TACTICS and SHOT SELECTION
(Click on a topic for more information)Shot Selection Tutorial
 | Shot Selection |
| Decision making process |
| Tactics and Game Plans |
| Head building principles Word doc |
| How to win when in front! |
| Game Situation 1 |
| Game Situation 2 |
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.
Decision Making
DECISION MAKING FILTERING PROCESS.
|
head score |
|
game score |
|
ends to go |
|
playing conditions |
|
consider all options by analysing variables make a cost/benefit analysis |
|
potential gain = +x shots BENEFIT IF SUCCESSFUL |
|
potential lose = - x shots RISK IF ERROR or OPPONENT ADDS TO SCORE |
|
net potential |
2. Determine % success rate for each option and compare to potential risk / benefit. ie. Which shot is the most likely to be achieved? Is it worth playing a difficult low percentage shot?
3. filter to best options,
For each option either,
· reject - if rejected clear the mind of that thought
· accept as option.
4. Narrow options to best two (this or that)
5. Make decision and prepare for delivery.
EXAMPLE of DECISION MAKING PROCESS and it's relationship to delivery routine.
How to win when in front!
When in a commanding winning position;
TRY NOT TOO concentrate too much on the scoreboard. This will decrease your concentration on the game and;
| results will suffer, |
| opponents score improves, |
| your confidence decreases, |
| your opponents confidence increase and victory becomes more possible, |
| the pressure on you increases as you strive to win a game that was a certainty, |
| you may lose the game, "one that got away", |
| you will begin to think negative thoughts. |
Do not think that the win will just happen and the game will continue in the same way.
RATHER:
| Continue the tactics and game plan that put you in this winning position. |
| Eliminate risk shots thinking it doesn't matter if you lose a few shots. Don't try and finish the game of with flash shots. |
| Make it as hard as possible for your opponents to score shots. |
| Try to limit them to only one shot and play accordingly. |
| Cover unexpected shots as they will become desperate some time towards the end of the game. If they happen to succeed at these shots or get lucky the game could turn rather quickly. |
Shot Selection Tutorial
What is jack High?
Front of the bowl is level with the front of the jack as shown in this picture.
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
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.
Are you this game and confident?
Game Situation 2
3 Down. What is the most advisable shot for your second to Play? (see photo below)
View from mat end
You are 3 down as your lead has gone AWOL! and the second is under pressure. No upshot or weighted shot here is advised as this is a low percentage shot for the 2nd or 3rd to play. The risk of losing numbers and the game are more likely.
The 2nd should draw shot into head to improve the position. Too early to panic. For Right Hand player play the F/H around the short bowl. A good attempt will get 2nd or 3rd shot and start to provide more options for bowls. A bowl through a little far will also help if a weighted shot is played. A sort bowl by the 2nd is probably the worst result you could get, as this restricts the options and blocks the head. This is where an experienced 2nd or 3rd will WIN matches. Trying to draw under the head risks losing the bowl narrow and would be useless. Taking an aiming line a little wide is preferable.
What shot would you call?
MORE Game Situations will be added as soon.