getting over the hump

[J Anderson]

i need to read better. after re-reading your post it sounds like you move your feet and keep an aim point to base your throw off of.

You've got it. Most self taught beginners will stand in the middle of the approach for every shot and change their target depending on what pin or pins they need to hit. I've also seen a few who try to throw every shot parallel to the gutter, i.e. they'll move right and try to throw straight down the 5 board to get the ten.

[Tampabaybob]

For right now, John probably has the best system for you to try because he throws left handed (and right handed if I remember correctly !).

I have a spare shooting system I developed many, many years ago and have taught to hundreds of people. Because it would take up so much room here to explain it, I am going to be doing a video (hopefully this month) in great detail on how this system works. It's basic, easy, and very quick to learn. I've been using it for probably 40 years and my spare percentage is always well above 90%. It's also very useful for picking up "makable" splits. When I get it done, I'll upload it to You Tube and share it here on the boards.

[shadlikefish]

A video would be pretty awesome. You should let me know when you get it up. Can't wait to work on these things too bad we got snowed out this week.

[mxjosh]

A little helpful tip to take some revs out of the spare ball is to spread your pinky and pointer finger apart as wide as they go comfortably. This will slow the spin down and prevent your hand from rotating the ball so much. think hang loose. \ ii /

[shadlikefish]

picking up my spares are getting a ton better. I have gotten where my plastic ball is not curving at all.

[billf]

With all the suggestions about finger position to help reduce revs (spread, together, etc.) remember to try them all and see what works best for you. The will feel odd at first but will definitely change how the ball reacts. The problem is, it reacts differently for all of us. For me, the closer my index finger is to my hand the less rotation I get. It really doesn't matter how many revs you have if they are all going in a straight line.

[SmilingBowler]

A little helpful tip to take some revs out of the spare ball is to spread your pinky and pointer finger apart as wide as they go comfortably. This will slow the spin down and prevent your hand from rotating the ball so much. think hang loose. \ ii /

I often think like this:

"Hang Loose" for strikes: \ ii /
"Rock On" for spares: |ii|

I don't use a spare ball. I throw my strike ball straight with my finger position like that for every spare shot.
The first thing I like to ask myself when I don't make a spare is - Was I "hanging loose" or "rocking on"?
Chances are I was hanging loose and the ball tended to trail away from the lead pin at the last moment.

[Tampabaybob]

Let me clarify my last statement. When you shoot spares, IF you roll the ball between the third and FIFTH arrows you should encounter heavier oil, meaning the ball should slide more and hook less. Always shoot your corner shots cross lane to give your ball the most room on the lane. Another common error is you need to point your feet towards the pins you're aiming for and walk TOWARD the target. Hopefully that makes better sense.

[SmilingBowler]

Let me clarify my last statement. When you shoot spares, IF you roll the ball between the third and FIFTH arrows you should encounter heavier oil, meaning the ball should slide more and hook less. Always shoot your corner shots cross lane to give your ball the most room on the lane. Another common error is you need to point your feet towards the pins you're aiming for and walk TOWARD the target. Hopefully that makes better sense.

Makes perfect sense, Bob, at least to me.

I watched Norm Duke make spares this way and that is what has boosted my spare conversion rate. Its all about direct aim with your toes pointing at your target, your throwing shoulder lined up with the pin you intend to hit, focusing on your mark making that invisible line to the pin and the follow-through. Do all that, and you'll "Rock On!" |ii| (: .)

[Tampabaybob]

Makes perfect sense, Bob, at least to me.

I watched Norm Duke make spares this way and that is what has boosted my spare conversion rate. Its all about direct aim with your toes pointing at your target, your throwing shoulder lined up with the pin you intend to hit, focusing on your mark making that invisible line to the pin and the follow-through. Do all that, and you'll "Rock On!" |ii| (: .)

100% Correct !