Tips for good team play.

The Skip…

The skip should excel at the draw shot. It is probably the shot a skip uses most often than not in a game.
They must also be able to bowl with controlled weight to trail a jack or displace an opponent’s bowl.
They should also be able to drive if need be.
The skip should build heads to their advantage and direct his teammates to play shots to achieve this.
The skip must have a good rapport with the three, with good communication between the two. The skip must listen to his three and ask for advice when unsure what shot to play. Although the final decision on which shot to play rests with the skip.
Lastly, and most importantly, a top skip must be a good leader and earn respect from fellow team-mates. Encourage the other players, applaud good shots, never moan at or chastise a player for a bad shot, watch body language. Try and keep things enjoyable, even light-hearted, to ensure your teammates are relaxed. Nobody means to play badly, but they will do especially if they are under too much pressure. So, it’s up to the skip to ensure his team are encouraged, not discouraged.

It is very important that a jack is not lost to the opposition when a game is tight or thrown all around the green when the skip wants it in a specific area. Focus on where you and your skip want the jack to your team’s advantage.
The lead must be a good draw player to a bare jack.
The lead should be able to draw to different lengths of jack – short, medium and long, and the lead should also be able to play with the mat up the green.
Once the lead has played his bowls he must still show an interest in the game by showing enthusiasm to his teammates. After you have bowled, don’t just sit down thinking your bit is done, it isn’t, be a good team player.
It is quite normal for the lead to play only one side of the rink all game as their job is always to get as close as they can regardless of where the other lead has bowled.

The two must be a good draw bowler, but also a player that can play good positional bowls in and around the head.
They must be good at the running shot and also the full drive if required but not play these unless asked to by the skip. Their first priority, if down, is to draw close to minimise the count before playing a running bowl.
The number two must encourage the lead as they are the two players who will to put pressure on the opposing team by getting a bowl near to the jack before the opposition dose. So, work as a team.

The number three must have a good knowledge of building the head as they may be called upon for additional advice during a game.
Adaptability – The number three should be able to play ALL the shots in the game, from the draw to the full drive.
The three must have a good rapport with the skip, with good communication between the two. He/she must not be afraid to suggest a shot to the skip. But it is the skip who decides if he plays that shot or not. Don’t take offence if he decides on another shot, you have done you bit in advising him, the final choice is his.
The three should be looking at the back position to see if it is advantageous or a danger. They must also check to see whether it is worth asking the skip to remove a bowl to score a handful of shots. These are often key to winning or losing a match.
As you are often with the lead and two, make sure you encourage them.

It is a team game. teams that gel find it easier to win. Teams who don’t find it easier to lose.