A number of years ago when I started bowling someone told me, "Anyone can throw strikes, but a bowler makes the spares." That was back when good bowlers averaged 190. Now with the equipment and lane conditions, a good bowler averages 230, but I still believe in the saying.

Spare shooting can be made much easier when a few simple rules are followed for the beginner or average bowler. An 'All Spare' game, with no misses can have an end result score of 180 - 190 depending on the pin count.

I like to teach the 3-6-9 method of spare shooting as long as you can roll the ball where you are aiming. Bowlers start their first ball delivery from about the same place on the approach each time, and bowlers usually aim for the 2nd arrow as their strike target.

When preparing to convert spares, bowlers move a certain number of boards right or left, depending on which pins remain standing. Adjustments begin at the starting place for the strike ball delivery. The pin closest to the bowler is the key pin. It governs decision making. It must be the first pin hit. The exception to this is, of course, when two, three or four pins stand side by side. For instance, when the 4 - 5 pin spare is standing, the key pin is where the 2 pin would have been standing. The 3-6-9 system is applied like this for right-handed bowlers. When the key pin is the 2 pin, bowlers move three boards to the right and roll the ball over the same target used for the strike ball. When the key pin is the 4 pin, bowlers move six boards to the right and roll over the same target used for the strike ball. When the target is the 7 pin, bowlers move nine boards to the right and roll over the same target used for the strike ball. When remaining pins stand to the right of the head pin, adjustments start, not from the strike ball position, but from the position where the 10 pin spare is converted. Through trial and error, a bowler will move about 15 boards left to find the starting place where they can roll the ball over the 3rd target arrow and consistently knock down the 10 pin.

Now use the same 3-6-9 system. When the 6 pin is the key pin, move 3 boards to the right of the 10 pin starting place and roll the ball over the same 3rd arrow. When the 3 pin is the key pin, move 6 boards to the right and roll the ball over the same 3rd arrow.

One thing to remember is that if you have a different method of spare shooting and it works for you, don't change. This is just a way to help make some spares that may be giving you problems, and take the guess work out of where to stand and what to shoot.

Good luck and good sparing!

Mike was a YBC bowler until 1976 when he joined the adult ranks. In 1980, Mike started coaching in the youth program and has remained a coach ever since. He obtained his Level 2 NCCP certification and has Level 2 training through the Dick Ritgar coaching program. He has coached at both the Provincial and National levels numerous times.

Mike has bowled nine perfect games and has several 800 series' to his credit. He has competed at the Bowling World Cup National Championships and has been on the Pins Game (as seen on TSN) twice.