It is believed that bowls developed from a game played by the Egyptians with skittles with round stones. Variants of the game are now played around the world, eg in Italy 9bocce), Denmark (bolle), France (boules: and Polynesia (ulamiaka). The oldest bowls green still in use is in Southampton, England, records showing that bowls have been played there since AD 1299. Henry VII was a keen bowler but thought it should only be played by the nobility, banning Bowyers, Fletchers, Stringers and Arrowhead makers from taking part as they were being distracted from their traders, and imposing a fee of 100 pounds for anyone who wanted to keep a private green. Bowls was introduced into North America in the early 17th century (George Washington is believed to have been a keen player). The game spread throughout the British Empire, with reports of it first being played in Canada (Nova Scotia) in 1730, Australia 9Tasmania) in 1844, and New Zealand in 1860.
Rules and Description
Outdoor or “lawn” bowls is played in 44 countries worldwide on a flat lawn or “green” surrounded by a shollow ditch, enclosed by a low bank and divided into strips known as “rinks” on which each game takes place. Games are contested between individuals, or teams of two, three or four. Bowls (which are flattened on one side to give them a bias) are delivered alternately and rolled towards a small white target ball (the jack), the aim being to place as many of your bowls as possible closer to the jack than your opponents nearest bowl, one point counting for each. Each set of deliveries is called an “end”. Singles is normally played to 21 shots, or to a sets format, with pairs and fours games being the best of 21 ends, and triples the best of 18. After each end, players play in the reverse direction, back up the rink. Bowlers must have one foot on or over a small mat when delivering the bowl. Similar rules apply for indoor bowls, although competitions are usually played on a piece of carpet with a single rink.
Crown green bowls is played predominantly in northern England on a square green, larger than that used for lawn bowls and with a raised “crown” at the centre. Each player (the usual game is singles) bowl closer to the jack than his opponents nearest bowl. Players start each new end from the position of the jack of the previous end. Games are usually played to 21 points.
Player Profile
Lawn bowling is an easy game to learn and is played by just about anyone – men and women, old and young,. The best bowlers have great hand-eye coordination and are very strategic thinkers.
The Bowls
Although bowls were traditionally made of wood or rubber, or a composite, modern bowls are made of lignite. They are designed to travel a curved path, referred to as their bias, produced by the asymmetrical shape of the bowl. The jack is perfectly spherical and usually coloured white.
The Green
Bowls is usually played on a manicured grass or synthetic surface known as bowling green, which is divided into parallel playing strips known as rinks. An indoor variation on carpet is also played. Outdoor greens have a uniform length, but may be of varying widths, depending on the number of rinks Indoor greens are usually smaller, their dimensions being set by organizers.
Equipment and Protection
Formal flourish – Although a players attire is not a significant part of the game, in competitions men will usually wear white clothes and a tie.
Rubber mat – Bowlers must stand with at least one foot on the rubber mat in the centre of their rink
Rules and Description
Outdoor or “lawn” bowls is played in 44 countries worldwide on a flat lawn or “green” surrounded by a shollow ditch, enclosed by a low bank and divided into strips known as “rinks” on which each game takes place. Games are contested between individuals, or teams of two, three or four. Bowls (which are flattened on one side to give them a bias) are delivered alternately and rolled towards a small white target ball (the jack), the aim being to place as many of your bowls as possible closer to the jack than your opponents nearest bowl, one point counting for each. Each set of deliveries is called an “end”. Singles is normally played to 21 shots, or to a sets format, with pairs and fours games being the best of 21 ends, and triples the best of 18. After each end, players play in the reverse direction, back up the rink. Bowlers must have one foot on or over a small mat when delivering the bowl. Similar rules apply for indoor bowls, although competitions are usually played on a piece of carpet with a single rink.
Crown green bowls is played predominantly in northern England on a square green, larger than that used for lawn bowls and with a raised “crown” at the centre. Each player (the usual game is singles) bowl closer to the jack than his opponents nearest bowl. Players start each new end from the position of the jack of the previous end. Games are usually played to 21 points.
Player Profile
Lawn bowling is an easy game to learn and is played by just about anyone – men and women, old and young,. The best bowlers have great hand-eye coordination and are very strategic thinkers.
The Bowls
Although bowls were traditionally made of wood or rubber, or a composite, modern bowls are made of lignite. They are designed to travel a curved path, referred to as their bias, produced by the asymmetrical shape of the bowl. The jack is perfectly spherical and usually coloured white.
The Green
Bowls is usually played on a manicured grass or synthetic surface known as bowling green, which is divided into parallel playing strips known as rinks. An indoor variation on carpet is also played. Outdoor greens have a uniform length, but may be of varying widths, depending on the number of rinks Indoor greens are usually smaller, their dimensions being set by organizers.
Equipment and Protection
Formal flourish – Although a players attire is not a significant part of the game, in competitions men will usually wear white clothes and a tie.
Rubber mat – Bowlers must stand with at least one foot on the rubber mat in the centre of their rink
No comments:
Post a Comment