Falls are the most frequent cause of injuries in lawn bowls. Other common causes are overexertion and being struck by a bowl. The repetitive movement of bowling is also associated with overuse injury. Common injuries are strains, sprains and fractures. Some tips to avoid injuries include:
- See your doctor for a check-up if you have a medical condition, are overweight, are over 40 years old or haven’t exercised regularly.
- Warm up and stretch before play to improve joint range of motion, promote elasticity of tendons and ligaments, and prevent muscular strain.
- Cool down after play to prevent stiffness and cardiovascular complications.
- Take lessons from a qualified coach to develop skills and technique.
- Practise correct technique because poor delivery or balance, or incorrect grip of the bowl, can lead to injury.
- Use a trolley if you experience difficulty lifting a bowls bag.
- Seek professional advice when selecting bowls to ensure they are the correct size, to improve technique and prevent injury.
- Wear grip sole shoes when stepping off the green.
- Wear 30+ factor sunscreen on exposed skin and a broad-brimmed hat.
- Avoid playing lawn bowls in extreme weather conditions.
- Drink water before, during and after activity.