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Pre-Season Exercises / Tips

Lawn Bowls exercises

Warm-up & flexibility Exercises

  •  Back of Thigh Stretch. Sit on the edge of a chair, straighten one leg, and
    reach towards it until you feel a stretch. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 5
    times for each leg.
  • • Calf Stretch. Stand facing a wall with hands on it for balance. Place one leg behind you and the other in front, feet pointing forward. Bend the front knee until you feel a stretch in the back leg’s calf. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 10 times for each leg.
  • Seated Torso Rotations: Sit tall in a chair with arms crossed and gently rotate from side to side. This builds the spinal mobility needed for a smooth release of the bowl.
  • Shoulder Rotations with Resistance Bands: Use resistance bands to improve shoulder stability and reduce strain.

Strength & Balance Exercises

  • Step and Reach: Mimic the bowling stride by stepping forward with one leg and reaching with both arms as if delivering the bowl. Return to start and repeat 10 times for each leg.
  • Standing Balance Hold/Single-Leg Balance Drills: Practice holding a one-leg stance to improve stability and reduce the risk of falls.
  • Wall Squats: Lean against a wall and slide into a shallow squat, holding for 10 – 20 seconds. This strengthens the legs for a stable stance.
  • Static Lunges: Stand side-on to a wall for support. Step forward with one leg and lower your body by bending both knees, keeping your back upright. Aim to get lower as you gain strength and flexibility.
  • Resistance Band Rows: This exercise builds upper back and arm strength, which helps with a controlled and powerful release.
  • Bicep Curls & Farmer’s Carry: Use light weights (or a 1 liter bottle) for bicep curls and the farmer’s carry (walking with a weight in one hand) to build arm and core strength and improve balance
  • Grip Strength Training: Use hand grippers to improve hand and wrist control, which is essential for a good grip on the bowl.

Important Safety Tips:

  • Wear footwear with non-slip surface to prevent falls.
  • Stop any exercise immediately if it causes pain and consult a physiotherapist.
  • Take regular rests during exercises if you feel tired.
  • Use special equipment like the bowls lifter if bending down is difficult. Or
    the bowls launcher if stepping out is an issue.