Every shot in lawn bowls explained — when to play them, how to execute them, and how difficult they are.
The fundamental shot of bowls. Delivered with controlled weight to finish as close as possible to the jack. The draw is the heartbeat of the game — everything flows from mastering it. A draw shot must be rolled, not shoved.
A delicate draw played when the jack is blocked by an opponent's bowl. You draw to the blocking bowl with just enough extra weight to nudge it aside and rest your bowl on the inside — nearer the jack. One of the most elegant shots in the game.
Considered the most difficult shot in bowls. Delivered at jack-weight to clip the jack and carry it back into your cluster of bowls. The jack is a tiny target and the margin for error is minimal. Devastating when executed correctly.
Played with approximately one yard (metre) more than draw weight. Used to remove an opponent's shot bowl or disturb a head not in your favour. The bias still has some effect — players must allow for this when aiming.
A high-speed, full-weight delivery used to clear the head when in deficit. Must warn players: "I am firing." The bowl travels with minimal bias effect at speed. High risk but capable of turning a match in one delivery.
Played with a specific weight to advance your own bowl forward into a better position, often pushing it to lie shot. Requires precise weight control to move the target bowl the exact desired distance without over-running the head.
Played with enough weight to drive out an opponent's bowl while your own bowl takes its place or ends up near the jack. Requires accurate line and precise weight. Needs to be calculated carefully, as an error leaves you worse off.
A deliberate drive at the jack to send it into the ditch within the rink boundaries. The jack remains alive, and if you have touchers there, you can transform a losing head into a winning one. A calculated gamble that can turn a match.
A deliberately under-weighted draw played to create a blocking position short of the jack. Used to prevent the opponent from accessing the jack directly, forcing them to take a wider line or risk a more difficult shot.