Role of the Lead 

Mat Placement

It is the Lead’s job to place the mat. At the direction of the Skip, it can be placed with the front edge 2 metres from the ditch to the front edge at the hog line. The mat needs to be straight and with the middle of it running along the imaginary center line between the numbers at each end of the rink. On occasion the Skip will ask the Lead to make a correction on this placement. Careful initial placement is important, because many bowlers use the mat to choose their bowling or aiming line. A crooked or misaligned mat may be straightened or realigned by any bowler during the match, but it cannot be moved forward or backwards after the initial placement.

 Jack Placement

The Skip decides on the length of the Jack, but the Lead delivers both the Jack and the first bowl. As such, the Lead can largely dictate success or failure of the team by performing these skills well. Consistency of the delivery of the Jack makes a large impact on the game. This skill can only be learned slowly with practice.

 If a Jack is delivered too short (Less than 23 metres from the mat line after being centered) or into the ditch your opponent is allowed to reposition the mat and must bowl the Jack correctly. Although the Lead who initially rolled the Jack still bowls first.

 After delivering the Jack the Lead signals to the Skip, guiding the placement of the Jack on the center line. 

First Bowls

Consistent delivery of the Jack and the first bowl is the key to success. The most important goal is to get one or more bowls as close to the jack as possible on every end.  

Ideally the Lead’s bowls should come to rest 6 inches directly in front and in the rear of the Jack giving the opponent a very small target. It is not essential to get shot but rather, set up the head with as many bowls near the Jack as possible. 

 The Lead playing first may choose whether to bowl forehand or backhand and continues with that hand unless instructed otherwise by the Skip.

 The lead does not have the variety of shots to play which all the other team players have. The technical skills are largely restricted to Jack casting and drawing to a center line Jack. It is in no way a boring, or unimportant role. The consistently high-level performance of the Lead is the foundation of each end.  

The Second End

The Lead on the winning team after each end must pick up the Jack and mat as soon as possible

(the Jack usually given to you by the Vice or second when the scoring and measuring is complete) and be ready to place them for the next end. The losing Lead heads to gather the mat (for the winning lead) and rake while the winning lead picks up the jack and kicks the bowls towards center or to the ditch end of the rink.  All the bowls shall be positioned behind and to the right of the mat.

Control

The Lead is the backbone of the team. You can win without a good Lead but it is very hard work.

 Good Leads must not act independently and must understand the tactical reasons why the Skip is in control throughout the game. The Lead needs to keep a clear mind and stay focused. The Lead must stay disciplined and keep drawing to the Jack, end after end, even when the opposition is attacking his/her bowls.  If there is “a bowl in your eye” the Lead must play around it or under it. 

 All eyes are on the Lead. This requires a high degree of self-confidence.

Support and Encouragement 

After bowling the lead becomes the chief supporter and cheerleader for the team. He/she must stay in the game. Other duties may include looking for strengths and weaknesses of the opposing team. And making sure all team members have snacks, water, bowl cloths, and dry clothes when necessary.

Clean Up

Everyone has responsibilities to clean up at the end of the games.

Leads – take in the mats and jack

Vice – take in the rakes

Skips – take in the scoreboards