Choosing the correct size for your lawn bowls is crucial for both comfort and performance on the green. The most important guideline for determining the right size is selecting the largest bowl you can comfortably hold in your hand.
The Golden Rule for Bowl Sizing
When it comes to selecting your bowls, the primary objective is to find a size that feels natural and secure in your grip. A good rule of thumb is that you want the largest sized bowl you can comfortably hold in your hand. This is not just about raw strength but about maintaining a comfortable, relaxed grip throughout your delivery.
There's a practical reason for this advice:
- Reduced Effort: Larger bowls often feel more substantial and stable, requiring less effort to deliver accurately. This can significantly reduce fatigue over a long game.
- Enhanced Stability: A smaller and lighter bowl demands more effort to deliver with consistency and can be more easily knocked around by other bowls already in the head, potentially disrupting your intended line. A slightly heavier, larger bowl can hold its line better.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bowl Size
Beyond the golden rule, several personal factors play a role in finding your ideal bowl size:
- Hand Size and Grip:
- Can you comfortably encircle the bowl with your fingers without straining?
- Does your thumb rest naturally on the running surface of the bowl?
- A comfortable grip is essential for consistent delivery and preventing discomfort or injury.
- Strength and Stamina: While the goal is to make delivery feel effortless, your physical strength also influences your comfort with a given bowl size. A bowl that feels too heavy will lead to a stiff, unnatural delivery motion.
- Playing Style: While less a primary determinant of size, your preferred playing style (e.g., primarily drawing shots versus driving shots) might subtly influence your preference within your comfortable range.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, what feels "right" to you is paramount. What works for one player might not work for another.
Practical Steps to Determine Your Ideal Bowl Size
Finding your perfect bowl size isn't a one-size-fits-all answer; it often involves some practical testing:
- The "Comfort Hold" Test:
- Hold a bowl in your dominant hand as if you were about to deliver it.
- Ensure your fingers wrap comfortably around the bowl without excessive stretching or cramping.
- Your thumb should rest naturally on the running surface without having to splay out.
- The goal is a relaxed, secure grip. If you find your fingers overly splayed or clenched, try a different size.
- Try Before You Buy: This is perhaps the most crucial step. Most clubs have sets of bowls available for members to use.
- Borrow bowls of various sizes (e.g., from a club, a friend, or a coach).
- Play several ends with each size to see how they feel during actual play, not just in your hand.
- Pay attention to how your hand feels after multiple deliveries. Is there any strain or discomfort?
- Consult Experienced Players or Coaches: They can offer valuable insights and observe your grip and delivery, helping you identify a suitable size. They might have a range of bowls you can try out.
- Consider Your Game: Think about how the bowl feels over a full game, not just a few practice shots. A bowl that feels fine initially might become taxing over 18 or 21 ends if it's not the right fit.
Understanding Bowl Sizing Standards
Lawn bowls are typically available in a range of sizes, often numbered from 00 (smallest) up to 5 or even 6 (largest). While these numbers provide a standard, remember that the feel and comfort in your hand are more important than the numerical size itself.
| Criterion | Optimal Choice | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Comfort | Largest you can hold comfortably | Ensures natural grip, reduces strain. |
| Effort | Minimal effort required for delivery | Larger bowls often feel easier to deliver. |
| Stability | Less easily moved by other bowls in the head | Larger bowls are more stable on the green. |
| Fit | Fingers wrap comfortably, thumb rests naturally | Promotes consistent and accurate delivery. |
Why Size Matters
Selecting the correct bowl size is fundamental to developing a consistent and effective delivery technique. A bowl that is too small might feel light but require excessive effort and concentration to keep it on line, leading to an inconsistent shot. Conversely, a bowl that is too large or heavy for your comfort will lead to tension, poor release, and potential fatigue. Finding the sweet spot ensures you can deliver your bowls with confidence, control, and enjoyment.
For more general information on lawn bowls, consider exploring resources like this guide on understanding the game of lawn bowls.
