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Joining a club and taking up a new sporting interest can be a little daunting for some, and it is all too easy to put off such a move until tomorrow.
The most common comment amongst new bowlers is that they should have started years ago, “I don’t know why I left it so long to take up the game.”
Don’t let this happen to you, as you will be missing out on some wonderful new friendships and the challenges of a sport that can be played by all ages and by those from all walks of life.
Compared to golf, tennis or football, lawn bowls is one of the cheapest
sports you can play and there is no big outlay required to see whether
it is the game for you.
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The
most common comment amongst new bowlers is that they should have
started years ago, “I don’t know why I left it so long to take up the
game.” |
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Firstly, you may know of someone who plays, and
it could be useful to talk to that person about their club and they may
offer to arrange an introduction.
If you don’t know any one who plays it
doesn’t matter. Simply visit any bowling club and ask at reception
about starting to play bowls. They will probably introduce you to a
Coach.
Coaching is normally free and your coach will organise some
bowls for you, show you how to play the game and even organise your
first game.
Check out your nearest bowling club to home. Have a look around at the
club facilities, read the noticeboard and watch some games in action.
Don’t be backward in asking some members about the club and the best
way of getting started. You will find that they will be very pleased to
tell you about bowls at their club. You will soon develop a feel as to
whether it is the type of club you might like to belong to.
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NO BOWLS!
NO PROBLEM
Most clubs have a stock of old bowls that they can lend you until you are ready to buy your own second hand or new bowls.
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| Many clubs also conduct ‘open days,’ ‘recruitment days,’ ‘friendship
days’ 'barefoot bowls’ and 'bring a mate' days. All of these
programmes are designed to help the first timer get started in the
game. On any of these days, all you will be required to do is wear a
pair of flat sole shoes, as bowls are usually supplied by the club, and
there will be someone close at hand to provide some guidance and
assistance about the basics of the game. |
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But sometimes the most direct approach can be the best, as most clubs
offer a free coaching programme over a six week period using a set of
bowls provided by the club. The club coaching programme is conducted by
a qualified coach and provides a comprehensive introduction to the game
including, bowling technique, laws of the game, etiquette and safety on
the green, with the aim of attaining a level of competency that would
allow the new bowler to participate in organised social and competition
events at the club.
If you would like to learn more about the game and what it has to offer
as a sport, we would also recommend that you read LAWN BOWLS ‘A guide
for beginners” a New Holland publication written by John Archer and Rex
Davies, available at all leading booksellers. It is an easy read and an
informative introduction to the game.
So we hope we have whetted you appetite to learn
more about the game, and provided some options on how you might get
started.
But be Warned!
Bowling can be addictive and don’t be surprised if you get hooked.
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How to get Started 
