When to Change the Length and Mat Position at Lawn Bowls

 

Sometimes you will be playing other singles players or other teams that completely outclass you or yours. I acknowledge that in these cases, there is no tactical move that can realistically win for you. In that situation ( on the rare ends when the option is yours ), choose the jack length and mat position most comfortable for your side and try to make the head tight by executing your best deliveries.

BUT- when the game is competitive; that is, when there is no more than four points dividing the teams, stick to your predetermined strategic plan for the match unless your side observes something in the opponent’s game that suggests an even better plan.

HOWEVER in a close match, if your side falls behind by five points or more after at least three ends, if you do not change jack length, mat position, or both, when you get mat possession, you are not doing everything possible to win your match, and you deserve to lose!

Do you think this is obvious? But I see it all the time with teams of club bowlers and in inter-club matches. Players know they can change the mat position. They know they should carefully deliver the jack to a preferred length. But they doggedly keep sending medium-length jacks from the two-meter mark until the almost inevitable loss is consummated!