Tips For Skips

The Skip is the team’s director — the strategist, the decision-maker, and often the heart of the side. With this authority comes both responsibility and influence. A good Skip sets the tone for the team, leading not just with tactics, but with temperament.

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Leadership and Attitude

As the leader of your team, your attitude towards your players — especially when things aren’t going your way — can make the difference between a win and a loss. The first duty of every Skip is to enjoy the game, help others enjoy it, and keep morale high.

When the ends aren’t going your way and fortune seems against you, remember that encouragement achieves far more than criticism ever could. Your players already know when they’ve played a poor shot — they don’t need to be told. A calm, confident, and supportive Skip can turn the tide of a match and strengthen the bonds within the team.

Your composure is contagious. When you remain focused and upbeat, your team will too.

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Managing the Team

It’s part of your role to guide your No.2 and No.3 on how to play their shots to give your side the best chance of scoring. Your Lead will already know to draw two to the jack, but the rest of your team depends on your clarity and communication.

Always stand still and avoid movement when players are on the mat — distraction breaks concentration. When the final bowl of the end has been delivered, it’s the Skip’s job to remove the mat.

And remember: being Skip isn’t about barking orders; it’s about building trust.

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The Laws of the Game

• The Skip has sole charge of their team, and their directions must be obeyed.
• Together with the opposing Skip, they decide on all disputed shots. If both Skips agree, their decision is final.
• If agreement can’t be reached, either may call for an umpire (or a mutually agreed third party) whose decision will be binding.
• While at the head, the Skip marks touchers, removes non-touchers, and clears any dead bowls from the mat.
• The Skip may remain at the head end until it’s their turn to bowl and may visit the head when their team has possession of the mat.

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Tactical Guidance

• Decide which hand (forehand or backhand) plays best and stick with it if possible.
• Build each head safely — if you must lose an end, lose it by a single shot rather than several.
• When holding shot, bowl for position; when down, draw to the jack.
• Avoid calling for position bowls that could give your opponents a convenient wick or resting line.
• Always think ahead — cover the likely jack positions if it’s moved.
• Recognise when your team is set up to make a big score, and press your advantage.
• The drive is both an offensive and defensive tool — use it wisely to break up a dangerous head, move the jack, or push up a friendly bowl.
• Blocking bowls are difficult to perfect. Practice them often and learn to play them confidently on both hands.

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In Summary

The Skip’s influence reaches beyond the scoreboard. They inspire confidence, keep the team calm under pressure, and turn four individuals into a single, focused unit.

A good Skip may not win every match — but they win the respect, trust, and enjoyment of their teammates. And in the spirit of bowls, that’s victory enough.