Bowls

Want to join in a competitive yet sociable game that’s easy to learn and easy on your body?

then get into bowls!

Bowls is a game that all ages enjoy. An upsurge of interest from the young is changing its image as a game for older people.

The rules are simple, but playing well takes skill and cunning. The aim of the game is to get your bowls closest to a small white ball called the ‘jack’, which is rolled by the first player. Your bowl may knock your opponents’ balls out of the way, or nudge the jack further on. For a non-contact sport, bowls can get very competitive!

Bowls is played all year round. Bowls is played sociably, at club, county or right up to Commonwealth Games level. And there are clubs all over the country, and probably one close to you.

bowls: a profile

take part? small group | with family
where? inside | outside
energy/fitness level? relaxed
sociability? usually able to talk
disability access*? on equal terms
can be played? competitively | as friends
contact sport? non-contact
try it cost? low
play it cost? low

* Individual circumstances vary hugely, and this affects participation in any sport. This guide is necessarily general in nature and may not suit your situation.

starting bowls?

Going to give bowls a go? Good idea! An easy way to start is to get in touch with your local club. They probably offer lessons, and trial sessions including equipment hire. Or you may have a friend who can introduce you to the sport.

Once you’ve decided bowls is for you, you can buy your own equipment and join a club. The club can offer you advice and may have members’ discounts at sports shops.

finding a club

Click on one of these links for a list of affiliated clubs.

Also check out your local council’s website, the local paper and the getting started page.

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