Graaille

Now we are ready to start using targets for individual spares. I have a different methodology than many instructors. Most will teach you to use the same target and move your feet to adjust from say, a 6 pin and a 10 pin. I think this is fine on the left side spares for righthanders (though for a different reason) but for right side spares, I move my target and use the same starting point. I think other systems work pretty well, but let me explain my reasoning for having a different system for spares on opposite sides of the lane. When shooting right side spares, I want to stay as far left as possible because of the extra angle which helps keep my "chop" percentage low and to stay in the heavy oil as much as possible. When shooting spares on the left side, I want foremost to stay in the oily part of the lane, to cover up accidental lift or turn, and secondly to improve the angle. I could get farther left (6th arrow) for say a 2-4-5 but then I would be, many times, in the left-handed track area. Then I would have the same problem as shooting a 3-6 down the second arrow from the right (not enough oil to cover up a missed release). So, for right-side spares, I stand in the same place and move my target. I use the 10 pin for a baseline shot. This changes from house to house because I want to stand as far left and look as far left as I can. The width of the ball return determines where exactly that is. My target is usually between the 21st board and the 25th at the joints or splices. Once I determine my ten pin starting spot and target, for a 6-10, I move my target one board left. For a 6, 2 boards left, for a 3-10, 2 1/2 boards left, and 3-6-10, 3 boards. But for left-side spares, I use the same target (third arrow from the left) and move my feet. For example, I use the 7 pin as my base and move my feet 2 boards left and use the same target for a 4 pin. For a 4-7, 1 1/2 boards. For a 2-5 or a washout, I move my feet 6 boards left and still use the same target. You get the idea. I'm not proposing that you copy my system exactly, just try to use the same philosophy. You will work out (hopefully with a coach) the subtle nuances according to your ability to repeat approaches, how much you drift (or not), and the width of your body. All of these factors will help determine exactly where you will stand in order for a well executed "kill shot" to convert the spare you are attempting. Just try to remember that you want to finish as far across lane as is comfortable for right-side spares (for righthanders). This will give you the most deflection for baby splits and other corner clusters where chopping the front pin(s) off is a danger. This will increase your percentage of makes on slightly misthrown shots. I suggest lefties use the 3rd arrow from the left for right and left side spares, because that part of the lane retains oil the longest on most conditions. If you are a left handed and bowl where there isn?t enough oil in the middle of the lane, then shoot all left side spares from as far right as possible.

Even today, with all the professional coaching available, I still see relatively good bowlers using incorrect strategy to pick up spares and splits. I see many bowlers shoot baby splits down the outside part of the lane. You never see a GBOT rolling it down the edge to convert a baby split. You want to shoot 2-4-5s and 2-5s(for righties) from as far left as comfortable (while staying in heavy oil) for the same reason. Less angle means less chops. Just think about it this way. If you are a righthander and someone bet you that you could not chop a 3-6, how would you play the shot in order to maximize your chances to successfully chop off the 3 pin. You would probably try it from the right side of the lane with a lot of hook. So if you were to bet that you could convert it, wouldn?t the opposite strategy be the wisest course.

Before we go, let me impart the same advice I give to every student I work with. At least every six weeks, preferably once a month, go to the lanes and bowl 5 games of nothing but spare shots. Shoot 7s, 10s, 3-6-10s and all of your most common leaves. Make a game of it. Play lowball with a friend. Make it fun. Do not throw your strike ball. By devoting this time and effort to practicing spares, you not only get some needed practice but you will be building up and reinforcing the importance of spare shooting in your own mind. After a few sessions, you will start to look forward to it. When other bowlers stroll in and see what you are doing and scoff, you will have a warm glow of inner confidence in knowing that you are taking the next step toward becoming a GBOT.

Next time we will show you just how accurate you have to be to be a great spare shooter and at what spares you should still throw a hook.