Although bowls is a team game, during a game each bowler within the team has a different and specific role.

 

Lead

 

The lead is an important role in that their performance sets the tone for the rest of the players.

 

Assuming your team has the jack, the first job of the lead is to place the mat in line with the rink number. The back of the mat must be at least two metres from the ditch, although the skip might ask you to move it further up the rink. The skip will also tell you if the mat is in line with the number or whether you have to realign it.

 

The second job of the lead is to bowl the jack to the length indicated by the skip and then to centre it. Centring is done by indicating to the skip the direction and distance the jack needs to be moved by using hand movements and, if necessary, voice commands.

 

Once the jack is centred, the lead then bowls to it using a draw shot. Before leaving the mat, the lead should watch what the bowled wood has done and wait for information from the skip regarding length.

 

Prior to bowling their next wood the lead should listen to and act on any advice from the skip regarding line and weight.

 

In triples the lead of the team that has lost the head should use the pusher to gather the woods; the winning lead meanwhile places the mat for the next end.

 

The Second in Rinks

 

The main role of the second in rinks and is to build on the head following the skip’s advice and instructions. Again waiting on the mat to see what the bowl has done is very important.

 

In rinks once all the woods have been bowled and the head score ascertained, the losing second should use the pusher to gather the bowls.

 

The Second in Triples and the Third in Rinks

 

In triples the role of the second (and the third in rinks) is more complex. In essence this role is that of vice-skip and communication between the second and the skip is vital. Following the skip’s instructions, the second reacts to what has happened already in the game so needs to be able to play a variety of shots.

 

At the changeover the skip and second should discuss the head and what the skip is planning to do. The second takes over the role of skip and needs to be tactically adept as the head changes. Communication with the skip is again important.

 

Once all bowls have been bowled, the second (or third) confers with their opposite number and agrees how many shots have been won and by whom. This information is passed to the skip and the scoreboard is updated. Close shots should be measured.

 

The Skip

 

The skip is in charge of the team and determines the tactics. As such it is important that the skip communicates clearly with all team members, giving information about length and advice about line and which hand to bowl. Tactics and strategy will change as the head develops.

 

Managing people is also part of the skip’s role so showing patience, belief and giving encouragement is vitally important.

 

The skip stands behind the head and after indicating the length of jack required, centres it. During changeover the skip should discuss their first shot with the second (or third) and then act on the advice as the head changes. Like the second, the skip needs to be able to play a variety of shots to react to changes in the head.

 

It is also normally the skip who keeps the scorecard updated.

 

In any team game communication between players is the key to success so it is important that all players concentrate on the game, even if they have bowled their woods. Watching the lines bowled by others and passing on useful advice and encouragement can help performance.

 

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The Marker

 

A marker is required for a singles game. The marker needs to remain neutral throughout the game.

 

The marker stands at the opposite end to the bowlers and centres the jack. Having centred the jack, the marker should stand away from the head. Once play is underway, the marker can answer direct questions but should otherwise remain silent and give no information about the lie of the woods.

 

With the aid of the two bowlers, the marker helps determine who has won the head and by how many shots. They are also expected to measure close woods and to update the scoreboard.