The Secret to Perfect Spare Shots: Why Every Bowler Needs a Plastic Ball

Written By: Rich Carubba | Written On: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 | Updated On: Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Mastering Bowling Spares: The 3-6-9 System with a Plastic Spare Ball

Spare shooting is a vital skill in bowling, and mastering it can drastically improve your scores. For bowlers of all styles, speeds, and skill levels, the 3-6-9 spare system is an easy and effective method to make accurate adjustments for spares. However, one often overlooked aspect of this system is the importance of using a plastic spare ball. By combining the precision of the 3-6-9 system with the consistency of a plastic ball, bowlers can simplify their spare shooting and achieve better results.

The Role of a Plastic Spare Ball

Plastic spare balls are designed to minimize hook and travel straighter down the lane. Unlike reactive resin balls, which are built to create powerful hooks, plastic balls slide more easily on the lane surface. This makes them ideal for picking up spares, especially corner pins, where accuracy is critical. By incorporating a plastic ball into your spare shooting strategy, you can significantly enhance your control and consistency.

Understanding the 3-6-9 Spare System

The 3-6-9 spare system is a simple method for adjusting your foot positioning on the approach to line up spares. Using your strike target as a reference point, you move your feet either left or right, depending on the spare you’re targeting. This system works for all bowlers, but pairing it with a plastic spare ball takes it to the next level by reducing variables like hook and overreaction on dry lanes.

Setting Up Your Strike Alignment

To begin, establish a solid strike alignment. For most bowlers, this means placing the toe of your sliding shoe (left shoe for right-handed bowlers) two boards to the right of the center guide dot (18 board) and aiming at the second arrow (10 board). This alignment serves as the foundation for your spare adjustments.

3-6-9 Adjustments for Key Pins

The system simplifies adjustments for all spare combinations by focusing on the key pin, or the pin closest to you in the spare formation. Here are the recommended adjustments for common spares:

• Move right 3 boards for the 2 pin.
• Move right 6 boards for the 4 pin.
• Move right 9 boards for the 7 pin.
• Move left 3 boards for the 3 pin.
• Move left 6 boards for the 6 pin.
• Move left 9 boards for the 10 pin.

Why All Bowlers Should Use a Plastic Ball for Spares

Whether you're a beginner, a seasoned league player, or a professional, one piece of advice holds true across all styles of bowling: use a plastic ball for spares. Here's why switching from your reactive resin strike ball to a plastic ball can improve your game, no matter your style, speed, or skill level.

Consistency and Control

Plastic balls are designed to travel straight with minimal hook, even on dry or transitioning lane conditions. Unlike reactive resin balls, which create dramatic hook potential, plastic balls offer a predictable, straight trajectory. This consistency makes them ideal for spares, particularly for corner pins where accuracy is critical. Regardless of whether you're a straight bowler, a cranker, or a two-hander, a plastic ball ensures you can focus solely on hitting your target without worrying about unexpected ball motion.

Adapts to Any Lane Condition

Lane conditions can vary greatly, especially as games progress. Reactive strike balls are heavily influenced by oil patterns, but plastic balls are far less reactive to lane oil. This makes them the perfect spare-shooting tool, as they maintain their path regardless of how dry or oily the lane becomes. For hook bowlers, this is especially important to avoid overcompensating for changing conditions.

Simplifies Spare Shooting

Spare shooting often requires precise angles to single pins or pin clusters. The straight-line motion of a plastic ball simplifies the process, reducing the margin for error. For example, hitting the 10-pin or 7-pin becomes significantly easier when the ball travels predictably down the intended path.

Prevents Over-Hooking on Spares

For bowlers who rely on hook, using a strike ball for spares can result in over-hooking, leading to missed spares. Plastic balls reduce this risk, allowing bowlers to flatten their release and aim directly at the spare without fear of the ball hooking away from the target.

Suitable for All Styles and Ages

• Straight Bowlers: Plastic balls complement a straight shot by enhancing accuracy.
• Hook Bowlers: Reduces the hook for controlled spare shooting.
• Two-Handed Bowlers: Neutralizes excessive ball motion, helping with accuracy on single-pin spares.
• Youth and Senior Bowlers: Plastic balls are easy to control, making them ideal for developing precision regardless of strength or speed.

Conclusion

Using a plastic ball for spares is a game-changer for bowlers of all styles and types. By offering straight-line predictability and adaptability to any lane condition, plastic balls make spare shooting simpler, more consistent, and more reliable. If you haven’t already, consider adding a plastic ball to your arsenal to elevate your spare game and boost your scores. It’s a small change with big results!

By combining these adjustments with a plastic spare ball, you can focus entirely on accuracy without worrying about the ball hooking unexpectedly.

Why a Plastic Spare Ball Makes the Difference

Reactive resin balls are designed for strikes, offering maximum hook and power. While they’re excellent for creating angles to the pocket, they’re less predictable for spares, especially on dry or transitioning lanes. Plastic spare balls solve this problem by providing a consistent, straight roll regardless of lane conditions. Here’s how a plastic spare ball helps:

• Predictable Trajectory: Plastic balls reduce the risk of overhooking, ensuring the ball stays on its intended path to the spare.
• Versatility: Whether you're targeting corner pins or clusters, a plastic ball provides reliable control on all parts of the lane.
• Enhanced Accuracy: With no unexpected motion, your focus remains on hitting the target rather than compensating for hook.