the bias to take some effect.

A bowl delivered short of the jack. Can be a deliberate guard/blocker to obstruct the opponent's line to the jack, or an unintentional under-weight delivery.