PLAYING INDOOR BIASED BOWLS

Being warm, dry, and not having to cope with windy conditions are just three reasons to play and enjoy IBB when the summer Pennant is in recess. There are many other helpful skills to learn that may assist your outdoor game when you resume. No.1 Because the playing mats are shorter than the outside rinks, the player is much closer to the jack which helps watching the head develop. No.2 Players learn to evaluate angles and therefore predict where the bowl or jack will finish. No.3 Players see and learn how to use near short bowls to wick-off, or to promote bowls into the head. No.4 Also because of the closeness, the player and skip easily communicate with each other, this encourages good team bonding. No.5 Most heads are tightly packed with bowls which places a higher skill level on the player. No.6 Good length/weight control is essential, because unlike outside bowls, if the jack is moved off the mat penalty shots are awarded to the opponent. This factor heightens concentration and discipline. No.7 A controlled delivery is useful in playing short ends and that skill is transferable to outside games. No.8 One also learns how to play defensive shots, eg. a strategically placed bowl can block the opponent's bowl or just get in his eye line. Finally many past and present champions play both outdoors and indoors. Matt Flapper and Lee Schraner are two examples. Last winter two Doncaster IBB won the Ladies Group Pairs, and were also part of the Ladies Group Triples and Fours in the Victorian State Championship.( These points were contributed by Lorraine Holstock and Bob Byron)........ Lyn Goodman