Understanding your role within the team is very important. The following are some hints about each team role.
Playing as the Lead
- The leaders position in the game is very important and properly executed, contributes much to the head and the ultimate success of the team.
- The role of the Leader is to get 2 bowls close to the jack and if, in doing so, they get shot/shots, so much the better.
- Having gotten possession of the mat, always place it in the predetermined place on the green and never alter that position unless instructed by the Skip.
- The delivery of the jack to the length required by the Skip is of paramount importance. It can cost the game if delivered incorrectly.
- Decide which hand you will play both bowls with the skip and never change unless they tell you to do so. It is not your decision.
- Do not play a game of singles with your opponent.
- Don’t get frustrated if your close bowl goes, you’ve done your job.
- Avoid bowling short, it blocks the path of the bowlers to follow you.
- If you draw close with your first bowl, avoid being short with your second.
- Failure to draw close puts pressure on your players to follow.
- Watch your Skip after winning an end before placing the mat and delivering the jack. What does he want you to do?
Playing as the Second
- The player must be a versatile performer in a fours team.
- If a leader fails to draw either of their 2 bowls to the jack, it becomes the seconds task to draw shots.
- As well as drawing, the second’s armoury must include a trail shot, a ditch weighted shot, a drive and be able to bowl to position.
- A second’s bowls dictate the play of the Third and Skip and so is very important.
- The second must be able to play through the head.
- The second must be able to play onto short bowls, with the idea of pushing them in for shot or through the head.
Playing the Role of Third
- It is vital that the Third has a thorough knowledge of the laws of the game, conditions of play and the etiquette of the game.
- At the beginning of the game, identify and remember the bowls of the players on your team.
- The Third must be able to act as the director of the Head.
- When arriving at the Head, note the position of the Jack and Bowls and which bowl or bowls are Shot.
- Always stand back of the Head, behind the Jack. Do not move when bowls are being delivered. When the opposing skip is delivering, stand behind the opposing Third.
- Indicate clearly the up or down position after the opposing skip’s bowls comes to rest.
- Always know who holds second and third shot.
- Be aware of the position of bowls in the head when it is the skip’s turn to play.
- The Third should not attempt to control the skips play but offer advice.
- Use clear signals to show: Jack High, Distance from Jack, Our Bowl, Opposition Bowl, Jack Position, Score.
- Make and/or observe all shot measurements and where in doubt recheck. Discourage any interruption by the lead and second when directing or measuring the Head.
- Do not disturb the Head until the opposing Third agrees on shot count.
- When a bowl comes to rest, possession of the Mat reverts to the opposition. Do not step in to examine the Head.
- If it is not your skip’s mat, do not stop while changing ends to talk to your skip.
- The position of Third calls for a player to be experienced in all shots from draw to the drive.
Playing the Part as Team Skip
The Skip’s official duties are described in Laws of the Sport of Lawn Bowls Crystal Mark Edition 3. They include:
- To be in charge of the team, delegate duties and notify opponent when necessary.
- Instruct the team members which shot to play
- Make decisions with the opponent to comply with the laws of the game and conditions of play.
- Important Responsibilities for Skips include:
- To build a scoring head using the tactical fundamentals of defence, attack and recovery.
- To be ingenious and skilful of design when building the head.
- To know the strengths and weaknesses of his players.
- Should endeavour not to display disappointment if a player performs a bad shot.
- Should commend a player who plays a good shot.
- Have good communication with team members (game plan, appropriate hand signals,
- positive instructions, short simple directions).
- Be able to read the head (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats).
- Have control over mat placement and jack length.
- Know and employ the tactics of the game.
- Know when to play the opposition hand or shot.
- Counter the tactical moves of the opposition.
- Be able to play any of the shots of the game (draw, on-shots, running & drive shots).
- Strive to improve own and team strengths & weaknesses.
- Do not be a distraction to your team.
- Understand and observe the Etiquette of the Game, Laws of the Game & Conditions of Play.