This blog post focuses on an essential component of a good score – the “spare” in bowling. If you’ve been struggling with bowling spares or you’re just starting out, this guide will prove beneficial. Read on to learn the strategies for getting spares consistently and, ultimately, boosting your score.
What are Spares?
In ten-pin bowling, a spare is achieved when a bowler knocks down all ten pins in two chances during a single frame. Initially, the bowler rolls the first ball of a frame, aiming to knock down as many pins as possible.
If the bowler doesn’t knock down all ten pins with the first ball, they’re given a second chance to knock down the remaining pins with the second ball.
The number of pins left standing after the first roll and how many pins you knock down with the second roll are irrelevant; as long as you manage to knock down all the pins in two balls of a frame, you have rolled a spare.
Why is Getting a Spare in Bowling Important?
A spare in bowling is significant for two reasons. First, it gives you ten points, which immediately contributes to your total score.
The second reason is the bonus points. A spare is marked on the score sheet, and you’re awarded one bonus point for every pin you knock down with your next ball in the next frame.
Hence, a spare can potentially add up to 20 points to your score in a single frame if you manage to knock down all ten pins with your first ball in the next frame.
How do Bowlers Score a Spare?
Scoring a spare requires skill and strategy. The objective is to knock down all ten pins in two rolls. For instance, if a bowler knocks down 9 pins with the first ball, they have a chance to score a spare by knocking down the remaining one pin with the second ball of the frame.
Remember, getting a spare isn’t about how many pins you hit with each ball; it’s about ensuring that by the end of the two rolls, there are no pins remaining.
What Happens After a Bowler Bowls a Spare?
After you bowl a spare, you receive a bonus ball in the next frame. The score from this bonus ball is added to the 10 points from the spare, making it a strategic move to aim for as many pins as possible with the next ball.
How to Get a Spare More Often?
Getting spares consistently can significantly boost your bowling scores. There are strategies to improve your chances.
It’s crucial to focus on getting the pins that are easiest to hit with the first ball. Often, this might mean aiming for the cluster of pins in the center or targeting a specific pin on the end of the lane that you’re confident you can hit.
Does the Bowling Ball Matter When Getting a Spare?
Choosing the right bowling ball can be a critical factor when aiming for a spare. The weight and size of the ball can impact the force you can exert, thereby determining how many pins you can knock down.
Experiment with different balls at your local bowling alley to find what works best for you.
How Do Spares Impact Your Total Score?
Spares are pivotal in determining your total score. As mentioned before, a spare gives you ten points plus a bonus of whatever is scored with the next ball. This addition can significantly improve your score sheet and overall standing in a game.
What’s the Difference Between a Spare and a Strike?
A strike and a spare are similar in that they both involve knocking down all ten pins. However, a strike is when you knock down all ten pins with your first ball, while a spare requires both balls of a frame.
Strikes also score differently, offering bonus points from the next two balls, which could lead to a higher score.
What’s the Tenth Frame Rule in Bowling?
The tenth frame is unique in tenpin bowling. If you get a spare in the tenth frame, you’re awarded one extra ball.
This gives you a chance to add to your total points without having to complete an entirely new frame.
Tips for Bowling Scores: Focusing on Spares
Here are some final tips to help you maximize your scores by focusing on spares:
- Practice your aim to hit as many pins as possible with your first ball.
- Develop a strategy for your second roll based on the pins left standing.
- Don’t underestimate the power of the right bowling ball. It can significantly impact your ability to knock down pins.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Get a Spar
As we know, spare is an integral part of bowling. However, getting a spare can be quite a challenge. In order to achieve success in this area, it is important to understand and avoid common mistakes that many bowlers make.
One common mistake is aiming for the wrong area. For example, if you’re trying to pick up a 7-10 split, aiming for the center pin will likely result in a missed opportunity. Instead, aiming for the pin closest to you will give your ball a better chance to knock them both down.
Another mistake is misjudging the amount of speed and force required. Overthrowing can cause the ball to bounce too far from its intended target, while underthrowing may not give it enough power to knock down all the pins.
By keeping these common mistakes in mind, you will increase your chances of nailing that elusive spare and becoming a better bowler.
To summarize:
- A spare involves knocking down all ten pins in two rolls within a single frame.
- Spares add ten points to your score plus bonus points equal to the number of pins knocked down with your next ball.
- The right bowling ball can influence your ability to score a spare.
- Strikes and spares are similar but score differently, with a strike potentially contributing more to your score.
- The tenth frame rule allows for an extra ball if you get a spare.
With these strategies, you can confidently walk into your local bowling alley and focus on getting those spares to boost your score.
