Roles of the players on a bowls team

Bowls can be played in singles, pairs (2), triples (3) and rinks (4).

Each player has a role to play in the team and it must always be remembered that it is a team game and everyone can have input.

However, in saying that, the skip is always in charge of the rink. In the different games, either the number 2 (in triples) or the number 3 (in rinks) can give the skip information if s/he requests it when s/he is bowling. This does not stop the other members of the team discussing their views when they have possession of the rink between themselves.

Lead

Lay and centre the mat – legal distance

Cast the jack – legal distance

Sequence if it goes in the ditch – what happens and what happens if this occurs twice

Clear signals

Job is to draw to the jack or behind

Consistency is the name of the game, so using a single bias is best unless the skip advises differently

Don’t change hands if you think your opponent's bowl is in the way – yours will be in their way

Must be able to draw to a moved jack – needs practice

Two

First to come under skip's direction – needs to look at the skip before getting on the mat

Responsible for measuring distances in triples – needs practice

Ability to draw if the lead has failed

Ability to disregard the head and bowl to where directed by the skip

Ability to add a yard of weight to remove woods or take jack

Three

Must give clear instruction to the skip if the head changes

Know the position of all bowls

Stand still at the head and stand out of the head when opponents bowl

Measure if in doubt - without wasting time with unnecessary checking

Be prepared to call umpire or independent person

Ability to draw, trail, wrest, fire

Be able to read the head – needs practice

Skip

Should be able to play all shots

Encourage, praise and be supportive

Needs players' confidence

Should not ask for the impossible but should know team's capabilities and weaknesses

Give clear instructions

Confer with number 3 (or 2 in triples) and not rush when the team changes position during an end

Only speak when in possession of the head

Do not remark on things that are obvious (too heavy, wide, short); be constructive

Congratulate any good bowling – for both sides

Display composure – will keep the team calm and composed

Keep the scorecard – though can delegate to number 2 as long as opposition does the same