Top Tips from the Pros: The Best Advice for Lawn Bowlers 🏆
Are you wondering how to play lawn bowls like a champion? Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or just starting out, getting advice from the best can make all the difference. We asked some of our Team Henselite players to share the most impactful advice they’ve received throughout their careers. Their insights offer a fantastic look into the mental and technical aspects of the game, and are sure to help you improve your own play.
Mastering the Mental Game
Lawn bowls is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Our pros emphasise the importance of a strong mindset to handle pressure and perform at your best.
Selina Goddard (New Zealand)
Selina is a three-time Commonwealth Games medalist. She highlights the power of focus. Her advice is to concentrate on the shot ahead of you. By staying present and executing what you can control in the moment, you can overcome tough situations and avoid getting overwhelmed by the larger game. You can read more about Selina’s achievements here.
Jamie-Lee Worsnop (New South Wales, Australia)
Jamie shares a similar sentiment, stating that the best advice she’s received is to believe in yourself. She emphasises that the mental aspect is crucial and that self-belief is the key to playing great bowls and achieving your full potential. A recent achievement of hers includes winning the prestigious Golden Nugget invitational singles event, overcoming three-time champion Natasha Van Eldik in a 25-24 thriller. You can read more about Jamie’s achievements here.
Trusting Your Instincts & Making Adjustments
For those interested in what lawn bowls is in Australia, and how the pros master the ever-changing conditions, the advice from Carl Healey is invaluable. The sport, popular across Australia and beyond, requires players to adapt to various greens and weather conditions.
Carl Healey (New South Wales, Australia),
Carl, a two-time World Bowls Champion with gold medals in both the triples and fours at the 2023 World Bowls Championships, learned from the great Steve Glasson to “believe what you see.” This means trusting your instincts and observations on how a bowl is reacting to the surface. By making small, informed corrections based on what you’re seeing, you can adjust your game effectively to different conditions and different heads. You can read more about Carl’s achievements here.
Kristina Van Nierop (Western Australia)
Kristina, a gold medalist in the Pairs at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2024 Australian Open, stresses the importance of commitment. Her tip is to commit to the shot you’re playing before you get on the mat. By being certain about your line and weight and visualising the shot, you can execute it with confidence and precision. You can read more about Kristina’s achievements here.
The Importance of Practice and Authenticity
No matter your skill level, consistent practice is a common theme among successful bowlers.
Ellen Fife (New South Wales, Australia)
Ellen, a Commonwealth Games gold medalist in both the singles and pairs events at the 2022 Birmingham Games, believes that practice makes perfect. Getting out on the green, finding your rhythm, and developing a good, consistent delivery is the foundation for success. You can read more about Ellen’s achievements here.
Dawn Hayman (New South Wales, Australia)
Dawn, who recently won gold in the singles at the 2025 Australian Open, offers a piece of advice that is just as important in life as it is in sport: Be yourself. This simple yet profound tip involves embracing your authentic style and personality, which can lead to a more confident and natural performance. You can read more about Dawn’s achievements here.
By incorporating these simple yet powerful pieces of advice from our Henselite champions, you can elevate your game and find more enjoyment in the sport. Whether you’re learning how to play lawn bowls or aiming for a championship, these tips will put you on the right path.