What Good Bowlers Do Between Shots (That Most Players Never Notice)
THE ROLL UP - INTRO
Watch high-level bowlers closely and you’ll notice something interesting…
The difference isn’t just what they do when delivering the bowl.
It’s what they do between shots.
Most club bowlers switch off once the bowl leaves their hand.
Elite and high-performing players do the opposite.
They stay engaged.They observe.They process information.They prepare for the Thenext moment before it arrives.
And over the course of a game, those small habits create a massive advantage.
Because bowls isn’t just a physical game.
It’s a decision-making game.
Let’s break down what good bowlers consistently do between shots and why it matters more than most people realise.
The Hidden Habits of Good Bowlers
1. They Watch Every Bowl Properly
A lot of players casually look up after release… then immediately look away or start talking.
Good bowlers track bowls all the way to the head.
Why?
Because every bowl provides information:
The best players are constantly collecting data.
Even bowls from opponents can teach you something valuable.
Great bowlers ask themselves:
Was that bowl heavy or narrow?
Did it hold longer than expected?
Is one side of the rink slower?
What was the bowl doing late?
This allows them to make small adjustments sooner in the game and also pick up if conditions have changed.
2. They Stay Mentally in the Game
One of the biggest differences between average and strong competitors is mental engagement.
Some players completely disconnect between shots:
Good bowlers stay present.
That doesn’t mean they’re overly serious or tense.
It means they remain connected to:
The state of the game
The score
The momentum
The tactical situation
They understand that concentration isn’t just for delivery.
It’s continuous.
3. They Read the Head Constantly
Strong bowlers are always assessing the head.
Not just when it’s their turn.
They’re identifying:
Danger bowls
Scoring opportunities
Tactical options
Back bowls
Percentage shots
They’re effectively planning ahead before they step onto the mat.
Average players often wait until it’s their turn to start thinking.
Good bowlers are already prepared.
This leads to:
4. They Prepare Early for Their Next Shot
Good bowlers don’t suddenly “switch on” once they step onto the mat.
Preparation starts beforehand.
Between shots they’re:
Visualising the next line
Feeling the required weight
Watching similar bowls
Mentally rehearsing execution
This helps create smoother transitions into delivery.
Many bowlers rush their preparation because they only start thinking once it’s their turn.
That often leads to:
Uncertainty
Poor commitment
Weight inconsistency
5. They Communicate With Purpose
In team formats, communication matters.
But strong players communicate differently.
They:
Poor communication spreads tension quickly.
Good communication creates calmness and confidence.
❌ Weak communication:
✅ Strong communication:
Good bowlers understand that body language and communication influence the entire team.
6. They Control Emotional Reactions
One poor bowl doesn’t ruin games.
Poor reactions to poor bowls do.
Average bowlers often:
Good bowlers reset quickly.
They accept mistakes without emotionally spiralling.
That’s a huge skill in bowls because no player executes perfectly for an entire game.
7. They Stay Consistent With Their Routine
Strong bowlers maintain consistency between shots.
Their behaviours remain relatively stable whether:
They’re winning
Losing
Under pressure
Playing well
Playing poorly
That consistency helps stabilise performance.
Many bowlers become rushed when behind… or casual when ahead.
Good bowlers stay disciplined regardless of the scoreboard.
8. They Understand Momentum
Momentum in bowls is real.
Good bowlers recognise:
When pressure is building
When opponents are vulnerable
When to stay patient
When to apply scoreboard pressure
This awareness often develops through experience but only if players stay mentally engaged between shots.
What Most Bowlers Get Wrong
Most players think improvement only happens through:
Better technique
More practice
More coaching
But many games are won and lost through:
Decision-making
Emotional control
Observation
Focus
Tactical awareness
The small moments between shots matter far more than people think.
FINAL END
The bowl itself only lasts a few seconds.
What happens between shots often can determine the result.
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