I have just got this article from a bowls podcast.

How to Bounce Back After a Loss on the Green

Defeat is an inevitable part of any sport and lawn bowls is no exception. Whether you lose by a single shot or a significant margin, the emotions that follow can range from frustration to disappointment or even self-doubt. Therefore learning how to manage defeat is one of the most important steps in becoming a better, more resilient bowler.

Here are five essential strategies to help you bounce back better after a tough loss on the green....

1) REFLECT, DON'T CONTEMPLATE

After a loss, it’s natural to replay moments in your mind, a missed draw, a heavy hand, a poor tactical decision. But instead of contemplating in frustration, turn your reflection into a tool for growth.  Ask yourself:

• What did I do well today?

• Where did I lose control of the game?

• What will I work on before my next game?

 Write these answers down in a game journal if you have one. This reflection process turns loss into learning.

2) KEEP IT IN PERSPECTIVE

Lawn bowls, while competitive, is also a game of fine margins.  Sometimes you can bowl incredibly well and still lose.  A gust of wind, a lucky wick, or a bad end can swing the result.  One game or even one tournament doesn’t define your ability or your future in the sport.

Stay grounded in the bigger picture: every great bowler has faced defeat. It’s part of the journey.

 3) CONTROL WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL

You can’t control your opponent’s performance, the conditions, or the luck of the green.  However you can control:

• Your attitude

• Your preparation

• Your focus on the mat

• Your post-game response

Good bowlers are those who focus on their own game, improving what’s within their control rather than blaming external factors.

4) LEARN TO LOSE WITH GRACE

Sport teaches us more than just technical skill, it builds character.  Shaking hands, congratulating your opponent, and acknowledging good bowls (even when it hurts) shows true sportsmanship.  Your behaviour after a loss often says more about you than how you bowl. Lead by example.  You never know who’s watching, it could be a teammate, a junior, or someone new to the game who will follow your lead.

5) USE THE LOSE AS MOTIVATION

Loss can either break your spirit or build your drive.  Let it fuel your next training session.  Use it as a reason to improve your fitness, flexibility, fine-tune your draw shot, or focus on your mental game.

Set one small goal after each defeat, whether it’s to work on your weight control, seek advice from a coach, or practice under pressure.  Turning frustration into fuel is how champions are made.

Remember

Defeat is temporary, growth is permanent.  Every bowler, no matter their level, will face setbacks.  What defines your future in bowls is not whether you lose, but how you respond.

We believe in building complete bowlers, strong in skill, sharp in mind, and resilient in spirit.  So next time the scoreboard isn’t in your favour, remember: this is just one chapter.  Your next win is already in motion.