Indoor Bowls: What Changes When You Move Inside for Winter

The Indoor bowls season is here. The clocks are about to go back, the outdoor greens are closing, and many of us are heading inside for winter. If you’re new to indoor bowls, or you’ve always used the same kit for both, it’s worth knowing what changes when you move inside. Here’s our quick guide from behind the counter.

1. The indoor bowls green is faster, often much faster

Most outdoor greens in the UK run at around 10 to 13 seconds. Indoor carpets are usually quicker, often 14 seconds or more. (If “a faster green has a bigger number” sounds back to front, our post on Green Speed explains why.)

On a fast green your bowl travels for longer, so its bias has more time to work and it takes a wider line. Two things follow:

• You’ll need less weight. Expect to be heavy for your first few ends. Shorten your backswing rather than trying to “go softer” with your arm.
• Your bowls may draw wider than you’re used to. That’s why many players choose a narrower-drawing bowl for indoors and keep a wider one for slow outdoor greens.

2. Do you need separate indoor bowls?

Not necessarily. Plenty of bowlers use one set all year. But if you find your bowls swinging too wide indoors, or you’re finding it hard to get close on a fast carpet, a second set with a narrower line can make a real difference. Ask us: we’re qualified coaches and happy to talk through what suits your delivery. New bowls · Second-hand bowls

3. Indoor bowls shoes: check your club’s rules

Indoor clubs look after their carpets carefully. Most insist on flat-soled bowls shoes, and many won’t let you wear the same shoes you’ve worn outside, because grit carried in on the soles damages the carpet. A dedicated indoor pair that never leaves the club is the easy answer. Bowls shoes for men Bowls shoes for Women

4. Clean your bowls before you bring them in

The same goes for bowls. Grass, sand and grit from the outdoor season can mark an indoor surface, and they spoil your grip too. Give your bowls a proper clean with a bowls cleaner and a cloth before your first indoor session. Cleaners and cloths

5. Grip in a dry hall

Indoor air is warm and dry, and some bowlers find their bowls feel slippery. A grip aid or a pair of grippy cloths can help you keep a consistent release. Grip gloves and cloths

6. No wind, no excuses!

The good news: indoors there’s no wind, no rain and no uneven patches. Conditions are consistent from end to end, which makes indoor bowls a great time to work on your line and length. It’s the perfect time to groove your delivery ready for next summer.

7. New to indoor bowls? How to get started

Most indoor bowls clubs welcome beginners, and many run free taster sessions or roll-ups in the autumn. Ring your nearest club and ask. The English Indoor Bowling Association lists affiliated clubs across the country.  They’ll usually lend you bowls for the first few weeks, so you only need flat-soled shoes to begin with. Once you’re hooked, come and see us before you buy a set. We’ll check your hand size and delivery and help you choose bowls that suit both indoor and outdoor greens, whether new or second-hand.

8. Don’t forget your outdoor bowls

If you’re switching to a separate indoor set, put your outdoor bowls away properly. Clean and dry them, keep them in a bag or case somewhere with a steady temperature, not a cold garage or a car boot, and check the grips and your bag’s zips while you’re at it. Then they’ll be ready to go when the outdoor greens open again in the spring.

Not sure what you need? Pop in and see us at 250 Bury Street West, Enfield N9 9LB, or call 020 8362 1780 (weekdays 9am–4pm) and talk to a qualified coach.

Over to you: do you use the same bowls indoors and out, or do you switch? Tell us in the comments below.

This post was first published on 29 September 2026.