Dynamic spare shooting system

[billf]

What's nuts is if you're that good at spares you don't need to strike. Just spare and wait for your opponent to open. I don't have a smart phone (I'm a cheap SOB) but I will keep track of percentages this year for strikes and each pin on spares. I know my one or two opens a game kills me. It's why I have spent so much time lately on spares, hand positions, etc.......also I tend to rush my spare shot and won't be doing that anymore.

[Florida Bowler]

If you hit all of your spares, your average will probably be 180-190 (assuming you hit the pocket most of the time). Add just a double, and you have a pretty good score. I had a coach once tell me, hit your spares, the strikes will come.

-DJ

[billf]

Just spares, top score is 190. But the chances of tripping something along the way for a couple of strikes is pretty high if you're near the pocket all game. It just amazes me how the art of spare shooting seems to be dying while youngsters fall in love with the big hook.

[vgw]

Since I just started up bowling again this past year, I've been making notes of where I should stand and what board to hit as I never really did that before. It works most of the time but I haven't yet written this down which is obviously the best way. Sometimes I just wing it and go by how the lanes feel and I think that is the point the author is making that you will need to adjust your shot slightly depending on lane conditions. Luckily, I have lots of ball speed and hit most of my spares. I think I'm going to use the template to start recording now. Thanks for the post.

[aussiedave]

I have bowled over a 35 year period and I would agree that less importance is placed on spares by today's younger power players. It seems to be all about that flashy big hook and demolishing strikes. It's no coincidence how the little old lady in the next lanes "X" looks exactly the same as the flashy player's one on the scoreboards. And how many times do you see these same players throw that monster hook at single pins? Yes the theory that one should stick to the same delivery has it's merits, but so does the straight(er) delivery with a cheaper ball and less effort. Why not preserve the expensive ball and go for a cheaper option on spares? I bought a new solid Storm ball the other week and after one game, it is showing a surface ring of fine scratches. The pearl seems to resist those fine scratches better.
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