Here is the hard truth that fixes more averages than any other tip: you make your money on spares. You will not strike every frame, but you can convert nearly every spare. A bowler who cleans up spares beats a big hooker who leaves opens, night after night. If you want to score better, learn to pick up your spares.
Why spares matter more than strikes
An open frame does double damage. You lose the pins you left, and you lose the bonus pins a spare would have carried into the next frame. String a few opens together and a good night turns average fast. Strikes are exciting, but spares are what protect your score. Make your spares and your average climbs on its own.
Throw straight at single pins
For most single-pin spares, especially corner pins, a straight ball is the smart play. Hooking at a 10 pin gives the ball room to miss as the lane changes. A straight ball takes the lane out of the equation. Many league bowlers carry a plastic spare ball drilled for a straight shot, just for this. Plastic does not hook much, so it goes where you aim it regardless of the oil.
Use a spare system
You do not have to guess at every spare. A spare system gives you a repeatable way to line up for any leave. The most common is the 3-6-9 system, where you move your feet a set number of boards from your strike position depending on which pin or pins you are shooting at, while keeping the same target. The details vary by bowler, but the idea is the same: turn each spare into a known adjustment instead of a guess. Pick a system, learn it, and your spare shooting becomes automatic.
Cross-lane angles for corner pins
For the 10 pin (right-handers) or the 7 pin (left-handers), most bowlers move to the opposite side of the approach and throw across the lane at the pin. That flatter angle gives you more margin than trying to clip it from the same side. Square up, pick your target arrow, and roll it straight and firm.
Splits: know which ones to play for
Splits happen. Some are makeable, some are about damage control.
- Makeable splits like the 2-7 or 3-10 are converted by hitting the front pin thin so it slides into the other. Pick your pin and commit.
- Baby splits like the 3-10 or 2-7 are the ones to practice, because they come up often and can be made with a firm, accurate shot.
- The big ones like the 7-10 are long odds. Sometimes the smart play is to guarantee one pin and a count rather than chase a miracle and risk zero. Knowing when to go for it is part of the game.
For the science of why pins fall the way they do, see our strike guide.
Practice spares on purpose
Most bowlers practice strikes and ignore spares, then leave the alley wondering where their pins went. Flip it. Spend a whole practice session on spares. Throw at the 10 pin ten times. Then the 7. Then random leaves. Getting comfortable on corner pins under no pressure is what lets you make them in the tenth frame with the game on the line.
Frequently asked questions
How do I pick up spares more consistently?
Use a repeatable spare system like 3-6-9, throw straight at single pins, and practice spares on purpose instead of only chasing strikes. A plastic spare ball that does not hook makes corner pins much more reliable.
Should I hook the ball at spares?
Not at most single pins, especially corner pins. A straight shot takes the changing lane out of play and is higher percentage. Save the hook for the pocket and throw straight and firm at your spares.
What is the 3-6-9 spare system?
It is a method where you move your feet a set number of boards, often three, six, or nine, from your strike position depending on the spare, while keeping the same target. It turns each spare into a known adjustment instead of a guess.
How do you make a 7-10 split?
The 7-10 is one of the hardest splits and rarely converted. It requires clipping one pin perfectly so it slides across to the other. Often the smarter play is to guarantee one pin and a count rather than risk zero chasing it.
The USBC Bowling Academy has more drills and lessons to build on this.
Bottom line
Spares are where games are won. Throw straight at corner pins, use a spare system, know your splits, and practice spares like they matter, because they do. Clean up your spares and watch your average rise. Stay Hungry.
