STAND AND DELIVER
How you stand before releasing (delivering) your bowl is the second factor in achieving consistent results. Some short mat bowlers take a small step forward as part of their delivery action. As a result, they are in motion at the point of release. However, the vast majority bowl from a fixed stance. An effective stance should be stable and comfortable. If it’s not comfortable, because aging hips and dodgy knees hurt, then it won’t be stable.
Alignment
A stance that has the fewest variables and, hence, there are fewer things to go wrong, is one where all of the component parts are aligned along the line of delivery. Once they are aligned, you just need to bowl straight. Placement of the feet is an important element but probably more important is the alignment of the shoulders which should, if possible, be at right angles to the line of delivery. At the moment of release, your bowling hand will be directly below the shoulder and maintaining the right-angled orientation makes it easier to let the bowl go in a consistent direction. If the shoulders are not perpendicular to the line of delivery, an angle of delivery is introduced and that angle is a variable.
Aiming Point
Once released, the bowl will travel in a straight line for the first two-thirds (approx.) of its path. The aiming point can be anywhere on or beyond this line.
Some players look for a mark on the mat or a fixed object beyond the mat to focus on but, with this approach, the aiming points will be different in each direction and on every mat you play on. It also means that your aiming point will be slightly off if you need to adjust your stance to play anything other than a standard draw shot. With experience you will come to visualise a virtual line on the mat to bowl down even if you are not conscious of this mental process.
It is generally recommended to pick an aiming point beyond the block, possibly at the break point (where the bowl begins to bend) or even beyond on a virtual continuation of the line of delivery. However, for some bowlers, holding a fixed neck position for any length of time with the head raised to look down the mat can be uncomfortable. So, find an aiming point that suits your physical capabilities.
In order to help you settle on the stance that best suits your physique, try the following exercise;
Feet Together
Stand on the delivery mat with your feet slightly apart and pointing along a line parallel to the line you want your bowl to follow. Make sure your shoulders are aligned correctly. Bend your knees and, with your bowl in your hand, lean forward until you can just touch the playing surface with your fingertips. Swing and release the bowl.
This is a stance that is seen very occasionally at the higher standard of competitions. Because it has very little scope to vary the starting position for playing a wider variety of shot, it is mainly used by players who play mainly at lead or in singles events.
Long Stride
From the feet together stance take the longest step forward that you can manage. If you feel unsteady, try turning your back foot to an angle that stops you swaying. This will rotate your hips a little but, remember, the shoulder alignment is more important. Some players also find that turning the back knee inwards can help to stabilise the stance.
Your front foot should, if possible, be pointing on the line parallel to the delivery line. If this is uncomfortable because of knee, hip or ankle pain, you can turn your front foot at an angle if that helps, but still try to maintain your shoulder position. Lean forward, swing and release the bowl.
Somewhere In Between
From the previous long stride position, pull your front foot back until you find the stance that you can comfortably hold when leaning forward into the delivery position.
Place your non-bowling hand on your front knee. This will help you fix your shoulders in the correct alignment and prevents an inward rotation of the shoulders during your delivery action.
If this is stable, i.e. you don’t sway or wobble, and it doesn’t cause you discomfort, practice delivering bowls from this stance and see if it improves your consistency. If it doesn’t, you can just go back to your old stance. By trying different stances you may find the one that is just right for you.