Recreational bowlers always ask the same questions. Why do you have more then one bowling ball? Why can’t I ever seem to make a corner pin?  Why does my bowling ball hook at the last minute when I try to make a spare? These are all great questions.  I am glad to hear bowlers becoming more interested in the sport of bowling. Today I will answer these questions.

Spare shooting, in my opinion has lost some of it’s importance in today’s bowling environment. Today’s bowlers like to see strikes, because they think strikes are more important. When I was growing up I learned that spares are more important then strikes. I can hear some of you now saying; Strikes get you perfect games. But let’s think about that for a second. Actually, let’s look at the make shift scores below:

Now let’s fill those open frames with spares and let’s see the score.

Wow!!! Look at the difference spares make in your score!!! 62 pins better!! 

Now let’s answer the question about making spares and having more then one bowling ball. Get yourself a Polyester (Plastic) bowling ball for your spares. These bowling balls have the least amount of friction to the lane surface, or go the straightest[see last weeks tip], which means that you are more likely to pick up your spares more effectively and more consistently. Weren’t we always taught that the quickest way from point A to point B is a straight line? Well with your plastic bowling ball you can make that happen. Once you figure out how to line up correctly, then all you have to do is execute your shot. 

Using a Plastic bowling ball will always give you the same reaction and outcome regardless of the oil pattern. So the proof is there as to why you have more than one bowling ball. For your spares!! Improve your scores, and improve your average, simply by making spares. So once again I will ask you this question; Are Spares or Strikes more important? You Decide. 

T.J. Yeip is the Manager of GLC Bowling and the Lead Technical Advisor. He is an IBPSIA Advanced Certified Member and former PBA member. You can email your questions to him personally at thomas.yeip@glcbowling.com