Basic Bowling Tips, Bowling Tips & Coaching Articles, Physical Game Tips
Spare Shooting: Two Simple Systems That Work
For many bowlers, spare shooting feels like a guessing game filled with frustration and missed opportunities. The truth is, leaving easy spares on the lane is one of the fastest ways to watch your scores plateau, no matter how well you roll your strike ball.
In this guide, you’ll discover two proven spare shooting systems used by successful bowlers at every level, learn which equipment gives you the best chance for success, and understand exactly why a systematic approach transforms your spare game from hit-or-miss to consistently reliable.
Master Bowling Spare Shooting: Two Simple Systems That Actually Work
Spare Shooting Purpose: Converting 90% of single-pin spares can add 15-20 pins to your average, making it the fastest way to improve your scores.
The Right Ball Makes All the Difference
Before diving into systems, let’s address the foundation of successful spare shooting: your equipment choice. Many bowlers make the mistake of using their strike ball for spares, creating unnecessary complications.
Why Plastic Balls Dominate Spare Shooting
Predictable Ball Motion
Plastic balls travel in a straight line with minimal hook, eliminating guesswork and making spare angles more consistent shot after shot.
Lane Condition Independence
Unlike reactive resin balls, plastic balls perform consistently regardless of oil patterns, giving you the same spare shot on any lane.
Two Proven Spare Shooting Systems
Successful spare shooting isn’t about having perfect aim—it’s about having a repeatable system that works under pressure. Let’s explore the two most effective approaches used by bowlers worldwide.
System 1: The Center Arrow Method
This system uses the fourth arrow (center of the lane) as your consistent aiming point for all spare attempts, with lateral adjustments based on spare position.
Step 1: Identify the key pin (the pin closest to you in any spare combination)
Step 2: For spares on the right side, move your feet to the left side of the approach
Step 3: For spares on the left side, move your feet to the right side of the approach
Step 4: Always aim at the center arrow (4th arrow) regardless of your foot position
Best For: Bowlers who prefer a consistent visual target and don’t mind making larger lateral adjustments with their feet.
System 2: The 3-6-9 Movement System
This system maintains your familiar strike line aiming point while making precise foot adjustments based on pin position.
3-Board Move: For pins 2 and 3 (close to center) – move 3 boards opposite the spare
6-Board Move: For pins 4 and 6 (middle positions) – move 6 boards opposite the spare
9-Board Move: For pins 7 and 10 (corner pins) – move 9 boards opposite the spare
Critical Rule: When spares are on the left, move right. When spares are on the right, move left.
Advanced Variations: Some bowlers use 2-4-6 or 4-8-12 systems depending on lane conditions and ball skid distance.
Which System Should You Choose?
Both systems follow the same fundamental principle—move opposite the spare—but differ in execution.
Center Arrow System Advantages: Consistent aiming point, simpler mental approach, works well for visual learners
3-6-9 System Advantages: Uses familiar strike line, more precise adjustments, easier transitions from strike attempts
Both Systems Require: Low-hook ball, consistent release, proper follow-through toward target
💡 Pro Tip: Practice both systems during practice sessions to determine which feels more natural. Most successful spare shooters stick with one system and master it completely rather than switching between methods.
Common Misconceptions About Spare Shooting
Debunking Popular Myths
“Use Your Strike Ball for Everything”
Reality: Strike balls create unpredictable angles on spares. Plastic balls provide the consistency needed for reliable spare shooting.
“Aim Directly at the Pin”
Reality: Aiming at pins creates inconsistent angles. Using arrows as targets with systematic foot movement produces better results.
“Spare Systems Are Too Complicated”
Reality: Systems eliminate guesswork and reduce decision fatigue. Once learned, they become automatic and significantly improve conversion rates.
Why Spare Shooting Systems Are Essential for Beginners
New bowlers often focus exclusively on strikes, but mastering spare shooting provides immediate, measurable score improvements and builds confidence on the lanes.
Key Benefits for New Bowlers
Immediate Score Improvement: Converting 90% of single-pin spares can add 15-20 pins to your average, providing instant gratification and motivation to continue improving.
Confidence Building: Having a reliable system reduces anxiety and builds mental toughness, making you more comfortable under pressure situations.
Fundamental Skill Development: Spare shooting teaches precision, consistency, and lane play concepts that directly improve your overall bowling game.
Final Thoughts
Mastering spare shooting is the fastest path to consistent scoring improvement in bowling. Whether you choose the Center Arrow system or the 3-6-9 method, the key is committing to one approach and practicing it consistently. Remember that even professional bowlers rely on systematic spare shooting—it’s not about natural talent, it’s about disciplined execution.
Start with the system that feels most comfortable, use a plastic ball for predictable results, and don’t be afraid to seek guidance from experienced bowlers or instructors at your local center.
The difference between good bowlers and great bowlers isn’t how many strikes they roll—it’s how many spares they convert. With the right system and consistent practice, you’ll transform those frustrating splits and single pins into reliable scoring opportunities that steadily raise your average.
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I love my new hammer bowling ball!
NOTE: The 3-6-9 boards move works for the 2-4-7 pins on the left for my style right handed. Though for the 3-6-10 pins, I must move to the 36-38-40 boards on the left side of the approach? Moving 3-6-9 boards from my 8-10 board 1st ball would put the spare ball in the gutter. Thanks for the lesson. I have been using this spare strategy for a long time.
Myself as well Keith, just still cannot get comfortable shooting cross lane at the 6 and 10. Of course, if I practiced more it probably would help!
Newby here. I am still just wingin it down the lane hoping to hit something. Will try these methods and see how it goes. I do enjoy the game.
I have a problem with the 10 pln, I usually go into the gutter just as it get to the pin or it hooks back and miss it on the inside.
I have the same issue. I’ve tried going to a plastic ball only for the 10 pin. I still can’t get it. My % for the 10 pin is like 10%. I don’t know what to do.
I stand all the way left and aim over the 4th arrow (middle arrow) rolling it towards the ten pin. Yes I sometimes do miss it because of lack of concentration.
10 pin is mostly my problem i miss it alot