You might’ve heard of bowling, but have you heard of lawn bowls? Also known as bowls, the sport requires precision, concentration and muscle control. It’s not just ten-pin bowling outdoors either, as the game comes with its own set of rules and equipment. 

Played on grass or synthetic turf, known as a bowling green, lawn bowls has been described as a cross between boccia and bowling, and it dates back to the 13th century. At the time, it became popular in England when wars were rife and it was seen as a way to relieve stress without being too physically demanding. Today, the game is played in championships across the world such as the Commonwealth Games, and continues to be a popular low-impact sport played by people of all ages. We spoke to Tan Poh Choo, longtime lawn bowler and Vice President of the Singapore National Stroke Association (SNSA) to learn more about the sport.

Parts of the Game

“Many different parts make up the game. Just don’t expect a bowling ball or any pins” says Poh Choo. Lawn bowling has two key components, namely bowls and jacks. A bowl is a larger ball that’s flat on two sides, and is slightly weightier on one side. This means it has a weight bias so it travels in a curved path when rolled, which adds to the challenge. Grooves on the bowl allow for an easy grip, and the index finger and thumb work to keep the asymmetrical bowl stable when rolling it. It’s what you’d roll to hit a jack—a smaller, completely spherical white ball, about the size of a billiard ball. According to Poh Choo—a stroke survivor herself—lawn bowling is a great exercise as handling the equipment is easy, and it’s a good way to get some light exercise in.

How to Play

Once you’ve had a handle on the equipment involved, it’s time to learn how to play. The first player gets the ball rolling, if you will, by rolling the jack in a straight line into the middle of the bowling green. Sounds simple enough, but this turn will only be deemed valid if the bowl travels a distance of 23 metres into the bowling green. 

With the target now set, and players on different teams take turns rolling the bowl towards the jack within the boundaries of the game. The player or team whose bowl is closest to the jack at the end of the round earns a point, and the team with more than one bowl nearer to the jack than their opponent is awarded the corresponding number of points. This means that three bowls equals three points, and the first one to reach 21 points wins the game.

While rolling an odd-shaped ball to a target may sound simple in concept, there are actually a lot of factors to consider. For starters, there are different methods of delivery, termed a “draw”. Right-handed bowlers usually opt for a forehand draw aimed to the right of the jack (which curves into the left), while left-handed bowlers may opt for a backhand draw—the opposite of a forehand draw—and involves rolling the bowl towards the left of the jack (which curves right). Players stand on a mat with their feet pointed towards the target. All that’s left to do now is step forward and swing!

Members of the SNSA enjoying a game of bowls at the Singapore Sports Hub.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE NATIONAL STROKE ASSOCIATION (SNSA)

A Great Low-impact Sport

Bowls has been labeled a popular moderate form of exercise, and it’s easy to see why. Besides the relaxed pace of the game, the physical demands are comparatively less than that of other sports, making it the perfect outdoor activity for older people, people with disabilities and those looking to stay healthy through low-impact sports. We ask Poh Choo why it’s the activity of choice for members of the SNSA. 

“Stroke survivors can bowl from their wheelchair and some are encouraged to stand and bowl without their wheelchair. Some also make use of these lawn bowl sessions to walk or exercise a short distance to get their bowls.” said Poh Choo.

Members of the SNSA and their caregivers have met up for lawn bowling sessions at the Singapore Sports Hub for about four years. The SNSA has always been on the lookout for new activities for members, and when they moved their office into Leisure Park Kallang in 2016, they realised that their new neighbour had a great lawn bowling green. “Our first lawn bowl session for stroke survivors and their caregivers started in March 2017, with volunteer lawn bowl instructors. It was popular amongst the stroke survivors”, said Poh Choo of the sport. 

It definitely helps that the lawn bowling green is easily accessible through the nearby car parks and Stadium MRT station, and that the sport builds muscle strength. Poh Choo goes on to explain that staying active is important to prevent the possibility of a second stroke, and that the good camaraderie that makes these lawn bowling sessions more enjoyable is a great bonus. “ The stroke survivors look forward to meeting one another on alternate weeks” added Poh Choo, and there’s no doubt that lawn bowling will continue to be popular amongst people of all ages and abilities. 

Ready to try your hand at lawn bowling? Make a booking for the lawn bowling green here.