Reading The Head

A Guide for Skips and Thirds

Once all the bowls have been delivered, assess the head in the following order

1. Identify the Shot Bowl
  • Which team is holding shot?
  • How close is the bowl to the jack?
  • Is it protected or exposed?
2. Count the Scoring Bowls
  • How many shots are currently held?
  • Are they clear measures or could they be challenged?
3. Look For Danger Bowls
  • Which opposition bowls are threatening?
  • Could a small movement of the jack change the result?
  • Are there bowls positioned to trail the jack?
4. Identify Your Back Bowls
  • Do you have bowls behind the head?
  • Can they save shots if the jack is moved?
  • Are they protecting against a trail or drive?
5. Identify Their Back Bowls
  • What back bowls do the opposition have?
  • If you attack the head, could they benefit?
6. Assess the Jack Position
  • Is the jack vulnerable?
  • Could a trail improve your position?
  • Could moving the jack create danger?
7. Look for the Percentage Shot

Ask yourself:

  • Can we draw another shot?
  • Can we remove the shot bowl?
  • Can we trail the jack?
  • Is there a safer option?
8. Consider the Scoreboard
  • The correct shot often depends on the score
    • Leading comfortably? Play percentage bowls.
    • Trailing late in the game? You may need to create opportunities.
  • Last bowl in hand – attack may be justified
  • Without last bowl – build pressure and protect the head.

The Three Questions Every Skip Should Ask

  • What are we holding?
  • What could hurt us?
  • What is the highest percentage shot available?

If a skip or third can answer these three questions before every decision, they will make better tactical choices throughout the game.