Converting Spares...How do I do it?.
.
Probably
the most commonly asked question about bowling is how to
convert spares. There's a lot of controversy about which is
more important, getting spares or getting more strikes. The
average bowler, through the course of an average game will
have the opportunity to convert spares twice as much as the
probability of getting a strike. Regardless of the skill level
of your bowling, missing spares will definitely lower your
game and most likely, affect your attitude. Obviously there is
nothing more frustrating than stringing three or four strikes
and then following up by missing several easy spares.
Pamela
Fitts (L621035@LMSC5.IS.LMSC.LOCKHEED.COM) provides the
following tutorial on almost any condition you may encounter
to convert spares. Although the tutorial is directed toward
the newer bowler, the advise she offers is applicable to the
most experienced bowler.
This
mini-tutorial is for the newer bowler, who has a consistent
armswing...
The
3-6-9 System. This is the standard method for converting
spares. The success in using it is based on these points:
bowlers need a consistent delivery; bowlers can roll the ball
where they are aiming; bowlers start their first ball deliver
from about the same place on the approach each time; and
bowlers usually aim for the 2nd arrow as their strike target.
When preparing to convert spares, bowlers move a certain
number of boards right or left, depending on which pins remain
standing. Adjustments begin at the starting place for the
strike ball delivery.
The pin closest to the bowler is the key pin. It governs
decision making. It must be the first pin hit. The exceptions
to this, of course, is when 2, 3, or 4 pins stand side by
side. For instance, when the 4 - 5 pin spare is standing, the
key pin is where the 2 pin would've been standing. The 3-6-9
system is applied like this for right handed bowlers. When the
key pin is the 2 pin, bowlers move Three boards to the right,
& roll the ball over the same target area used for the
strike ball. When the key pin is the 4 pin, bowlers move Six
boards to the right, & roll over the same target used for
the strike ball. When the target is the 7 pin, bowlers move
over Nine boards to the right, & roll over the same target
for their strike ball. When remaining pins stand to the right
of the head pin, adjustments start, not from the strike ball
position, but from the position where the 10 pin spare is
converted. Through trial & error, bowlers will move about
15 boards left to find the starting place where they can roll
the ball over the 3rd arrow, & constantly knock down the
10 pin. This is your Starting board. Now, use the same 3-6-9
system. When the 6 pin is the key pin, move Three boards to
the right of the 10 pin starting place, & roll the ball
over the same 3rd arrow.
Right Handed Bowler for Pins Left of the Center
2 pin is the key pin = move 3 boards right
4 pin is the key pin = move 6 boards right
7 pin is the key pin = move 9 boards right
Right Handed Bowler for Pins Right of the Center
10 pin is the key pin = 3rd arrow, find the board
6 pin is the key pin = move 3 boards right
3 pin is the key pin = move 6 boards right
Left Handed Bowler for Pins Right of the Center
(straight roller)
3 is the key pin = move 3 boards left
6 is the key pin = move 6 boards left
10 is the key pin = move 9 boards left
Left Handed Bowler for Pins Left of the Center
(straight roller)
7 is the key pin = 3rd arrow, find the board
4 is the key pin = move 3 boards left
2 is the key pin = move 6 boards left
2-4-6
for left-handers. Left handed bowlers who start from the far
left side of the approach can use the 2-4-6 system. When the
key is the 3 pin, bowlers move the TARGET two boards right.
When the key pin is the 6 pin, move the TARGET four boards
right. When the key pin is the 10 pin, move the TARGET Arrow
six boards right. Move the target, but keep the starting place
constant. Right handers who like to play this outside line,
like the 5 board, can use the 2-4-6 system.
Additionally,
the following insight into adjusting your mark to pick up most
(if not all) common spares was provided by Steve O'Brien
(SJO103@psuvm.psu.edu)
If
you have been missing spares recently, try this method. Its
called the 3-6-9 method. in order for it to consistently work
for you, you need a consistent delivery.
Here
is how it works: If you leave the 2 pin, move 3 boards to the
right on the approach and release the ball over your strike
target.
If
you leave the 4 or 8 pin, move 6 boards to the right on the
approach and release the ball over your strike target.
If
you leave the 7 pin, move 9 boards to the right on the
approach and release the ball over your strike target.
Now
for the 3,6,9,and 10 pins: Find where to stand on the approach
for the ten pin, after you have found this position you can
use the system to convert the 3,6,and 9 pin.
If
you leave the 6 or 9 pin, move 3 boards to the right on the
approach and release the ball over your 10 pin target.
If
you leave the 3 pin, move 6 boards to the right on the
approach and release the ball over your 10 pin target.
This
method will work on all lane conditions barring excessive oil
that has carried down from the headers to the mid-lane or
extremely dry conditions. You may have to adjust it to a
4-8-12 system on extreme oil. As long as your hand position is
consistent at your release and your ball speed is the same,
this should work about 95% of the time.
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