New to Lawn Bowling? FAQ

Lawn bowls is played on a large, flat, closely cut lawn called a green. Players roll heavy, slightly lopsided balls called bowls and try to finish closer to a small white target ball, the jack, than the other side. It is strategic, friendly and easy to start. See our Beginner Tips.

No. Many clubs offer free lessons or open “try it” days for complete beginners, and Bowls USA says you can simply drop by or contact your nearest club to ask about open bowling or instruction.

The one must-have is flat-soled shoes with smooth, heel-less soles, which protect the green. No heels or deep-tread sneakers. Otherwise wear comfortable clothes and sun protection. Bowls USA notes that all-white clothing is no longer required for everyday bowling at most clubs, though some clubs and tournaments have dress rules. More on our Equipment page.

Not to start. Bowls USA says clubs have the equipment you need and beginners can use it. If you stay with the sport, the Equipment page explains sizes, weights and bias, and the Documents page has a bias chart for popular models.

It varies by club. Lessons, guest fees and yearly dues are set by each club, so please check with the club directly. Many clubs offer a free first lesson.

There is no single national age rule. People of many ages play together, from young people to retirees. Some clubs have their own junior or age policies, so ask the club.

It is gentle compared with most sports, but you do walk up and down the green, bend to deliver and play outdoors, sometimes in the sun for an hour or more. A typical pairs game lasts about an hour and a half, according to Bowls USA. Go at your own pace and bring water.

It depends on where you live. Outdoor grass greens are weather dependent: some clubs in warm states play most of the year, while others play mainly from spring to fall. Check the club’s own schedule.

Use our club directory by state or the Bowls USA Club Locator, then call or email the club to ask about lessons or open bowling.

The jack is the small white target ball. An end is one round: the jack is rolled, everyone plays all their bowls, then the end is scored and play goes back the other way. Bias is the shape of a bowl that makes it curve as it slows. See the Glossary for more words.

After each end, the side with the bowl nearest the jack scores one point (a “shot”) for every bowl closer than the other side’s best bowl. Read Rules Made Simple for the details.

From 2 to 8. Common formats are singles (1 vs 1), pairs, triples and fours. Men and women often play together in social games.

Very. Social bowling, leagues and club events are a big part of the sport, and good sportsmanship, like a handshake before and after a game, is a strong tradition.

Often, yes. The World Bowls Laws include a section for players with disabilities, covering approved wheelchairs, delivery aids and assistants for blind or partially sighted bowlers, and there is an international para bowls classification system. Access and equipment differ by club, so contact the club to talk about what you need.

Questions about a specific club are best sent to that club. For corrections or questions about this site, use our Contact page.