Rub Meaning in Lawn Bowls

Rub describes slight contact between a moving bowl and another bowl. This contact changes the direction of the moving bowl. The bowl may deflect slightly from its original path. Rub usually occurs accidentally during crowded head situations. Players sometimes benefit when the deflection improves position. Other times the contact causes the bowl to miss the target. The effect depends on angle and delivery speed. Observers often notice rub when the bowl changes direction suddenly. Skilled players attempt to avoid unwanted contact during draws. Clear starting lines reduce the chance of rubbing other bowls. However crowded heads make contact difficult to avoid completely. Players watch carefully as bowls pass near obstacles. During one end a bowl travels toward the jack. The bowl lightly touches another bowl during travel. The contact redirects the bowl slightly toward the center. The bowl then stops close beside the jack. Observers describe that contact as a rub. Sometimes such deflections change the scoring outcome. Players adjust future deliveries after noticing rub effects. Understanding rub helps beginners recognize unexpected bowl movement.