Most bowls is played over 21 ends; but the principle is the same for any game. Don’t look at the game as a whole; but break it down into sections.
Ends 1 to 5: Settle in, get the pace and draw lines right, observe the opposition and see what they want to play. (Long ends? Skips and 3rds drive a lot? Mat placement? Which hand are they playing?)
Ends 6 to 10: Play within yourselves and take a few more risks with appropriate shots.
Ends 11 to 15: If behind, concentrate HARD on every bowl to peg the opposition back. If in front, continue to play the way that got you there. DON’T go too defensive!
Ends 16 to 21: If in front, set a target to pick up another 5 - 6 shots. Remember, 6 ends at 1 up means the opposition can’t score and you control the game and how it is played. The only time to take risks in this segment is to try to gain an aggregate win for the club.All rinks, whether behind or ahead should pick up as many shots as possible. If 4 rinks can pick up 4 extra shots each, it means 16 on the aggregate!