Spare Shooting

3-6-9 Method

The 3-6-9 method is probably the most common spare shooting technique amongst recretional bowlers. It is very easy to implement and can be a reliable method to get most spares. For @author Brian Burkhardt hander you simple move your feet 3,6, or 9 boards from your strike starting point, while targeting the same board at the arrows. Your feet are moved in the oppsite direction the spare is from the head pin. For example if you are shooting the 2 pin spare, it is left of the headpin, so you move 3 boards to the right with your feet. If you are shooting the 7 pin, you would move your feet 9 boards to the right.

As are many things in bowling, this is a guideline and a good place to start experimenting from. You may find a better combination for your game is to move 4-8-12 with your feet. And of course, it is always best to throw straight across the center arrow for the 10 pin, or 7 pin if you are left handed.

Targeting Center Arrows

Using the 3rd & 4th arrows as targets, move your feet left or right until the ball rolls into the 7 pin. Move your feet about 3 boards left, still using the same target, to make the 4 pin. Move about 3 more boards left to make the 2 or 8 pin.

Still using the 3rd and 4th arrows, position your feet at the left side of the approach and shoot the 10 pin. Move your feet left or right until you can convert the 10 pin consistently. Move you feet about 3 boards right to make the 6 pin and an additional 3 boards right to make the 3 or 9 pin. These adjustments along with trial and error will help you learn to convert splits and clusters.

You may have to adjust your starting positions depending on lane conditions.

Straight Ball Spare Shooting

Choose below which single pin you are trying to pick. Then clicking submit will show you the other target type board you should be using to pick the spare. This assumes you are rolling a straight ball at the spare. To translate the board the ball is released on into the board you place your feet, generally the ball is released 6 boards away from the inside of your sliding foot.

Straight Ball Single Pin Calculator

Select single pin:

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