The fastest way to raise your bowling average: spares

Spares are worth more than you think

An open frame (a miss) doesn't just cost the pins you left — it costs the bonus you'd have earned. Converting your spares consistently can add 30 or more pins to a game without throwing a single extra strike. The math rewards reliability over heroics. See how scoring works.

Why you miss easy spares

The usual culprit: throwing your hooking strike ball at a lone corner pin. A ball that curves has more ways to miss a single pin — it can hook past it or leave it on either side. You're fighting your own equipment.

The shift: throw straighter at spares

For single pins, square up and throw straighter — ideally with a plastic spare ball that barely hooks and goes where you aim. Take the lane out of the equation. This one change converts a huge share of the spares bowlers routinely miss. It's the foundation of every spare system.

A simple system to start with

Learn two cross-lane shots: one for the right corner (the 10 pin) and one for the left (the 7 pin), standing on the opposite side and rolling across. Drill those until they're automatic and you've covered the most common single-pin leaves. Build from there with the 3-6-9 system.

Practice spares on purpose

Most bowlers only practice strikes. Spend a few frames each session deliberately setting up and shooting common spares. It's the least glamorous practice you can do and the fastest way to a higher average.