Being
able to make spares is very critical in bowling. If you are averaging less than
180, making spares is the simplest way to raise your average to the 180 level.
Simply picking up spares can add 10, 20, or 30 more point to your final score. The traditional 3-6-9 spare system is the most
widely taught and easiest system to learn for beginners. While it's not a
perfect system for every lane condition or for bowlers of higher skill levels,
it's something for the beginner to use and learn.
This system was developed many years ago, and it involves moving your feet right
either three, six, or nine boards from the spot you stood to shoot your strike
depending upon the front pin in the row you're trying to convert. By moving your
feet that way, you can easily convert most of the spares. It’s as simple as
that. Adjustments begin at the starting place for the strike ball delivery.
In order to use the 3-6-9 system to convert
spares, you will need the following: a consistent delivery, consistent aim, and
consistent approach.
IMPORTANT: Always adjust your boards relative to your strike position (i.e. if your strike position is on the 25th board, you move to the right 3 boards to the 22nd board to pick up the 2-pin.)
4-pin is the key
pin = move 6 boards right
7-pin is the key pin = move 9 boards right
Pins Right
of the Center
Converting spares to the right of the head pin
requires one extra step BEFORE you start adjusting. You need to find the
10-pin line. This is the line you use to make a 10-pin conversion. You then
adjust your position relative to this line. In the 3 6 9 spare system, you move
right 3 boards for the 6-pin and move right 6 boards for the 3-pin.
10-pin is
the key pin = 3rd arrow, find the board
6-pin is the key pin = move 3 boards right
3-pin is
the key pin = move 6 boards right
