The foundation of accurate bowling

A consistent grip and smooth release are the foundations of accurate bowls. Without them, even perfect line and length can go astray. Here are simple ways to improve both, with drills you can practise on the green.

Finding your natural grip

There is no single correct grip. Your hand size, finger length, and the size of the bowl all influence what works. However, most successful bowlers use a variation of the cradle or the claw.

The cradle grip is the most common. The bowl sits in the palm of your hand, with your fingers spread along the side of the bowl. Your thumb rests lightly on the top or side. This grip gives good control and a natural release.

The claw grip involves holding the bowl more with your fingertips, like a claw. The bowl rests less in the palm and more on the pads of your fingers. This can suit bowlers with smaller hands or those who want a more delicate release.

Whichever you choose, the key principles are the same. The bowl should sit comfortably, not squeezed. Your thumb rests lightly. The bowl should not wobble. Check by holding the bowl at waist height and gently rocking your hand. If the bowl moves independently, your grip is too loose. If your knuckles turn white, it is too tight. Experiment with finger placement: some use two fingers along the running surface, others three. Find what gives you repeatable control.

The release: smooth and late

Many bowlers release too early or snatch at the bowl. The ideal release is a gentle, late letting-go as the bowl passes your ankle. Imagine placing the bowl on the green rather than throwing it.

Key points: Keep your grip pressure constant through the swing. Do not tighten at the last moment. Your arm should swing like a pendulum from the shoulder, not the elbow. At the point of release, your palm should face the target and your fingers should simply open.

Follow through: After release, your hand should continue towards the jack. A common fault is stopping the hand abruptly, which causes deceleration and a poor delivery. Let your arm finish naturally, with your hand ending up pointing at the target.

Drills you can do on the green

These drills are simple and require only your bowls, a mat, and a jack. Do them for 15-20 minutes at the start of a practice session.

• The one-step delivery: Stand on the mat with your feet together. Take one step forward with your opposite foot as you deliver. This removes the complexity of a full run-up and forces you to focus on grip and release. Bowl ten times, aiming for a smooth, late release.
• The towel drill: Place a small towel on the green about two metres in front of the mat. Deliver your bowl so it rolls over the towel without bouncing. This encourages a soft, smooth release rather than a drop or a throw.
• Grip and hold: Hold your bowl in your delivery stance for 30 seconds. Check your grip pressure. Then deliver. Repeat five times. This builds awareness of tension.
• Target bowl: Place a target bowl (or a coin) on the green at a comfortable length. Deliver your bowls, trying to finish within a hand's width. Focus on the same grip and release every time. Count how many out of ten you get close.
• No-backswing release: Start with your arm hanging down, bowl in hand. Without a backswing, swing your arm forward and release. This exaggerates the late release and helps you feel the bowl leaving your fingers.

Common faults and quick fixes

Even experienced bowlers slip into bad habits. Here are common problems and what to do.

• Bowl wobbles in the hand: Your grip is too loose or your fingers are not spread enough. Try moving your fingers slightly apart and applying gentle pressure with your thumb.
• Bowl goes off line: Often caused by gripping too tightly with the fingers, which twists the bowl at release. Relax your fingers and let the bowl roll off your palm.
• Release too early: The bowl lands heavily and loses momentum. Focus on letting the bowl pass your ankle before releasing. Practise the towel drill.
• Release too late: The bowl goes into the ground or pops up. This usually means you are holding on too long. Try opening your fingers a fraction earlier in the swing.
• Inconsistent length: Usually a sign of varying grip pressure. Use the grip and hold drill to find a consistent tension.

Building it into your game

Improving your grip and release is not about dramatic changes. It is about small, consistent adjustments. Spend ten minutes of every practice session on these drills. At first, focus on one thing at a time - perhaps just your grip pressure. Once that feels natural, move to release timing.

Ask a fellow club member to watch your delivery and give feedback. Sometimes an outside eye spots tension you cannot feel. Remember, even the best bowlers in your club continue to refine their basics. A smooth grip and release will not only improve your accuracy but also reduce strain on your hand and arm, letting you enjoy longer sessions on the green.

So next time you step onto the mat, take a breath, check your grip, and let the bowl go with a gentle, late release. Your line and length will thank you.