Above the Shoulder Guide to Playing Bowls.

INTRODUCTION………………………………………..5
Mastering the Game…………………………………….6
A simple game but so difficult to master? …………....6
The Answer…………………..…………………………..6
Thoughts and Self Talk…………………..……………..7
Positive …………………..……………………………….7
Negative…………………..………………………………7
Concept : The Value Bowl………………………………8
SMART BOWLS STRATEGY…………………………..9
Seven Principles of Smart Bowls ………………………9
1 - B.I.T.H principle – BOWLS IN THE HEAD………...9
2 - H.O.P. principle – HEAD OPEN PLAN…………….9
3 - THE BEE principle…………………..………………9
4 - C.P.P. – COMPLIMENTARY POSITION PLAY…..9
5 - S.S.I.G.I – SECOND SHOT IS GOOD IDEA……...9
6 - R.M. principle - RISK MANAGEMENT …………….9
7 - THE INSURANCE principle…………………………9
Examples of 7 Principles ………………………………10
Tactics…………………..……………………………….11
Examples of some tactics; …………………………….11
Aggressive Play or Conservative Play………………..12
Defence in Bowls…………………..……………………13
10 Tips for Defensive pressure………………………..13
TEAM PLAY…………………..…………………………14
Team Coaching and Planning…………………………14
Goals…………………..………………………………….15
Goal Setting…………………..………………………….15
What makes a great team? ……………………………16
Game Plans…………………..………………………….17
How to create a Team Game Plan…………………….17
1. Position and Team Play. …………………………….17
2. Strategy and Decision Making……………………….17
3. Positive Image and Body Language………………...17
4. Tactics…………………..………………………………18
5. Game Day Competition Routine. ……………………18
6. Mental Skills and Attitude…………………………….18

7. Evaluate team performance with KPIs………………19

General Game Plan Tips…………………..…………….19
Position Play…………………..…………………………..21
LEADS…………………..…………………………………21
SECONDS…………………..…………………………….21
THIRDS - Much more than “Be up and shut up”………21
SKIPPER SCHOOL…………………..…………………..22
FRONT END AND BACK END………………………….24
Team Work in Fours…………………..………………….24
The Front End…………………..…………………………24
The Back End…………………..…………………………25
Third and Skip Combo Basics………….……………….25
SHOT SELECTION…………………..…………………..26
Smart Bowls Shot Selection……………………………..26
Head Building…………………..………………………….27
Decision Making…………………..………………………28
Decision Making Filtering Process for Shot Selection. 28
Four Shot Selection examples…………………………..29
Performance Skills…………………..……………………31

MENTAL PERFORMANCE SKILLS…………………...32
Mental Skills………………….……………………………32
Good mental application ………………….……………..32
Confidence………………….……………………………..33
Positive self-talk ………………….……………………….33
Negative self-talk………………….………………………33
Motivation………………….……………………………….34
Concentration………………….…………………………..35
Little Things Matter………………….…………………….35
What is body language all about? ………………………36
HYPE OR CALM – What Works For You? …………….37
Anxiety and Stress………………….……………………..38
Relaxation tips for controlling anxiety and stress………38
Clear State of Mind………………….…………………….40
Switch On --- Switch Off --- Switch On………………….40
Avoiding Distractions………………….…………………..40
Performance Process – Using a Mindful Shot Routine..40
Technique and Mental Game Connection ………………41
The Downward Spiral………………….…………………..41
Mental Imagery (Visualisation) …………………………..42
SEE THIS NOT THIS………………………..….42
Visual Imagery Tips for bowls…………………………….43
Playing Just On Hope And Positive Spin………………..44
SMART BOWLS IN ACTION………………….………….45
Performance Analysis………………….………………….45
Improving mental skills and confidence from evaluation45
Skill Tests………………….………………………………..45
% Success Rate………………….………………………...45
Pennant scoring – What does work? ……………………46
Smart Bowls and Singles………………….………………47
Experience and Smart Bowls……………………………..48
Sport and Poker Mind Games…………………………….49
Golf & Smart Bowls………………….……………………..50
A Game of Two Halves. ………………….……………….51
1st half Vs 2nd half………………….…………………......51
Finals and Championship Success……………………….52
Finals: Is It “Just Another Game”? ……………………….52
How to Play and Win Under Pressure……………………54
Tips for Fast Green Play ………………….……………….55
Tips On Slow Green Play………………………………….56
10 What Shot to Play examples? ………………...………57
No. 1 Front bowl danger? …………………………………57
No. 2 Trail or not to trail? ………………………………….57
No. 3 F/H or B/H drive? ……………………………………58
No. 4 Good Leading………………….…………….……….58
No. 5 Position, Position, Position………………………….59
No. 6 Building the Head using zones……………………..59
No. 7 Inside or outside? ……………………………………60
No. 8 Beating a front toucher………………………………60
No. 9 Hit and Sit Shot……………………………………….61
No. 10 A bird in the hand is worth…?………….………….61
10 Shots Not to Play! ………………….…..……………….62