Mastering spare shooting is key to improving your game. A solid pre-shot routine and good hand position can increase your chances of making a spare, whether you’re in a league or just practicing. Spares help increase your average by knocking down those last pins that make all the difference. The 3-6-9 system works for all bowlers, from straight to hook to two-handed, and adjusting it to your ball speed makes you a more effective spare shooter. Whether you’re using the right type of ball or adjusting your alignment, making spares can give you the chance to win, even when you miss a strike.
To bowl a spare, focus on maintaining a straighter release with proper alignment. Position your thumb on the upper equator of the ball to reduce tilt and rotation, helping you aim more precisely at the target pin.
Use a spare ball or a reactive ball with controlled release.
Keep consistent ball speed similar to your strike shot.
Adjust your feet and target depending on the pin combination.
Focus on the key pin for more accurate spare conversions.
One of the most useful techniques I’ve found in improving my spare shooting is the 3-6-9 spare system. This system is based on making lateral adjustments with your feet during your approach, using your strike target as a guide for every spare shot. Whether you need to move your feet left or right depends on the specific spare you’re targeting. By learning this method, bowlers of all skill levels can easily align themselves to hit any pin combination. Over the years, I’ve seen how applying this foundation has helped many bowlers consistently improve their spare shooting, and it’s one of the best ways to stay in the game, even when the strikes don’t come as easily.
When you’re focusing on picking up a spare, two key factors to consider are hand positioning and the type of ball you use. To ensure a straighter release, position your thumb on the upper equator of the ball, which helps to reduce tilt and rotation. This creates a weakened wrist that allows the ball to travel straight towards your target, minimizing the chance of hooking down the lane. Now, let’s break down the type of ball you should consider:
When you practice your spare release with both a spare ball and a reactive or urethane ball, you’ll gain more confidence in your ability to consistently pick up spares, no matter your skill level.
When thinking about how to achieve a strike in bowling, it’s easy to overlook the importance of a consistent pre-shot routine, especially for a spare shot. Many bowlers have a solid routine for their strike shot, which they perform consciously or sub-consciously, whether it’s using the hand dryer to dry their hands, clearing off the slide sole with a wire brush, or getting comfortable with their feet. These small steps help set up for the approach and ensure a smooth slide. But when it comes to spare shooting, bowlers often rush, which leads to frustration. They may miss the corner pin or throw the ball hard in hopes of compensating. To build a strong spare game, it’s essential to carry over the same routine used for your strike shot. By ensuring consistency between shots, you’ll feel more comfortable and avoid letting a missed shot affect your next. Every spare ball thrown should feel like just another step in the same well-established routine, promoting better performance and fewer misses.
To bowl correctly, you need to find a targeting system that works for you. Every bowler approaches the lane differently, but the key is to focus on consistency and confidence when shooting spares. Start by choosing a focal target such as 20 (the middle arrow) to align your feet. The alignment of your foot and board position is critical for accuracy. For example, when aiming for a 10 pin, position your feet at 34 on the approach and throw the ball straight at your target. Moving 2 boards to the right or left will adjust your angle depending on the pin you’re shooting at. This requires practice and trial and error to get comfortable and confident in your targeting system. The more you refine this routine, the higher your spare percentage and scoring average will be.
When it comes to bowling spares, it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced bowler—knowing the right techniques can drastically improve your scores. One of the most effective methods for mastering spares is the 3-6-9 spare system, which helps bowlers of all styles, ages, and ball speeds make consistent adjustments. This system is a game changer, breaking down the process into manageable steps for any skill level. Whether you’re trying to perfect your spare technique or just looking for a way to be more consistent, the 3-6-9 method can be applied to suit any type of bowler, ensuring crucial adjustments that lead to better results every time.
When you’re getting ready to bowl a spare, setting up your strike alignment is a key first step. For most bowlers, place the toe of your sliding shoe (for right-handed bowlers, it’s the left shoe) two boards to the right of the center guide dot (the 18 board) and aim for the second arrow on the 10 board. This serves as your starting point for making adjustments. To make your spare shots more accurate, if you’re shooting at spares on the right side of the lane, move your feet left. For spares on the left side, move your feet right. These simple movements help adjust your shot and increase your chances of hitting the spare.
