Common Problems

Why Am I Consistently Narrow?

A consistently narrow bowl usually tells you something useful. The key is to identify whether the cause is line selection, alignment, delivery direction or correction behaviour.

Bowls player and coach assessing narrow delivery patterns

Separate Cause from Outcome

Identify where the line error starts before changing multiple variables.

The Problem

Your bowls repeatedly finish inside the intended line.

Possible Reasons

  • Starting line too narrow.
  • Body alignment.
  • Release direction.
  • Pulling the arm across the body.
  • Head movement.
  • Over-correcting after a wide bowl.
  • Different confidence on forehand and backhand.

What to Observe

  • Does it happen on both hands?
  • Is the bowl narrow from release or only later?
  • Do you change aiming point after every delivery?
  • Does body position change between forehand and backhand?

What You Can Try

  • Establish a clear intended line before stepping onto the mat.
  • Avoid chasing the previous bowl with large corrections.
  • Compare patterns over several bowls.
  • Separate line problems from length problems.

Worked Example

Situation: A player is narrow on four forehand bowls but delivers a more central line on the backhand.

What to notice: The difference between hands points first toward starting line, alignment or release direction rather than a general weight problem.

What to try: Set the intended line before stepping onto the mat, then repeat two bowls without chasing the previous finish with a large correction.

Why it matters: Comparing hands helps identify where the pattern begins and supports one useful change at a time.

When Coaching May Help

If narrow patterns persist and you cannot identify whether line choice or delivery direction is the main driver.

Advice: Make one evidence-based change at a time. If you are unsure what is causing the problem, observe several bowls before altering your technique.

Looking for structured coaching?

Registered pupils and coaches can access deeper learning resources through their protected area.

What next?