Some quick tips for those blasted corner pin spares

Some quick tips for those blasted corner pin spares Image

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  JEFF DAVIS

  JEFF DAVIS

Jeff Davis Fri, 09/27/2024 - 22:01 Subhead | JP's Classic Lanes Body

Spares on the left, move right! Spares on the right, move left!

If you are a right-handed bowler and are facing the cursed ten pin tap, move to the far-left side of the approach, and target an arrow (experiment with foot positions and arrows to find your best shot) about fifteen feet past the foul line if you roll the ball straight. The opposite move to the right side of the approach will work for lefties.

If you hook the ball, sight slightly right (right-handed bowlers) of the chosen arrow, perhaps two or three boards to allow the ball to hook slightly and still maintain its direction toward the spare. Be sure to slightly align your hips and bowling shoulder to face the corner pin and maintain that alignment as you walk to the foul line and make your delivery.

One very important key in success at converting corner pin spares (the 10 pin for right-handed bowlers or the seven pin for left-handed bowlers) is to not drift excessively to the center of the approach. Drifting to the center of the approach will reduce the angle to the spare and the ball will either miss to the inside of the spare or fall into the channel.

The number one reason bowlers miss corner pin spares is because of drifting off of the desired target path created by the initial alignment on the approach. The other most common reason bowlers miss corner pin spares is because of ball speed changes, usually trying to deliver the ball much faster than normal. And don’t forget the mental side of this equation – if you just know you will make it, your odds improve!

The honors scores reported below are all scratch (no handicap added) unless marked otherwise. Handicap scores should be available after next week’s bowling.

TheChiefs/Seahawks team, sporting an impressive 10-2 record, leads the Sunday evening This Ain’t Yo Momma’s Bowling League, followed closely by Ravens/ Rams at 9-2. Three teams are in early contention with season marks of 8-4. Sisco Zarco was on target, leading the men with a 224 game. Larry Stovall scored a 595 for high men’s series. Adriana Brenna was all in for the ladies, throwing a 213 game and 492 series.

The Monday evening Fall Youth/Adult League sponsored by Dixon & Dixon Insurance is led by The Three Randoms and Team 7 with 7-5 season tallies. This is shaping up to be a very competitive league, with only two points separating first and seventh place. Sept. 23’s action saw Hunter Watson score big for the boys, knocking out a 142 game and 361 series. Watson also had high handicap scores at 225 and 610. Madisyn Douglas topped the young ladies with a 114 game and 305 series. Haven Zarco rolled a nice 198 handicap score and Kylie Parmer rocked out a 557 handicap series. Bryan Hosking is all over the honor scores, shooting a scratch 195 game and 533 series. Hosking also had high handicap mention with scores of 219 and 605. Tiffany Gatlin also took all the marbles for the ladies, scoring 197 and 470 scratch and 251 and 632 handicap.

Two teams are at the top of the Monday Mixed Trio League, Team 1 with a 9-3 record and Classic Crazies marking 8-4. Amanda Van-Sickle was the class of the ladies, scoring a 187 scratch game and 490 series. Russ Boyd dominated on the men’s side, shooting a 201 game and 561 series.

TheTuesdayMixedLeague is rolling along with three teams having double digits in the win column. Cletus’ High Rollers sports 11-5, Money B and Odd Ones are close behind at 10-6. Familiar names abound in the honors scores: JP’s Classic Lanes General Manger Tarry Davison blasted a 275 scratch game and RB Davis scored high with a 714 scratch series. Pam Parmer cranked out a 184 game and 516 to lead the ladies.

Two teams are perched at the top of Wednesday afternoon’s Ralphie’s Memorial Classic League presented by White Oak City Limits. Mighty Mo’s Gang and Lurch & Friends share first place with season totals of 11-5. Strike Force is 106, Livin’ On A Spare is next at 9 ½-6 ½ and three more teams show 9-7 records. The scratch game and series high scores were rolled by Joe Skaggs with a 199 game and 569 series and Debby Essary led the ladies cracking 212 and 551.

The Thursday Commercial League has a hot race going. Rollin Dirty sets the pace at 11-1 and The Black Oak comes in at 10-2. The stars come out on Thursday nights at JP’ Classic Lanes as some of the heavy hitters bowl in this league. Derek Torey blasted a 278 scratch game and Dewayne Roach smashed a 714 series for the men. Morgan Cole rolled a great 236 game and Katelyn Shields was on top with a 607 scratch series.

Until next week, good luck and good bowling — and don’t miss those corner spares!