The pendulum swing and the mat
Ready when: Roll to a target (b1) started.
What you are learning
The delivery from the mat: a steady stance, then a pendulum swing straight down and back along the line, a step forward and a low release beside the lead foot. Two discs on the floor show the line, so the child sees whether the ball went straight.
Words on this card Mat, Shot, Delivery, Pendulum swing, Anchor foot, Line, Pre-shot routine, Lead
- Mat
- The small rubber mat the player stands on to bowl.
- Shot
- A point; each bowl nearer the jack than the other side's nearest.
- Delivery
- The whole movement of rolling a bowl.
- Pendulum swing
- The arm swinging straight down, back and forward like a clock's pendulum.
- Anchor foot
- The anchor foot stays on the mat; the lead foot steps forward along the line.
- Line
- The direction the bowl is aimed, which is wide of the jack because the bowl curves.
- Pre-shot routine
- The same few steps before every roll.
- Lead
- The lead bowls first in a team; the skip bowls last and directs the team.
Set up
A mat; two discs placed along the delivery line, 1 m and 2 m ahead; a ball.
Weather: dry ground
Show it first for the one teaching
- Anchor foot in the centre of the mat, the other foot beside it, about hip-width apart; knees bent; shoulders and hips square to the line.
- Swing the arm straight down and back, like a pendulum.
- Step forward along the line, lower the body and let go when the arm is straight down beside the lead foot.
- Watch the ball roll over both discs.
Your part while they practise
Stand to the side and watch the swing.
Step by step
- Anchor foot in the centre of the mat, lead foot beside it, about hip-width apart.
- Knees bent; shoulders and hips square to the line.
- A pendulum swing: arm down and back in a straight line.
- Step forward along the line and lower the body.
- Release when the arm is straight down beside the lead foot.
How much: 10 rolls, 3 rounds 8 min a session 3 days a week
Say one thing Pick one line from "What you will see" for today and say only that.
The game: Two discs
A point for every roll that passes over both discs.
Who plays: the child against their own best, or against you.
How to play, turn by turn
- Turns
- Place the two discs on the line, 1 m and 2 m ahead
- Roll 10 balls from the mat
- You watch: did it pass over both discs?
- Fair play
- A grown-up rolls with the other hand.
- Points
- 1 point for a roll over the first disc; 2 points for a roll over both.
- Fouls
- No points for that roll
- The arm swinging across the body
- The anchor foot leaving the mat before the release
- Letting go high, so the ball bounces
- Winning
- Beat your best from 10 rolls.
- 8 points for 1 star
- 14 points for 2 stars
- 18 points for 3 stars
Easier or harder
No mat, walking delivery.
Pre-shot routine added.
What you will see, and what to say
- the arm swings across the body
Swing straight, like a pendulum
Back and forward on the line. - the release is high
Let go at the bottom
Beside the toes.
Self-check
7 of 10 rolls pass over both discs.
Stop and get a coach when
Pain in the shoulder or back.
Fitness for this
Warm up first: how to warm up, at workonfitness.com. For strength and stretching, its exercise library shows each exercise step by step, with an easier version.
This card trains the delivery action.
awiseathlete.com/sports/lawn-bowls/lawn-bowls-b2