BOWLING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 230, 25 October 1940, Page 8

BOWLING

HINTS TO BEGINNERS (Continued) The bowl, on being delivered, does not run in a straight line, but takes a curving course, the large disc on the bowl is on the outside of the curve. The amount of duration from the straight line is called "Green." The amount of "green" varies in bowls and playing conditions. On heavy, or slow, greens the bowl takes less than on fast greens. Stance and Delivery. The rules state that the player shall stand on the mat and at least one foot remains on the mat when the bowl leaves the hand. A right handed player is said to be playing a forehand when playing to the right hand side of the green, and the back hand when on the lefthand side. Prior to delivery the player should stand on the mat with the feet in a natural standing position, but facing slightly in the direction in which the bowl has to be played; that is—slightly right for the forehand, slightly left for the backhand In delivering the bowl the player swings his arm straight behind him at the same time stepping forward with the left foot, then by bending the right knee and swinging the body and arm forward the bowl should be released as the hand reaches the surface of the green. The bowl should roll smoothly and evenly • off the fingers without bvimping or being drojjped and the arm should continue its movement in a follow through. As in all games this follow through is very important as it gives control and direction. For a start it is far better to exaggerate the follow through than to cut it. The arm, from the moment it starts to swing backwards through the delivery to the end of the follow' through, should be kej)t in a dead straight line without pulling to one side or the other, and should be one continuous, smooth-flowing movement without break or pause. The length—that is the distance the bowl travels—depends On the amount of back swing. The greater the distance the greater the swing, tn delivering liis bowl for a long head the player naturally makes a longer swing with his playing arm. File elevation backwards of the hand holding the bowl determines the force with Avhieh the bowl begins its journey. If a bowl fails to reach the jack more elevation is necessary: if it goes beyond, then less elevation is required. The whole movement should be practised until it becomes perfect— is a good delivery is not only "a joy to behold" but the art of learning" and playing the game becomes very much easier. ,