all single-pin spares, regardless of where you position the ball on a normal strike shot. The purpose of this ball position in your single-pin spare stance is that it will help keep your body in line with your target, which is that straight line to the pin.
FOOTWORK Now that we’ve addressed the pin and have it lined up properly, foot- work is the final piece to the puz- zle. The first step with your ball- side foot (first step in a four-step approach, second step in a five-step approach) should cross over di- rectly in front of your non ball-side foot. This enables your swing to stay underneath your shoulder. This foot path not only allows
you to get your leg out of the way, but also allows the pushaway to be very straight. In essence, the crossover step repositions your ap- proach slightly to the left to make room for a straighter swing. Once you’ve completed the crossover step continue a normal approach and let your footwork proceed naturally. The premise behind this ap-
proach to footwork is that we’ve found it’s better to keep your swing straight and get your body out of the way. This contradicts tradi- tional instruction, which preached keeping our footwork and body very straight. The old method forc- es you to swing around your body.
17 USBOWLER JULY 2011
CROSSOVER DRIBBLE: The first step with your ball-side foot should cross directly in front of your non ball-side foot.
PLASTIC FANTASTIC The great thing about using a plastic ball to shoot spares is you take the variable of the lane conditions out of play. Even high-rev bowlers go straight at their spares with a plastic ball. And you can use your normal delivery. Bowlers sometimes over compensate by throwing their spare ball harder. Not necessary. Use a nice, loose swing. The more muscle you use, the harder it’s going to be to keep the swing straight. Your position on the lane is
a matter of personal preference. The starting spot should be about comfort. Virtually every bowler throws across the lane at the 7 or 10 pin. But some will choose to move and come across the lane at the 2 pin, while others may choose to line up in front of the 2 and go straight at it. Remember, the keys to
consistently picking up single- pin spares are to draw a straight line to the pin, position your body squarely at that pin and use a crossover step in your approach to assure the line stays intact as you continue through your approach.
— Kim Terrell-Kearney is Assistant Head Coach of Team USA and the International Training and Research Center in Arlington, Texas.
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