Spare shooting with plastic

[Aslan]

Muscle memory and consistency is the basis of the argument for using a plastic ( polyester ) spare ball. The spare ball allows you to throw mush straighter without changing your release or speed. As long as the balls are the same weight and the same grip it should make your game easier.

My 3 balls I have currently are all different. The main ball/strike ball is standard fingertip grip/15lb. The plastic ball is 15lb tri-grip drilled. And the urethane ball is conventional drilled and 14lbs.

I was hoping to resolve this next time I get a ball drilled, but looks like it won't be totally resolved until I get my next TWO balls drilled. If I decide on tri-grip...I'll have a 16lb tri-grip as a strike ball and a 15lb fingertip as a spare ball. If I decide I don't like the tri-grip...I'll have 2 fingertip grip balls, but one will be 16lb and one 15lb. It won't be until I get the second ball drilled (which is also 16lb) that I'll have two balls, same 16lb weights, same grip).

So again, for me...I try to limit throwing a spare ball unless I absolutely have to since it's going to be a different grip or (in the future) a different weight.

[Aslan]

I just don't see why so many people throw spare balls at pins left of the headpin. The 3-6-9 and 4-8-12 lateral movement philosophy is fairly sound and has been taught for many years. I mean, I can see the cross-alley approach and it's merits for single 7-pins or even a 4-7. But for a bucket or a 2-pin or 5-pin or 8-pin...seems like those would be easier or just as easy to hit with your strike ball and a slight lateral movement.

[vdubtx]

I just don't see why so many people throw spare balls at pins left of the headpin. The 3-6-9 and 4-8-12 lateral movement philosophy is fairly sound and has been taught for many years. I mean, I can see the cross-alley approach and it's merits for single 7-pins or even a 4-7. But for a bucket or a 2-pin or 5-pin or 8-pin...seems like those would be easier or just as easy to hit with your strike ball and a slight lateral movement.

On house shots, not all that necessary for left side leaves(for a righty of course). It is really probably what everyone is comfortable doing. One guy in my Tuesday league is a very good bowler, great form etc. He uses poly ball for all spares regardless of leave, but his accuracy is off sometimes and he will flag a 5 pin for instance where if he threw his regular strike ball, it is just another regular shot at the pocket type of throw.

But, on Sport Shots it is necessary as depending on pattern the volume of oil is higher and your strike ball will not always get through the oil and then hook to pick up those left pin leaves.

[noeymc]

i do to work on my spare game for the summer sport shots

[Aslan]

On house shots, not all that necessary for left side leaves(for a righty of course). It is really probably what everyone is comfortable doing. One guy in my Tuesday league is a very good bowler, great form etc. He uses poly ball for all spares regardless of leave, but his accuracy is off sometimes and he will flag a 5 pin for instance where if he threw his regular strike ball, it is just another regular shot at the pocket type of throw.

I agree. I honestly think many people who go to a "spare ball" should just throw their strike ball and use lateral movement. I mean, yes, a spare/plastic ball is straight and precise...but straight doesn't mean you automatically hit the pin. If I throw my first ball and hit the headpin and leave a 5-pin. All I need to do is throw the same ball, same spot to hit the 5.

But, whatever. To each their own. I asked my coach when I first bought my ball if I should get a "spare ball" and he said "no, not necessary." I then asked him, "Well, why does everyone seem to have one then?" And his response was, "to sell more bowling balls." And that was pretty honest coming from a guy that makes money off of selling more bowling balls.

[Hampe]

I agree. I honestly think many people who go to a "spare ball" should just throw their strike ball and use lateral movement.

Try bowling in different centers on different oil patterns and you'll see why people have a spare ball. If I'm bowling for money in a tournament in a center or on a pattern I've never played on before, I can't afford to miss a spare because my strike ball didn't move the way I expected on a spare shot. Having a spare ball gives you the confidence that the ball will go exactly where you throw it, no matter what.

The less you have to think about in a pressure situation, the better. Having to worry about line, ball speed, hand position etc. instead of just hitting your spot is putting unnecessary pressure on yourself, and opening yourself up to mistakes.

All that said though, there are still a few leaves that I'll pick up with a strike ball (like the 5 pin).

[Bunny]

Try bowling in different centers on different oil patterns and you'll see why people have a spare ball. If I'm bowling for money in a tournament in a center or on a pattern I've never played on before, I can't afford to miss a spare because my strike ball didn't move the way I expected on a spare shot. Having a spare ball gives you the confidence that the ball will go exactly where you throw it, no matter what.

The less you have to think about in a pressure situation, the better. Having to worry about line, ball speed, hand position etc. instead of just hitting your spot is putting unnecessary pressure on yourself, and opening yourself up to mistakes.

All that said though, there are still a few leaves that I'll pick up with a strike ball (like the 5 pin).

Well stated Hampe!

I know exactly what my spare ball will do and that it won't make a sudden left turn if it hits a dry spot!!

[Mike White]

I just don't see why so many people throw spare balls at pins left of the headpin. The 3-6-9 and 4-8-12 lateral movement philosophy is fairly sound and has been taught for many years. I mean, I can see the cross-alley approach and it's merits for single 7-pins or even a 4-7. But for a bucket or a 2-pin or 5-pin or 8-pin...seems like those would be easier or just as easy to hit with your strike ball and a slight lateral movement.

It was taught for many years because the oil pattern was fairly flat. That has changed.

If you simply move your feet 4 boards left, the oil pattern will do what it can to still guide your ball into the 1-3 pocket.

Once you've moved enough right, (shooting at a 7 pin) the left side of the oil pattern will take that same strike release and hook it into the gutter.

Linear moves on non-linear oil patterns don't work well with balls that are sensitive to the pattern.

Since you can't change the oil pattern, the best thing you can do is use a ball that is not sensitive to the pattern.

[Aslan]

I understand and agree. Like I said originally, with today's patterns and today's more reactive balls...a spare ball is more necessary. I'm in the minority because I'm one of the few low rev/high speed players where my strike ball is relatively straight (9-11 boards) or at best a smooth arc. So it's easy to predict, regardless of how much oil is on the lane, what it will do. I don't put enough revs on it for it to "drastically" do anything when it hits a dry spot. And because it's traveling at just shy of 20mph...it doesn't have "time" to make any drastic turns.

And I "do" use a spare ball for a 10-pin or 6-10. Not because I "cant" use my strike ball...but like it's been said...it becomes a much more precise shot for those leaves. Either it doesn't "cut" at the right time and goes into the gutter or in most cases...I get nervous about the gutter and pull it left of the target.

[dnhoffman]

I agree. I honestly think many people who go to a "spare ball" should just throw their strike ball and use lateral movement. I mean, yes, a spare/plastic ball is straight and precise...but straight doesn't mean you automatically hit the pin. If I throw my first ball and hit the headpin and leave a 5-pin. All I need to do is throw the same ball, same spot to hit the 5.

But, whatever. To each their own. I asked my coach when I first bought my ball if I should get a "spare ball" and he said "no, not necessary." I then asked him, "Well, why does everyone seem to have one then?" And his response was, "to sell more bowling balls." And that was pretty honest coming from a guy that makes money off of selling more bowling balls.

Completely disagree with your coach.

I probably bowl at least one clean game a league night (sometimes 2, yet to pull the hat trick...) and I use a spare ball for the 4/7 as a righty.