Technique

Technique

These important technique principles should be evident in every bowler.

Smooth flowing movements
Jerky or unnecessary movements will lead to inconsistent delivery and unwelcome compensation. Use a
smooth pendulum swing with fine weight control with finger tips just at release.

Minimal body movement
Many top international and Australian bowlers have eliminated most vertical body movements from their
delivery. Move down and forward without any up ards movement until follow through is complete.

Natural balanced stance
A balanced delivery will help eliminate any lateral or sideways movements. If a lateral body movement occurs
during delivery then the bowl will not be delivered along the aiming line unless a compensatory movement is
made in the opposite direction. Good body position will enable repeated performance over many hours without
undue fatigue.

Application: Place front foot early to gain balance. Use left hand on left knee to maintain balance. A bowler
who has poor balance during delivery has at least two more body movements to replicate on every delivery.
The result is usually a bowler who is inconsistent in line and /or length.

Relaxed comfortable grip
Grip the bowl gently, this helps to reduce tension in the hand and wrist. Balance and align the bowl with your
middle finger on the running surface and this will enable you to deliver the bowl without any wobble.

Application: Use your fingertips to gain a sensitive delivery which is essential on free flowing greens. On
slow greens try a claw grip with the bowl resting further back in your hand. This helps you apply more force to
the bowl without an increase in muscular tension in your thumb and fingers.

Aiming Line
Determine an effective and reliable method to determine the aiming line. Use a combination of the mat, green,
shoulder and bank which works for you and enables you to make small adjustments. The recommended
method is to have a reference point on the bank, and have an imaginary line from that point back to your toe.
Deliver along this line looking approx. half way along the line. Aiming Line Diagram click to view

Application: A good player can adjust to a new aiming line quicker than his opposition. This may be
necessary if the mat or jack is shifted or if a different shot is required. Good players should get near the centre
line 80% of the time.

Correct body alignment and arm swing
Hips, knees and shoulders need to be about right angles to the grass line. Forward and backward arm swings
should be along the grass line. Movements out of alignment should be avoided as compensatory actions need
to be taken to ensure the bowl travels along the intended path. Arm should be virtually straight with little or no
bend depending on the pace of the green.

Application: Careful foot placement is the start of a good delivery. Correct foot position will assist in obtaining
the grass line required and alignment of the body along this line. Follow through is important - keep it controlled
and with the palm facing upwards.

Adjustment in delivery momentum i.e. weight control
The momentum required to allow the bowl to travel the required distance or velocity is produced by
gravitational force and muscular force. The combination of these forces depends on the individual's style and
the shot required.

Delivery speed - All of the technique variations will influence your weight control. The delivery speed
(velocity) of the bowl will determine the distance it will travel. Increase the delivery speed and the bowl will
travel further, decrease the delivery speed and the bowl will travel less distance.
Elevation method. Elevating the bowl higher in front of you will assist in getting as bigger pendulum swing
and therefore increase weight. The coordinated swing and step will mean additional force applied to the bowl.
The size of the pendulum provides a smooth swing relative to the force needed.
Stance - Try a more upright stance to get more power. The increased body movement will add extra weight.
By adopting a lower stance better weight control on shorter ends or faster greens will be achievable.
Delivery step - A longer step will mean increased body movement and forward momentum. This will, in most
cases add weight. A shorter step will allow a shorter smooth delivery that will help with weight control on short
ends and fast greens.
Backswing – Basically the bigger the backswing the more momentum will be transferred to the bowl from the
pendulum swing and the bowl will travel faster. A small, slow backswing will allow great control for short ends
and fast greens.
Finger tip control - This is the most important but least understood parts of weight control. More relevant to
fast greens I.e. >14 seconds.. Just prior to release the finger tips allow the bowl to run smoothly onto the
green. At this point it is possible to add additional weight by flexing the fingers that will increase the rotation of
the bowl and therefore add distance. This is how you develop feel and touch in your delivery.

Application: At the end of the your forward swing apply finger tip spin - the bowl comes out live, with
angular rotation. This gives the bowl stability and it loses less momentum at delivery.

Smooth grassing of the bowl
Deliver the bowl as smoothly as possible. Bend your knees and stay down to allow the bowl to be released
close to the grass surface.

Application: Don't drop the bowl, bouncing bowls lose momentum and often finish short.

Follow through

Allow the natural movement of the arm to continue along the grass line to assist in delivering the bowl along the
intended path.

Application: Stay down immediately after delivery and watch the bowl.

Technique articles and tips

Good Delivery Technique click to view

Huddle Gorilla Technique click to view

Technique Check-Up click to view

Coaching Tips Weight Control click to view