All sports have their own ‘language’ - but do not worry! Now you’re ready to get started, here are a few terms that will help you learn more about the sport.
A bowl place tactically bowled behind the head, to benefit from a trailed shot.
When (for a right-handed player) the bowl is delivered so the curve of the bowl is from the left to right.
The shape of the bowl which causes it to curve.
A bowl positioned on the green such that it would stop an opponent’s bowl from reaching a defined point, usually the jack, based on its regular line.
The moment the bowl leaves the hand.
The ditch around the green. If a bowl ends up in the ditch and it is not a ‘toucher’ then it doesn’t count and is removed from play.
A bowl delivered at the correct weight, and with correct line, to arrive exactly where you want.
The sequence of play from the moment the mat is placed down until all bowls have been delivered and you know who has won.
A shot where the bowl is delivered at a very fast pace.
If you don’t deliver the bowl with part of your foot on, or above the mat.
When (for the right-handed player) the bowl is delivered so that the curve of the bowl is from the right to left.
The total playing area. There are usually 6 rinks on each green.
Refers to the area of the rink where the jack, and any live bowls that have been delivered on any particular end.
(weight) A bowl delivered with more force than required to deliver it to a desired position on the rink
(bowl) Indicates that your bowl is the closest to the jack - "we are holding shot"
The little round target ball to which you’re trying to get your bowls closest.
The rectangular shaped mat from which the bowler must deliver the jack and/or bowl.
If a bowl is delivered and finishes to the inner side of the intended target, it is said to have been a "narrow bowl"
The amount of force with which the bowl is delivered to execute a particular shot.
For all internal league & competitions at Oyster, should the ‘jack’ go out of bounds, it is re-placed on one of two predetermined spots at both ends of the rink, in line with the T. The end then continues from that point with all other live bowls already delivered remaining in place.
The rectangular strip of the green, between 4 and 6 metres wide, on which the game takes place.
Position adopted on the mat prior to delivery.
The bowl that is nearest the jack at any stage of play.
A bowl that hits the jack during its original course. It is marked with chalk, and remains ‘live’ - even if it ends up in the ditch.
Playing a bowl so that it moves the jack from its current position to a position further sideways or backwards along the rink.
When a bowl is deflected during its progress after delivery. In most cases, this will be from contacting a bowl or jack. After the "wick", the direction of the bowl is altered away from its regular arc implied by the bias.
Oyster Indoor Bowls Club
The Harbour
Whitstable
CT5 1AB