The art of curves

Ambled away from the bowling club having learned yet  another invaluable lesson about this game, based on the art of curves. And yet again I'm fascinated by the complexities of what I originally thought was such a simple and easy way to pass the time.

Started off the two hour roll up  session on a positive note, judging the length much better courtesy of an improved grip afforded by the Grippo cream applied on Sunday. So whenever I bowled the right line, my bowls were nudging up to the jack quite nicely. Only problem was the line wasn't right often enough, and when off it was anyone's guess where the bowl would end up. Been an ongoing problem of mine, consistency of line and the tendency to bowl at least one wood each end far too wide of the jack.

About two thirds through the session I was looking for an aiming point when I noticed one of the skips at the far end was standing in just the right position. Aiming for their feet, I delivered not only that bowl, but the next two as well (we were playing triples) right up against the jack. Bingo! And from that point on even my widest deliveries were rolling up near the jack.

Up to now I've fixed my aiming point ten metres or so in front of the mat. The bowling book borrowed from the library suggested this as well as an alternative of fixing a point at the far end of the rink. Whilst struggling with stance, fingers, grip, length and anything else you care to think of, I've never had the confidence to have an aiming point so far away. 

I've now realised the problems associated with using an aiming point so near the mat. As the mat is moved well forward or back, that aiming point becomes more or less accurate. More importantly, if I'm slightly out that error is magnified when the bowl gets to the far end. I'm pretty sure that's the explanation for my all too often wide of the mark bowls. By selecting an aiming point at the far end of the rink those problems are minimised.

Think I'm ready for the change. Now happy with stance, grip etc. Even very happy with the no. 5 heavy bowls I bought second hand more than ten years ago when I didn't have a clue what I was buying. Just can't wait to get back on the green to see if the new aiming method gives me a more consistent line.