BOWLS

Winter bowls is still being well supported but with the weather becoming colder and the swallows going north for the winter one would expect the numbers to fall away soon. With little to report bowls wise maybe it is a good time to think about what makes a good rink.
Building a good rink
 What do we need for a good rink? Straight away most will say easy a good lead, a good second, a good Third and Skipper. True, but there is a big difference between 4 good bowlers bowling together and a strong successful rink. What is the magic, the intangible ingredient that turns 4 so called “average bowlers” into that rink that wins more than it loses, that can be relied on in defeat to go down giving their all, not collapsing when things are not going well? Meanwhile the rink next door with 4 we will call “good bowlers “ often flounders, imploding when it is their turn to stand tall. Let us try and identify these X factors  Is it mental toughness? Maybe Are they underrated/ overrated  as bowlers? Again, maybe, or possibly a bit of both. One unifying factor the successful rink has is RESPECT for each other, safe in the knowledge they will not have undue expectations placed on them, nor their condemnation of the inevitable poor bowl. No bitching from the poor total performance for the day (we all have them). All the strong rink gives is support and encouragement to their own. They have RESPECT for the Club, the people who placed them there. Surely it’s no big deal to play in a position you would prefer not to play or with someone who may not be your favourite person. The selectors are only placing you (rightly or wrongly) in teams they think can represent the Club the best. Let’s face it—  it’s only for 4 hours per week. Is it  really such a big deal?
ACCEPTANCE and COMPATIBILITY can go a long way in producing the elusive qualities we are looking for to build our competitive rink. PRIDE in one’s ability, the desire to show that you can produce when required and do your bit for the cause. Pride in your ability should not be confused with big noting .There is no place for egotism in our rink.
 LEAD should be able to throw the jack to the length that the skipper has determined. This is more important than most realise. It could be to bowl to your strengths or it could be to exploit a perceived weakness in the opposition. The Lead should bowl on the one side of the green that being forehand one way and backhand coming back. The Lead does NOT have to get shot. His primary duties are to throw the jack and to give the team “bowls in the head”” that the rest of the rink can build on. Do not be too hard on yourself  in striving for resting toucher after resting toucher. It will not happen .Be happy just putting bowls in the head. Your team mates  will certainly be appreciative of your effort. When you achieve that good bowl ensure you reach with your second bowl If you keep your line you can do no damage. 
SECOND is crucial to any rink’s success. Again the primary purpose of a good second is” bowls in the head” with the added responsibility of retrieving the situation if the Lead has failed. The Second must be able to hold his/her line and must reach the head. Do not be afraid of giving away the shot but remember if you hold your line even if you are overweight no damage can result. A good tip for Seconds and Thirds  6 inches more grass when holding shot , 6 inches less grass when down. The Second in conjunction with the opposing Second has important housekeeping duties making sure the scores are kept neatly and accurately
THIRD should ensure rink harmony is at the maximum and nip in the bud any conduct not conducive to team performance. The Third especially should not offer unsolicited advice. When asked a question he/she should answer the specific question clearly and accurately, not ramble on about other things. The skipper will ask if he wants your thoughts. If the head has been changed, the Third will then explain the situation usually at the request of the skipper. The Third should be able to accurately determine who has shot but if unsure don’t guess. When it comes time to measure they must be able to measure accurately .A Third  must be able to play correctly weighted conversion shots, be able to draw off line, as in position bowls, or draw confidently to a head holding shot.
SKIPPER must have good people skills, be lavish with praise, have a good knowledge of the game and be sound tactically. Showing displeasure or bad body language can totally destroy, whereas a sense of humour can often relieve tension in his/her team mates. A good skipper knows although he has charge of the selected 4 he is only a part of a rink, no more no less. No skipper can ever be successful without the total support and respect of his team mates. A skipper should not chase shot, instead building a head that gives the best chance of a result but, equally as important, limiting any potential loss. The successful skipper is often not the best bowler in the rink, but must be competent in all facets of the game. Although the ability to drive is a must being able to draw to save is his/her greatest asset. 

.