Why do faster greens produce more open or scattered heads, why do so many bowlers prefer them?
Simplistically, the differences between an 8 sec and a 10 sec green, and a 17 sec and a 19 sec green are the same; viz. 2 secs. However, the difference in required aiming angles between 17 and 19 sec greens is almost double the required difference between 8 and 10 sec greens. Therefore the affect of delivery line errors is almost doubled on faster greens, resulting in greater bowl scatter. The graceful sweep of bowls on faster greens has a pleasing aesthetic quality. Faster greens require lower delivery speeds, and therefore less physical effort. Reduced delivery effort imposes less pressure on many imperfections in delivery technique. Faster greens usually have a harder surface that better withstand the wear and tear of intensive use.
