What is a Spare in Bowling?

Bowling is a popular sport that millions of people enjoy as recreation and in competitive leagues. As you learn and play bowling, you’ll hear the terms “strike” and “spare” used frequently. But what exactly is a spare, and why is it important in bowling? This in-depth guide will explain everything you need to know.

Understanding the Definition of a Spare

In bowling, a spare occurs when a bowler knocks down all 10 pins using two balls in a single frame. Specifically, after the bowler fails to get a strike on the first ball, they knock down the remaining pins on their second ball of the frame. This is recorded with a “/” symbol on the scoresheet.

For example, if a bowler knocks down 7 pins on their first ball, then gets the remaining 3 pins on their second ball, it would be marked “7/” for a spare. A spare is essentially a “second chance” to pick up a strike after missing on the first ball.

How to Get a Spare in Bowling

To pick up a spare in bowling, the main objective is to leave certain pins standing after the first roll, giving you a makeable setup for the second ball. There are a few keys to giving yourself the best chance at a spare:

• Aim for the 1-3 pocket on the first shot: The 1-3 pocket refers to the space between the 1 pin and 3 pin. Striking this pocket will leave the corner pins for the easiest spare opportunities.
• Keep the first ball on target: Avoid the gutters and any major splits. Staying in the pocket puts you in the best position for spare shooting.
• Adjust speed as needed: Using proper speed gives you the best chance to take down remaining pins. Faster for scattered pins, slower for clustered pins.
• Use the right ball and hand position: Having an appropriate ball for spares and practicing different releases helps picking up tricky pins.

With good aim, speed control, and an effective spare system, you’ll be converting spares consistently in no time!

How Spares Are Marked on the Scoresheet

When you successfully pick up a spare in bowling, it’s marked with a “/” symbol on the official scoresheet. The scorekeeper records the number of pins knocked down on the first ball, then adds the slash to signify the spare.

For example:

• A 3/ indicates 3 pins were knocked down on the first ball, then a spare was made.
• A 7/ shows that 7 pins were hit on the first roll before the spare.
• A 0/ means no pins were hit on the first throw before making the spare.

So if you see a “/” on your scoresheet after your second ball, it means you’ve picked up that spare!

How Scoring Works for Spares in Bowling

Understanding how to score spares is critical, as they can really help boost your overall game score if picked up consistently. Here are the key rules for scoring spares in bowling:

• A spare is worth 10 points: When you knock down all 10 pins across two rolls in a frame, you earn a total of 10 points for that frame.
• You earn a bonus roll: After a spare, your next ball rolls adds to the 10 points from the spare. This bonus only applies to the first ball following the spare.
• The most points from a spare is 20: If you get a spare, then strike on your next first ball, that’s the maximum of 10 points for the spare, plus 10 more points for the strike.

Focusing on making spares over open frames is a great way to push your bowling scores into the 200+ range and beyond. Picking them up consistently is key!

Why Try to Shoot Spares in Bowling?

Compared to strikes, shooting spares may seem less exciting. But there are some excellent reasons to focus on your spare shooting as a bowler:

• Spares are often easier to pick up than strikes: For amateur bowlers especially, knocking down all 10 pins with one throw can be challenging. Spares provide a second chance.
• You can still score well without strikes: Converting all your spares, even without many strikes, allows you to regularly break 200 points or better.
• Spares set you up for strikes: After shooting a spare, you have the potential opportunity for bonus points if you strike next frame.
• Consistency is key: Being able to constantly pick up spares means maximizing your scoring ability and not leaving open frames.

While strikes are still the top goal, becoming a great spare shooter is a crucial skill for being a good all-around bowler.

Bowling Technique and Tips for Spare Shooting

Shooting spares requires precision, adjustments, and proper technique. Here are some helpful bowling tips for knocking down those remaining pins:

• Target a specific pin on the second throw: Pick one pin and envision your ball hitting that spot accurately. Staying focused on a target improves accuracy.
• Adjust ball speed as needed: Faster speed creates more pin scatter for fewer pins left. Slower helps increase pin carry for clustered pins.
• Use proper wrist, hand, and finger position: Having an effective release maximizes your chances of making the spare.
• Make alignment and entry angle adjustments: Change starting position and visual entry line to find the right ball path into the pocket.
• Follow through toward your target: Helps ensure you release the ball on the ideal trajectory for making the spare.

Practice these keys and develop a go-to spare system for bowling success.

