ShotSelection

Shot Selection

This is mainly the Skippers role but all players should understand GOOD Shot Selection. It is important for
singles players and Thirds to be able to make good decisions. If all the players in the team understand what is
the current Tactic and overall Game Plan then they should accept the decision for a certain shot depending on
the circumstances and intended outcome. Too many players in a team want to get the shot instead of playing
the TEAM bowl. The Skipper needs to consider the game situation as the player's ability to successfully
perform the shot.

In most situations in bowls there is always more than one way to achieve a result. Shot selection depends on
the skipper’s assessment of his players ability, conditions, score , and risk involved. The opponents
capabilities must be taken into account and generally expect that their next attempt will be successful. Shot
Selection is quite a complex thought process. Various factors are involved and will affect the ultimate decision.

Players must remember the aiming line Green & conditions on each hand.

F/H away from clubhouse, (wind direction, grass conditions, speed, aiming line)
B/H away from clubhouse (wind direction, grass conditions, speed, aiming line)
F/H towards clubhouse (wind direction, grass conditions, speed, aiming line)
B/H towards clubhouse (wind direction, grass conditions, speed, aiming line)

There are many important considerations in Decision Making.

Game Situation 1

What would your shot selection be and why?

Match = Club Singles Championship 25 up
Game score = Red 14 Blue 18
Red = Holding 3 shots
Situation =Blue to play the last bowl

Comment
Blue has had two drives and has hit his only
bowl off the green. This is a vital shot in the
match as another mistake will give Red three
shots and a tremendous lift in confidence.

Options
A. Drive again to kill the end.
B. Play the forehand with controlled weight to
hit and sit one of the shot bowls.
C. Draw on forehand to save.

Result.
Blue played Option A, hit the outside of Bowl 2
to kill the end and went onto win the match
without Red scoring again.

Are you this game and confident?

Game Situation 2

What would your shot selection be and why?
Match = Victorian Singles Championship
15 sec. windy, medium end.
Game score = Red 23 Blue 20
Blue = Holding 1 shots. Shot bowl 1cm from jack.
Red = Closest bowl 10cm away
Situation = Blue to play the last bowl.

Options
A. Draw on the backhand.
B. Play a positive backhand shot to move the opposition bowl 2 metres
or contact your shot bowl and shift jack sideways to score 3 or 4 shots.
C. Draw on the safe forehand.
D. Declare the head for 1 shot

Result
Blue has made a comeback from 21-13 down and is winning on longer ends.
After holding 3 shots before Reds last bowl Blue decides to try the more
difficult Option B. He hits his own bowl but the jack goes dead by 30 cm.
Red wins the replay of the end and ultimately the game.

Comment

Patience is a virtue?

Game Situation 3

What would your shot selection be and why?

Match = Mazda Jack High Singles 1996
Sets play. Best of 3 sets. First to 9 wins set.
Game score = Red 6 Blue 3. 3rd set.
Red = Closest bowl 90cm away
Blue = Holding 1 shot
Situation = Blue to play his last bowl first.

Options A. Draw on backhand to hold 2 shots.
B. Draw to position to cover reds bowls.
C. Draw on F/H to move jack and hold 2 or 3.
D. Drive to remove both red bowls to hold 3.
E. Wrest second shot out to hold 2 or 3.
Result. Option D. Drove and missed target
Red player drives, hits jack in the ditch
for 3 shots and the match!
Comment This highlights the dramatic contrast of the value of drives.

What is jack High?

Front of the bowl is level with the front of the jack as shown in this picture.