When it comes to spare adjustments, the system simplifies the process by assigning specific movements based on the key pin in your spare combination. Use a jump off point, usually between the 3rd arrow and the 4th arrow, as your reference point for all adjustments. Here’s how to make those adjustments:
These adjustments are key to improving your spare game and ensuring you consistently hit your target pins with accuracy.
To bowl a spare, start by aligning your body properly. Point your toes and shoes toward the key pin in the spare combination. This helps to square your hips and shoulders, improving your accuracy. When you take your walk, make sure to avoid any drifting; stay on a straight path so that the ball follows the intended line. Boost bowling ball speed by keeping your ball speed consistent, just like when you throw a strike. This ensures better control and accuracy, increasing your chances of converting those tricky spares.
The 3-6-9 system is versatile and can be used by bowlers of all styles, speeds, and skill levels. To adapt, focus on the key pins and adjust your approach for better accuracy. Proper alignment of your body, controlling the ball speed, and improving technique can enhance consistency and performance. By making small adjustments to your delivery, position, and line, you can get more control and achieve better results for various types of bowlers.
The 3-6-9 system offers a clear framework for straight bowlers, helping them make adjustments without relying on ball movement. Focus on alignment, keep your walk straight to the foul line, and use a spare ball for better accuracy and precision, especially on corner spares. This method improves your game with minimal reliance on ball movement.
For hook bowlers, the 3-6-9 system allows you to adjust your strike target to accommodate the ball’s natural curve. When aiming for corner pins, it’s essential to flatten your release to minimize the hook, which helps the ball travel along a straighter path. This adjustment improves accuracy and ensures better precision when dealing with the curve. By focusing on these key factors, you can master Effective Bowling Ball Throwing and enhance your performance with each shot.
Two-handed bowlers face challenges with spare shooting due to high rev rates. Using a plastic or low-friction spare ball helps control ball motion and improve accuracy, especially for corner spares. This leads to better precision in spare shooting.
With slower ball speeds, you’ll notice more hook from increased lane friction. Adjust your starting position to compensate. Using a spare ball helps in reducing hook and maintaining accuracy, improving ball movement, precision, and control for better spare shooting.
With higher ball speeds, the 3-6-9 system is effective as the increased speed reduces hook. Focus on consistent alignment and a smooth delivery to improve your precision, control, and accuracy for better performance.
When bowling a spare, drifting off the approach can be fixed by following a straight path using lane markings or tape to guide your steps. Inconsistent ball speed can hurt accuracy and reliability, so focus on a smooth, controlled arm swing to avoid overexertion. If you’re dealing with an excessive hook, use a spare ball or a flattened release to gain better control, especially on corner pins.
Spare shooting is a fundamental part of bowling that affects your overall score. While strikes are important, being consistent with spares boosts your accuracy and helps you stay a confident and consistent bowler throughout every frame. The 3-6-9 system is key to improving your game.
To bowl a spare, focus on aligning your toes toward the key pin. Avoid drifting left or right on your approach. Keep your ball speed consistent, delivering it at the same speed as your strike. This ensures accuracy and a straight path, improving your spare shooting.
For better spare shooting, focus on positioning your hand with the thumb on the upper equator of the ball. This creates a weakened wrist, reducing tilt and rotation, allowing for a straighter release toward your target with a lower rev rate, improving your accuracy on spares.
Mastering spare shooting is essential for any bowler looking to improve their game and consistency. By incorporating the 3-6-9 system, proper hand positioning, and a reliable pre-shot routine, you can significantly increase your spare conversion rate. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bowler, these strategies will help you stay focused, adjust your approach, and ultimately enhance your overall performance on the lanes.
Serving the Middle East and South Asia, SMC Electronic is here for all your bowling solutions. Call +971 50 256 5987.
founder of SMC Electronic, has over 20 years of experience in the bowling industry. His expertise and leadership have made SMC a trusted name across the Middle East and South Asia.
Your trusted partner for bowling alley maintenance, lane cleaning products, spare parts, and equipment supply across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.
Your trusted partner for bowling alley maintenance, lane cleaning products, spare parts, and equipment supply across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.
