‘A good Lead will win the match. A good Skip will save the match’
‘Winning isn’t everything. Wanting to win is’
Lead
An extremely important position. ‘A good lead is worth their weight in gold’. Most of the following will also apply to ‘singles’ play.
Jack: learn to cast the jack in a straight line and to varying lengths. This is a difficult task and should not be underestimated, it takes much practice. When playing a team game consult with your skip about mat placement and jack length. For the first couple of ends a good skip will let you cast the jack to wherever you wish to bowl. This will allow you to settle into the game without unnecessary pressure. As the game progresses your skip may consult with you for tactical reasons about further mat and jack placements.
Drawing Shots: this is the main objective for a lead player. Learn to draw shots close to the jack using both forehand and backhand. Try not to leave bowls short, especially if shot is against you. Practice in various weather conditions, cloudy/damp (slow); sunny/dry (fast); vary your jack lengths to learn the weight.
Best Hand on Rink: assess which hand best suites your woods. You should choose to play one side of the rink both ways, unless it is not working for you. Or your chosen hand has been completely blocked.
Dustbin Lid: in a team game your skip will be happy with you if you can draw shots to the jack within a dustbin lid distance or closer.
Focus/Involvement: when you have delivered all your bowls you may have to wait six or seven minutes before you bowl again. You will benefit from keeping focused on the way the heads are building and changing. Also, don’t adopt the old fashioned ‘put up and shut up’, a phrase that is used for lead players. Your involvement and ideas are precious to your team.
Two (when playing rinks)
Similar objectives to a lead but without mat and jack duties. Mainly a drawing position but may be called upon to play positional shots.
Be Up to the Head: it is important for a Two to be up to the head or past. Short woods will leave your team vulnerable.
Importance: if you are selected to play Two, don’t be disillusioned by these short notes. Playing as a Two is a tough and valuable position to play.
Three (when playing rinks and Two when playing Triples)
Able to play a full range of shots. Able to read the head and influence any change. Be able to have a positive influence on his teammates and skip.
Respect for Skip: accept enthusiastically the directions called from the skip to his team players. Disagreement and dissent will lead to a disjointed team. However, if a skip calls for a shot to be played and you are not confident to play it, let the skip know how you feel and that you would prefer to play another shot if possible (an uncomfortable shot is usually a bad shot). A good skip will encourage you to do this.
Motivation: if you can bring out the best in your skip do so. He/She plays the last shots for that end. If he/she is having a bad game he/she will need encouraging and support. If he/she is playing well you can praise him/her to keep up the standard.
Communication: use constructive communication but don’t repeat the obvious. If there is no change to the head, just call to your skip ‘no change’. If he is paying the same shot for a second time just call ‘same again’. Involve your front end players and listen to their suggestions. Feed your thoughts and ideas regarding tactics to your skip.
Skip
Motivator and tactician, able to play a full range of shots, the last player to bowl.
Know your team: what are the strengths and weaknesses of your players and what bowls do they play with, this will influence what shots you ask them to play.
Leader and Motivator: encourage your teammates, congratulate them, clap them, high-five them. Be sympathetic when poor bowls are played. Never turn your back or hold your head when a bad bowl is played. Don’t call ‘your short again’ or ‘more green’ to a player. It will make your team look shoddy and frustrate the player involved. Occasionally skips will give shots away, don’t be disheartened. You will need support from your teammates when this happens, but stay strong and move on. Always be positive.
Tactical Control: where to place the mat and jack length. Direct players what hand to play, what weight to play, where you want their woods to finish. Never put your lead or teammates under pressure. A good lead will not need too much information from a skip.
Assess the Green: what hand draws best, speed of green, lumps and bumps. Direct your players accordingly.
Opposition: assess their strengths and weaknesses. Can they play long or short jacks, are they stronger on backhand or forehand. Can your lead force their lead to play on their unchosen hand.
Read Head: be able to know when to build, protect or attack the head. Assess the situation for unexpected change. Try to avoid vulnerable situations, only one wood in head, no back woods or five down (skips nightmare). Try to memorise the position of your teams and opponents woods, this will aid you when it’s your turn to bowl.
Pressure: be positive and upbeat at all times. Keep your teams spirits up even when you look like being beaten. You must withstand pressure, occasionally you will have to play difficult shots, when so doing remain calm and focused. Take your time, visualise the shot you are playing, have full confidence in your shot choice and stick with it. Execute your shot and become the ‘hero’.
Win or Lose: games are won and lost as a team. Never blame an individual when a game is lost. If a player has had a bad game they will know. When you have tasted victory, enjoy and make the most of the occasion and look forward to your next triumph.
‘Enjoy your bowls and Good Luck to you All’
‘The more You practice, the Luckier You’ll become’