How to make Spares: Part 1

    I hope you had a chance to practice your timing at the lanes this past week, and that you have been able to remember the order in which the pins are numbered on the pin deck. Anyone can get a strike, but the bowler who consistently makes spares will end up with the highest average!!
 
Rules:
 
   Memorize these rules to make it easier when making your spares:
1. Moving 3 boards where you STAND on the approach equals one pin difference on the pin deck.
2. Moving your Target 2 boards at the ARROWS equals one pin difference on the pin deck.
3. Moving left on the lane will cause your ball to go more to the right, and moving right on the lane will cause your ball to go more to the left. This will be the opposite for the left handed bowler.

How the Pins Are Numbered

    You can easily apply what is  called the 3-6-9 Method. Knowing where to stand for your strike is important and will help you to convert the 1 pin. To the right of the 1 pin is the 3 pin. According to rule number 1, all you need to do is move 3 boards to the left of where you stand for the 1 pin to be able to convert the 3 pin. If you stand on the 22 board for example, then move left to the 25th board. Use the same target (arrow) you use for the strike. The next pin to the right of the 3 pin is the 6 pin. To convert the 6 pin, you need to adjust by moving over 6 boards from where you stand for the strike or the 28th board. As you move left, you are coming in at a larger angle so you must also move the target over to the left. Try aiming 3 boards to the left of the 2nd arrow and experiment from there. You may have to move a board or two one way of the other depending on the size of your hook. For the 10 pin, you must move 9 boards to the left of where you stand for the strike at the stance, and move your target at the arrows a few boards to the left. 
 
    To convert the pins to the left of the headpin, you must move to the right at the stance according to rule # 3. So for the 2 pin, 4 pin, and 7 pin you must apply the same rules as above. by moving to the right 3 boards from where you stand for the strike to convert the 2 pin, 6 boards to the right to convert the 4 pin, and 9 boards to the right to convert the 7 pin.Again, you need to move your target at the arrows to compensate for the larger angle.
 
    Do your best to go to the the lanes and practice this week. Good bowling takes time, so try and be patient with yourself. If you do things right from the start, you will improve more quickly. Try this 3-6-9 method for your spares and adjust a board or two when necessary.
 
     Next week I'll be discussing other spares in Part 2. See you then.