In Your Spare Time Become A Skilled Bowling Spare Shooter

By:bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 7/18/16; Updated: 3/1/2022

If you want to raise your average, in your spare time become a skilled spare shooter.

In other words, practice becoming the best “spare shooter” you can.

Take the next step in reaching your bowling potential by not overlooking the best method of reducing open frames. Declare war on spares.

No bowler relishes hard work in a sport which is both supposed to be fun and competitive at the same time.

Developing a reliable spare shooting system is an absolute must if you truly wish to become an improved player.

If you lack confidence in your current spare alignment system, the do not hesitate to consult an experienced instructor to develop a reliable and sound system for aligning to any spare combination in the game.

Once you decide on the system you feel best serves your style of bowling, then spend as much time and money available to you work on this system until you become highly proficient at converting routine spares.

Make sure choose the right bowling ball for your game to control the ball reaction when shooting across the lane for corner or near corner spares.

Use a plastic or an entry level urethane ball to provide you a stable and consistent ball reaction when shooting spares away from the middle of the pin deck.

Don’t be bashful to work on converting challenging spare pin combinations such as the “washout”, the “bucket”, or the “sleeper” combinations.



Regardless if you use your strike target line for spares or a target at the center of the lane and adjust laterally to opposite sides of the lane dictated by the given pins left standing, you must work long and hard to gain confidence that you can convert spares nearly every time you attempt shooting at them.

Develop a fierce commitment to becoming a great spare shooter, focus on each delivery with your full attention, commit to the shot, and execute the shot.

If you read this article and decide to skip the practice time and hard work as recommended, then at the very least, use a spare ball where you can easily control its motion toward any spare left standing.

One thing you can do easily and without practice is to attack each spare confidently and focus intently when you shoot any spare. Avoid allowing your mind to wander.

Keep a focus on your sight target and commit to making a good shot, just as you will for strikes.