Gold medallist Ellen Falkner: The role of the No.3 in a rink...

Post date: Dec 28, 2014 4:46:07 PM

Ellen Falkner holds three Commonwealth Games gold medals - the latest achieved in Glasgow in August 2014. She also holds a women's world fours gold medal from 2004 and numerous English national titles, including the current indoor mixed pairs with world No.1 Nicky Brett, writes Bob Warters.

In the third of this series we asked her - when she visited Stamford IBC recently to demonstrate the Aero Bowls which she represents - what tips she can pass on for members to improve, when playing any one of four positions in a rink. Previously it was 'Lead' and No.2.

This time it is the role of No.3 in a rink...

"Playing at No.3, " says Ellen, "you are almost expected to sacrifice your own game for the benefit of the other players on your rink. You are there to serve the follow up shots by the skip.

"The No. 3 will often be expected to play bowls to clear something out of the way, move an opposition shot in 'the head' or get another bowl in 'the head', allowing the skip to play their shot.

"Alternatively you will play a covering shot to minimalise any potential shot the opposition will be considering," says Ellen.

"It is a very interesting position because you need to have the mentality that you are there to help the skip execute a particular shot.

"You might be asked to play a shot into a covering space or into a position to block, which is very difficult to achieve even for the most accomplished player. Alternatively No.3 may be asked to convert 'a head' [of bowls surrounding the jack] going against you or to trail the jack out of danger or to bring your rink's other bowls into play.

"And when No 3s 'are up' [standing alongside the skip at the head] the No.3 needs to have the drive and energy to keep the rink motivated and on their toes.

"Playing No.3 is chiefly as a supporting role to the skip but ideally you will have all the shots, too and have a real tactical awareness to spot opportunities and share them with your skip."

For further information about Aero bowls visit www.aerobowls.co.uk

Next time Ellen talks about her opinion of the role of the skip.