How to Choose the Right Shot in Lawn Bowls: Draw, Trail or Drive?

One of the biggest differences between good bowlers and great bowlers isn't how well they deliver a bowl—it's how well they choose which bowl to play.

Every end presents different opportunities. Sometimes the best option is a simple draw to the jack. Other times, moving the jack, removing an opposition bowl or protecting your own position gives your team a far better chance of success.

Good shot selection isn't about playing spectacular bowls.

It's about making the decision that gives your team the highest percentage chance of improving the head.

Start by Reading the Head

Before choosing any shot, take a few moments to assess the situation.

Ask yourself:

• Who is holding shot?

• How many shots are likely to count?

• Where are the dangerous bowls?

• What happens if the jack moves?

• How many bowls remain to be played?

If you don't understand the position, you can't choose the correct shot.

Learning to read a lawn bowls head is the foundation of good tactical decision-making because it allows you to identify both the threats and the opportunities before stepping onto the mat.

Think Beyond This One Bowl

Every bowl should contribute to a bigger objective.

Before delivering, ask yourself:

"What am I trying to achieve?"

You might be trying to:

• Win shot.

• Reduce the opposition's count.

• Protect your shot bowl.

• Create a useful back bowl.

• Block an opponent's drawing line.

• Force the opposition into a difficult shot.

Your overall lawn bowls game plan should influence these decisions. A team leading comfortably may simply protect the head, while a team trailing late in the match may need to accept greater risk to score multiple shots.

The Draw: The Percentage Shot

Whenever possible, consider the draw first.

A draw allows your bowl to remain in the head while improving your position.

Choose a draw when:

• There is a clear path to the jack.

• You can add another counting bowl.

• You can reduce the opposition's count.

• A bowl behind the jack would strengthen your position.

Remember, not every successful draw finishes shot.

Sometimes a bowl placed just behind the jack becomes the most valuable bowl in the head if the jack moves later.

When a Rest Is the Better Option

A resting shot uses another bowl as a target.

Rather than trying to stop beside the jack, you deliberately finish against an existing bowl.

This often provides a larger target and a slightly greater margin for error than drawing into open space.

However, remember that weight control remains critical. Too much weight can remove the target bowl completely and leave both bowls in poor positions.

When to Trail the Jack

A trail is one of the most effective attacking shots in lawn bowls.

Consider a trail when:

• Your team has bowls behind the jack.

• A small movement of the jack improves your position.

• The opposition controls the front of the head.

• You don't need to destroy the entire head.

Before attempting a trail, always look behind the jack.

Moving the jack towards opposition bowls rarely improves the situation.

The goal isn't simply to move the jack.

It's to move it somewhere better for your team.

Controlled Weight vs Full Drive

Many bowlers immediately think about driving.

Often, controlled weight is the better option.

Controlled weight allows you to:

• Remove one bowl.

• Open a drawing path.

• Move the jack slightly.

• Leave your own bowl involved in the head.

Because the bowl often remains in play, controlled weight usually produces a more predictable result than a full drive.

When Should You Drive?

Driving has its place.

It should be used when:

• Drawing options are blocked.

• The opposition is holding several shots.

• One successful hit could dramatically improve the end.

• The scoreboard justifies taking greater risk.

Don't drive because you're frustrated.

Don't drive because it looks spectacular.

Drive because it's genuinely the highest-percentage tactical decision.

Choose the Shot You Can Execute

A brilliant tactical decision is useless if you can't deliver it.

Players should always choose the shot they have confidence in executing.

Developing a consistent lawn bowls delivery gives you far more tactical options because you trust your line and weight under pressure.

Likewise, a balanced lawn bowls stance makes it easier to change between draw weight, controlled weight and attacking shots without changing your delivery mechanics.

Practise Every Shot

The more shots you can confidently play, the more tactical options become available during competition.

Purposeful lawn bowls practice drills should include:

• Draw weight.

• Resting shots.

• Controlled weight.

• Jack trails.

• Drives.

• Recovery shots.

Practising different shot types builds confidence and helps you choose the correct option when the pressure is on.

Don't Forget the Fundamentals

Many players become excited by strategy before they've mastered the basics.

If you're still developing your delivery, learning line and understanding weight, start with our lawn bowls for beginners guide before focusing on more advanced tactical decisions.

Strong strategy always begins with solid fundamentals.

Common Shot Selection Mistakes

Avoid these common errors:

• Driving too early.

• Ignoring bowls behind the jack.

• Forgetting the scoreboard.

• Chasing miracle shots.

• Playing beyond your current ability.

• Looking only at the shot bowl.

The best tactical players don't necessarily play the most spectacular bowls.

They consistently choose the shot that gives their team the highest percentage chance of improving the end.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right shot in lawn bowls isn't about finding the perfect bowl every time.

It's about making intelligent decisions based on the head, the scoreboard and your own strengths.

Ask yourself:

• What does my team need?

• What happens if I miss?

• Which shot offers the highest percentage?

• Can I execute it confidently?

Answer those questions before every delivery and you'll soon discover that smart decision-making wins just as many ends as perfect technique.

If you'd like personalised feedback on both your delivery and tactical decision-making, explore my lawn bowls coaching plans and discover how structured coaching can help you improve faster.