A quick guide

Short mat bowls is based on the outdoor sport of lawn bowls. Many of the rules are adaptations of the outdoor game with the basic aim being to deliver as many woods (bowls) as possible nearer to the smaller target bowl (the jack) than any of the opposition’s woods.

The game is played by two teams of 1 (singles), 2 (pairs), 3 (triples) or 4 (fours) players per side. Woods are delivered alternately by each team with each team member delivering all of their woods before the next team member takes their turn.

The pre-marked mat is 6 feet wide and between 40 and 45 feet long. A white block is placed on the line across the centre of the mat. This block prevents direct firing shots down the middle of the mat and forces the use of a wood’s bias.

At each end of the mat is a wooden fender which defines the limits of the ditch area and provides some protection to the players (and the hall!) from heavily bowled woods. At the beginning of each end a rubber delivery foot mat is placed in the pre-marked central position. The jack is placed on the centre jack line at the opposite end of the mat.

The game is either played over a pre-determined number of ends (played up and down the mat), which usually depends on the time available.