Playing Field: Bowls is played on a level, grassed or synthetic playing surface approximately 40x31 metres and surrounded by banks. Called a green, the surface is divided into spaces called rinks, which can vary from 4.3 to 5.8 metres wide. There are also indoor facilities where it is played on carpet.

Bowls: A small spherical white ball, "jack", is used on each rink. A set of bowls consists of four bowls. These range in size from size 00 (117.5mm in diameter, 1.34kg weight) to size 7 (130.2mm diameter, 1.58kg weight). They are made from hard plastic and have a bias caused by the shape of the crown or running surface which is slightly off-centre. This particular shape causes the bowl to run straight when first delivered, but as the bowls slows down and loses momentum the path it takes is curved, and it is this curve, or bias, which makes the game so difficult. 

Technique: The game of bowls consists of three essential elements; the mechanics of delivery, the judgement of direction of delivery (grass), and the judgement of strength of delivery (weight). It has been likened to sinking a 25-metre putt in golf across a side sloping green; one aims away from the hole and plays with just enough strength to have the ball almost stopped as it reaches the hole. The mechanics of delivery can be demonstrated; judgement of grass and weight requires much practice and experience.