At Rhoose we play on an artificial green, which has many advantages, and some might find a few disadvantages. Traditional grass greens can be played on for around 6 months of the year; we can play 12 months of the year. There are several other advantages. For me, the positives outweigh the disadvantages. Many discussed below.
There are several similarities between lawn bowls played on grass, lawn bowls played on artificial carpet outdoors, and indoor bowls. These similarities demonstrate that players of all abilities can enjoy the sport on any of these surfaces. Here are the key points:
Objective and Gameplay: The objective of lawn bowls remains the same across all formats. Players aim to deliver their bowls as close as possible to the jack. The gameplay involves taking turns, shot selection, and adjusting delivery to achieve the desired position and destination on the playing surface of bowls and the jack.
Bowls and Bias: Regardless of the playing surface, the bowls used in all formats are designed with similar characteristics. They have a bias that allows them to curve or bend along a predetermined path as they travel towards the target. This consistent bias enables players to employ strategic shots and adapt their delivery accordingly.
Skill Development: The skills and techniques required in lawn bowls are transferrable among the different surfaces. Players can develop their delivery, weight control, shot selection, and tactical decision-making across grass, artificial carpet, and indoor formats. Practicing on any of these surfaces contributes to the overall improvement of a player’s skills.
Strategy and Tactics: The strategic elements of the game, such as reading the surface, assessing the bias, and considering positional play, apply to all formats. Players need to adapt their strategies based on the unique characteristics of each surface, including grass, artificial carpet, or indoor rink.
Equipment: The essential equipment used in lawn bowls, such as the jack, mat, and measuring tools, remains consistent across all formats. The same equipment is utilized in outdoor grass, artificial carpet outdoors, and indoor bowls.
Each playing surface has its merits and considerations:
Grass: Grass greens offer a natural and traditional playing surface, appreciated for their aesthetics and varied playing conditions. They require maintenance and are weather-dependent but provide an authentic experience.
Artificial Carpet Outdoors: Artificial greens offer year-round playability, low maintenance requirements, and consistent playing conditions. They are resilient to weather conditions and provide a reliable surface for practice and competitive play.
Indoor: Indoor bowls provide controlled environments with consistent playing surfaces. They eliminate the impact of weather conditions, making them suitable for year-round play. Indoor facilities often have excellent lighting, comfortable seating, and other amenities that enhance the playing experience.
Importantly, players of all abilities can play and enjoy lawn bowls on any of these surfaces. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the skills and techniques acquired on one surface can be applied to others. The adaptability of players and their ability to adjust to different surfaces is a testament to the inclusive nature of the sport.
Overall, the similarities between grass, artificial carpet outdoors, and indoor bowls demonstrate that players can enjoy the game on various surfaces, each with its own advantages. It provides players of all abilities with the opportunity to participate and excel in the sport, regardless of the specific playing environment.
Complaints from some lawn bowls opponents about playing on an artificial carpet surface outdoors may arise due to personal preferences or adjustments required when transitioning from other surfaces. However, it is important to note that such complaints may not necessarily reflect an objective assessment of the surface’s fairness. Here are some points to consider:
Adaptability: Skilled lawn bowls players are generally capable of adapting to different surfaces, including grass and artificial carpet, irrespective of their skill level. While there may be a learning curve associated with adjusting to a new surface, with time and practice, players can develop the necessary skills to perform well on any playing surface.
Surface Variations: Each playing surface, whether it is grass or artificial carpet (indoor or outdoor), has its own unique characteristics, including speed, bias, and response to bowl delivery. These variations are part of the challenge that players encounter and can be overcome by adjusting strategies, shot selection, and delivery techniques.
Personal Preferences: Some players may simply prefer the feel, aesthetics, or playing experience of grass greens over artificial carpet surfaces. Personal preferences play a role in how players perceive and adapt to different surfaces. However, it’s important to recognize that personal preferences may not necessarily dictate the fairness or suitability of a particular playing surface.
Fairness and Challenge: Fairness in lawn bowls is not solely determined by the playing surface but also by the conditions and rules applied consistently to all players. While different surfaces may present unique challenges, it is the ability of players to adapt and overcome these challenges that contributes to the fairness of the competition.
Skill Development: Embracing the opportunity to play on different surfaces, including artificial carpet outdoors, can enhance a player’s skill development. By engaging with varied playing conditions, players can improve their adaptability, shot selection, and overall game strategy. This ultimately contributes to a well-rounded and versatile player.
A player from a neighbouring club who was playing a league game, was heard to utter loudly, “who would f****ing play on this every week?”, whilst being over 30 shots down and proceeded to hurl their wood at full force down the rink to no great effect. The lady was playing as Skip, and had limited bowling experience. She certainly couldn’t play on it every week, but a player who embraced the challenge, had the right attitude and learnt the basics of our game would adapt and make a fine go of it, just as our players adapt to the regular games played on grass at other clubs.
In summary, while some lawn bowls players may express complaints about playing on an artificial carpet surface outdoors, it’s important to recognize that these complaints are subjective and may stem from personal preferences or adjustments required. Skilled players can adapt to any surface and perceive the challenges presented by each surface as opportunities for growth and improvement. The key is to approach each playing surface with an open mindset, embrace the unique characteristics it offers, and develop the necessary skills to perform well, regardless of the surface.
– Nick (A club coach at Rhoose BC)
