Bowling with Leverage
by David A. Leverage
David A. Leverage is a Former exempt PBA Player, Silver level certified coach,
an ASU Bowling Alumni member, A 6 time PBA titleist, has (40) 300 games
and owns 2 Phoenix area Pro Shops.
"The Importance of a spare system"
When I am coaching my bowlers one thing is consistent when they call me for the first time. They all want to improve their game. Some people want to beat their best friends average, some wnat to get their team into first place, some want to be more consistent, while others simpley want to get ready for a big tournament they have coming up. But the most popular reason by far is a very simple one...They want to raise their personal bowling average. Some people think buying a new bowling ball will raise your average and eventhough we are in that business I do NOT recommend that plan of attack at first. Practicing and polishing your skills is the best road to success.
So what is the easiest and quickest way for someone to raise their average quickly? Most people say "by striking more". Sure that may be true however for most bowlers, the quickest and easiest way to raise your average is by utilizing a personal sparing system. The sparing system I will outline is for righthanded bowlers. Lefthanders can simply reverse everything to their side of the lane. Strikes are more sexy and more exciting and raise your score fast. But as they have always said, "make your spares and the strikes will come".
Most bowlers would be very happy to lose 10 pounds in a month right? They would also be very happy to raise their average by 7-10 pounds in a month right? OF COURSE they would. By the way if you can help ME with the 10 pounds I will help you with the 10 pins! Ok back to raising your average...So how do we raise our average 7-10 pins quickly. By making just 2-3 more spares per night during your league session. Ok sow how do we do THAT? By utilizing the "Leverage 3x5 spare system". You might want to also write down your own spare system when you polish it off on a 3x5 index card and throw it on your bowling bag!
For starters you need to realize that this spare system is not a one size fits all spare system but it is a general guideline for most bowlers and might need to be altered slightly for your game. It is also predicated on the fact that we have a place we are standing on the approach and a target we are throwing at (like the arrows). Once you grab the concept of the pins and their relationship to each other as far as distance it will all make sense to you.
Lets assume you are bowling fairly well and you are getting your ball to the "1-3 pocket" consistently. You are standing on the 20 board with your left foot and looking at the 10 board (2nd arrow). Next thing you need to know is that the 2 pin is 5 boards from the head pin (left to right), the 4 pin is 10 boards from the head pin and the 7 pin is 15 boards from the head pin. When deciding your adjustment, you pick out the LOWEST numbered bowling pin remaining and that is you KEY pin. Below is a guideline for you to try the next time you are bowling league or practicing.
| Leave | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| 2 pin | Move feet 5 right and hit strike target |
| 4 pin | Move feet 10 right and hit strike target |
| 7 pin | Move feet 15 right and hit strike target |
| 5 pin | Move feet 2 boards right and hit strike target |
| 8 pin | Same as 2 pin since it is directly behind the 2 pin |
| 3 pin | Move feet 5 boards to the left and hit strike target |
| 6 pin | Move feet 10 boards to the left and hit strike target |
| 9 pin | Same as 3 pin since it is directly behind the 3 pin |
| 10 pin | Nobody makes the 10 pin do they? Just seeing if you are paying attention! |
For the 10 pin you will have to utilize some trial and error most likely. So I recommend this as a starting point. place your left foot on or about the 32 board and hit the 20 board (4th arrow). If you make the 10 pin congratulations! If you miss it in the right gutter, move your feet to the right a board or two at a time until you make it. If you miss the 10 pin to the left, move your feet to the left a board or two at a time until you make it. The reason we are using the 4th arrow is because typically the highest concentration of oil is found in the middle of the lane and this allows the ball to slide towards the 10 pin easier and with less effort.
For multiple pin spares, pick out the LOWEST numbered or "Key pin" and utilize your adjustment based upon the key pin. For instance, if you leave the "bucket" (2,4,5,6) the KEY pin is the 2 pin, So simply move 5 boards to the right and hit your strike target.
As I stated before, this spare system is not for everyone but will serve as a guideline. Depending upon your style and the amount you hook the ball will determine your adjustments for your spares. For instance some people use a 4 board adjustment for each pin instead of 5 boards. Now that you have the system it is up to you to GO OUT AND PRACTICE IT AND PUT IT TO WORK. Remember just 2 or 3 more spares per night will raise your series 20-30 pins per league session thus raising your average between 7-10 pins. And now that you are making more of your spares you will enjoy bowling more and most importantly....Beating your friends!!!
Remember make your spares and the strikes will come. As always if you have any questions or comments on this article or any others please feel free to email me at daveleverage@yahoo.com or stop by one of the pro shops.
"TEXT the Coach" As a new feature if you are having a problem and need a quick answer to that problem, send me a text message during your next practice session, league session, or tournament and I will do my best to reply in a timely manner. Text to 6025505788.