Common Spare Shooting Challenges

While some spares seem straightforward, there are certain pins and configurations that can prove tricky for even experienced bowlers:

The 7-10 Split

Arguably the most difficult spare setup in bowling. The only way to convert is a pin bouncing off the sidewall just right.

The 10 Pin (Corner Pin)

Seemingly easy to clip, but the angle makes the 10 pin one of the most commonly missed spares.

The 5 Pin

Standing by itself, the 5 pin requires great accuracy and speed to take down. Avoid using too much hook.

Buckets and Clusters

Pins bunched together have less pin scatter. Accuracy and pin carry ability are tested.

Single Pin Spares

Leaving just the 7, 8, or 9 pin can be deceivingly challenging. Focusing on hitting your target is key.

With practice, you can improve your technique for converting even the toughest spare setups.

Helpful Spare Shooting Equipment and Gear

Having the proper bowling equipment can give you an edge in knocking down spare leaves more consistently:

• Plastic Spare Ball: Less hook potential improves accuracy on straight shots. Great for beginners.
• Urethane Ball: Helps slide through the front of the lane preserving energy for the pins.
• Bowl Fitting: Ensures consistent fit for optimal release and comfort.
• Ball Cleaner: Removes oil buildup allowing the ball to grip the lane better.
• Ragged Pads: Increase friction and alter entry angle for spare adjustments.
• New Ball: Higher midlane traction can improve pin carry on touchy spares.

Good gear matched with plenty of practice helps bowlers shoot spares with confidence.

Bowling Strategy to Improve Your Spare Percentage

Aiming to pick up more spares when you hit the lanes? Here are some smart bowling strategies to help:

• Focus on accuracy over power: Keeping the first ball on target gives you makeable spares. Avoid splits.
• Visualize making the spare: See the pins falling the way you want before each attempt. Stay positive.
• Identify your common misses: Analyze recurring troublesome leaves and adjust speed, position, or target line.
• Develop your best spare system: Determine optimal angles, ball, and release that fits your game. Trust your routine.
• Practice spares more than strikes: Strikes will come, but great bowlers succeed through consistency and sparing.

With the right strategy and mindset, you can up your spare percentage considerably over time.

Why Practicing Spares is Key for Bowling Success

Becoming a consistently good bowler is about more than just throwing strikes. In fact, being an excellent spare shooter is absolutely vital to achieving high scores. Here’s why:

• Spares allow you to get 10 pins every frame.
• Making all your spares guarantees at least a 200 game.
• Converting spares turns 0 frames into strikes, adding big bonus points.
• Great spare shooting requires terrific bowling accuracy and finesse.
• Bowling spares well shows you can make adjustments and perform under pressure.
• Maximizing your pin count each frame is how top scores are achieved.

Put in the work perfecting those pesky spares. Your overall bowling average will thank you!

FAQs About Bowling Spares

What is the easiest spare to pick up in bowling?

For right-handed bowlers, the easiest spare leave is typically the 7 pin. The angle to the side gives plenty of room for error in hitting the pocket for pin scatter while avoiding direct splits.

What is the most difficult spare in bowling?

The notorious 7-10 split is unanimously considered the most challenging spare setup in bowling. The only chance for conversion is catching the edge of the 7 pin just right to bounce across into the 10.

Can you score 300 points in bowling with all spares?

It’s impossible to score a perfect 300 game using only spares. Since a spare is worth a maximum of 20 points per frame, the highest score possible with all spares in a game is 279.

If you knock down all 10 pins with the second ball, is that a spare?

Yes, any time you knock down all 10 pins using both balls in a single frame, it is recorded as a spare. This includes getting a strike on the first ball, then taking down all 10 pins again on the second ball.

Is it possible to throw a spare on the first ball of a frame?

No, a spare requires using both balls in a frame to knock down all 10 pins. Any pins hit on just the first roll count as your score for that ball, not a spare.

Conclusion

A spare – knocking down all 10 pins using both balls in a frame – is one of the key scoring concepts in bowling. While throwing strikes is the ultimate goal, consistently picking up spares is equally crucial for achieving high scores. With the right technique, equipment, and plenty of practice, any bowler can sharpen their spare shooting skills.

Remember, targeting makeable spares by keeping the first ball on line is critical. Adjust speed, rotation, and angle for the second throw to increase conversion rate. Understanding spare scoring gives you the knowledge to maximize points from every frame.

Next time you hit the bowling alley, dedicate some extra focus to spare practice. Your spare percentage and bowling scores will improve in no time!