Tactics and Game Plans
With Shot Selection this part of the game is by far the most interesting and provides for much discussion during and after a game.
There is no exact science in deciding what is right and what is wrong in bowls tactics, shot selection and subsequently game play. There is that element of luck in every game. The skill level of the individuals will also be an important part of what tactics and shot selection is best.
Remember there is always more than one way to get the shot!
Each game is different, with different playing conditions and opponents. Never assume tactics that worked last time will work again. Certainly starting off with the same tactic plan is good but things a unlikely to go the same again. Be prepared to change your approach to the game. For example, the forehand on one rink may be the way to go but on the next rink it may not be the best hand due to the variance in the green that is not obvious. Staying on the wrong hand waiting for it to start working will lose many a game.
So what are Tactics and a Game Plan?
Tactics involve all the decision making during a game. A Game Plan is more an overall strategy determined before game day. This requires team discipline and includes things like, pre -match routine, warm-up, team rules, goals for the team, expectations of different positional play, as well as agreed tactics.
As there is not that much difference in Tactics and Game Plans let's not get too academic. They are closely related and one without the other will make it hard to win.
Good tactics come from experience and of course, a little bit of luck.
Playing with experienced players will save you years of learning the hard way. Seeing is believing, and if you see first hand how different shots and tactics are played then you will be ready to use them at another time when you are skipping or playing singles. Remembering the important parts of a game and using them later will make you a GOOD DECISION maker. Any wonder concentration is important and paying attention to the game even if you have played your shots.
Example of some TACTICS - decisions made during the game for particular situations.
 | Slow the game if losing. |
| Change the length of the end if losing. |
| Keep the mat the same length when winning for as long as possible. |
| Subtly change the length of each end against inexperienced bowlers. |
| Draw to win on long ends and attack heads on short ends. |
| Draw then drive if down numbers. This will often result in a surprise result. |
| Lead plays the same hand as their opposition is they are getting beaten. |
| Play the opposition's hand so as to "get in their way" and not give them easy draw shots to add to their total. |
| Cover the back if your team is consistently out drawing the opposition. They can't win drawing so they soon will start playing many upshots. If they hit they can suddenly be back in the game and felling pretty good about themselves. |
| Position bowls are a great insurance bowl |
| Anticipate the oppositions next shot and cover it, try to beat them to it. |
| If you hold 1 or more good shots that are hard to beat, do not set up a target but draw on the other hand or play position bowls. |
Example of GAME PLAN elements (team rules and general advice)
| Lead and Second will only have max. 1 bowl between them in front of the head. |
| Lead never plays a narrow bowl |
| Leads will play both bowls oh the same hand unless at a critical moment in the game and then change only with the Skippers approval. |
| Seconds do not try and get the shot with every bowl. |
| No drive with less then 2 of your own bowls in the head |
| Thirds and skips will inspect the head as often as required. |
| No drives at targets in front of the jack. |
| When down, draw for 2nd shot is first objective. |
| Don't be short on the draw when down on the head. |
| Play with good weight thought the head so as not to lose bowls unnecessarily |
| Don't be over weight when holding. |
| No narrow bowls when holding. |
| Don't talk socially to the opposition. Leave that for after the game. |
| Be vocal and applaud good shots by your team mates. |
| Relax and take your time before delivery. Especially if the pressure is on. |
| Concentrate on the game and the head. |
| Block shots should be well short of the head. ~ >2 meters. |
| Block shots closer will only help a Skipper play weighted shots for a conversion. |
| Treat a jack high bowl as an asset to the opposition. Expect it will be beaten. |
| Expect the opposition to succeed at the next shot. |
As you can see there is not that much difference between Tactics and a Game Plan.