BOWLING.

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19515, 2 March 1935, Page 20 (Supplement)

BOWLING.

AROUND THE GREENS. ITEMS OF INTEREST. IMPROVE YOUR GAME. . (.By “Jack 'High.’’) The evils arising from the fault of over-stepping are so obvious that one wonders why it is so prevalent; on any green you will notice numbers of players with this trouble—with the exception of the wobble, possibly the most common one in the game. Loss of rhythm and balance are almost entirely due to this faulty stage in delivery. There are other troubles not the least being a bumped bowl or a mistimed one which may finish anywhere except where intended. While admitting that a fault once acquired is difficult to eradicate, and even though the player with an overslride may be a fairly good one, still lie has reached this stage of proficiency in spite of his fault, and how much better might he have been without it? The over-stepping (over-striding is more correct) player would find, if he will lake the trouble, that not only will he have better control over his 'bowl on a fast green, but on a heavy one a controlled step out docs not call for nearly so much exertion either In action or playing his shot. There is no such thing as a standardisation of the length of pace required. I know instances of players who barely place one foot, in front of the other, and others of much the same physique, who step out about two feet, yet both with nicely balanced deliveries and smoothly grassed bowls. 'Unless you can return to .the original stance on the mat without effort and without an Inclination to lurch sideways or forward, then you can rest assured that : a shortened step will be an improvement. As a starting base 1 would suggest a length approximately the same as | . the length of a natural walking step, ■ some slight variation may be an improvement, practice only will determine this. This 'step forward is nothing more or less than part of the action taken in walking, the left heel (for the right-handed player) takes the ground and as -the foot flattens the body is brought forward and the weight transferred to the left, foot, so there you have the step forward. The whole art of bowls may be summed np in just three words, delivery, green and length, and the greatest of these ,is delivery. No amount of knowledge or experience will make amends for" a defect in this department of the game. Young Men In the Game. No other outdoor active game retains for Its votaries (writes “Forehand” In 'the Australasian), the appearance and many of the pleasures of youth to the same extent as bowls. When younger men seek their change of scenery and relief from the monotony of dally toil, with their homes as the bases from which they venture forth, and to which they return, the stay-at-homes to whom “home" means all * that is best to have and refrain from travel. “Fresh woods and pastures new” have little or no appeal to them. The bowling green 1s their ideal scenery. A game of bowls 'fills their •time, satisfies their desire for interest, and gives them all the exercise their age will permit them to enjoy. While we In Australia frown on young men who look upon bowls with a desire to Join in its compelilions, Englishmen encourage and welcome them. At the annual dinner of one of England’s many associations, one speaker said that “their beloved game had been described as an ‘old man’s game,’ hut it. had been a joy throughout the season to see so many young men taking their fair share in the game.” There is room in the game for young and old alike. The only objection that can be raised against youth In the game Is that it will oust age from clubs foremost places in players ranks. If It can good luok 10 it. No decentlythinking veteran would wish to hold a Job which of his fellows voung or old —could carry out better. There always Is, or can be, a lower grade in which age can hold premier positions. No limit can be placed upon club memberships. The bigger (ho club and the more successful its teams in the field, the happier that club’s members. Whether the success is gained by teams averaging 32 or 52 years of age affects it not at all. Corrospondenoe. Driver (Whitiora)—It looks very like a case of defective follow through causing a hooked or pulled shot. I cannot agree with you that in the drive the follow through is not as important as In other shots, In all cases it gives direction. Good Style (Frankton). —Some players make* a fair showing despite an awkward style. It Is probably the greatest factor in attaining not only proficiency but consistency. < -Correct Green (Taumarunui). —I think if you concentrate more on playing your bowl along the line of your green, more particularly up to I lie point where the curve starts, and less on what is going to happen after I hat, you will effect an Improvement. Your part of the job is to Impart the necessary width and pace, the actual curve after leaving the straight line Is beyond your control. Follow Through (Auckland). —Follow through and follow-on arc enlirelv different. Follow through is I lie forward action of I lie arm in completing I lie. shot,. Follow on is following on a pace or two after the bowl is delivered. Hight. gi/.c (Hamilton). —This depends very largely on the size of your hand. You certainly cannot obtain a wooden howl, sin., Hint- weight unless it is loaded. Stance (To. Awamutu). —Holding Hie Jiowl level with the eyes is only a mannerism and cannot, possibly he any advantage. I would very much like [n hear anything you have to say on the oilier side. Wobble Test. (Thames).—Yes, t think il is most important. It, lias hern proved limes without number, that, |he wobble or balance test, discovers faults, principally due to unequal density, that. Hie Idas lest, overlooks. Loaded. (Ngaimawaliia).— I am afraid ilia! a loaded howl is only a poor makeshift at best. There is no guarantee that loading, even though i! gives Iho required weight, will slop them losing further weight and possibly shape. Correspondence addressed to “.lack Iliah," Waikato Times, will he answered through this column.