If you’re looking to improve your bowling score, being able to convert your spares is vital. However, this can be difficult to do when you’re left with a split. This is a situation where two or more non-adjacent pins remain standing after your first bowl. To increase the chances of picking up a spare with your second turn of the round, you need to have a good understanding of the different combinations and what approach you should take with each. Below are strategies you can use to hit some of the most challenging splits in the game.

A Guide to Converting Common Bowling Splits 

Big Four 

Straight bowlers tend to receive Big Four splits more often than those that hook their throw. This leaves the 4, 6, 7, and 10 pins standing. A ball that’s thrown straight down the lane is more likely to strike the head pin without any angle, allowing the back pins on either side to stay in position. The best shot is to send the ball into the 4 or 6 pins so that it slides into the two on the other side while the ball continues rolling through into the 7 or 10.  

7-10 Split 

One of the most well-known types of splits in bowling is the 7-10, also referred to as the bedposts. This setup involves the far left and far right pins in the back row. Converting the 7-10 to a spare typically requires hitting either pin with enough speed and force that it flies out of the pit or bounces off the back wall and knocks down the other pin. 

Greek Church 

Many bowling professionals would agree that the Greek Church is the trickiest split to pick up. This occurs when the 4, 6, 7, 8, and 10 or 4, 6, 7, 9, and 10 pins are left. Typically, you’ll need to make contact with the 6 so that it ricochets off the 9 and takes down the rest of the pins. You can also aim for the 4 and 7 and try to get the 4 to bounce off the 9 and create a ripple effect.

As with any skill you’re trying to get better at, practice is essential for becoming an excellent spare shooter. Joining a bowling league at All Star Lanes & Banquet in La Crosse, WI, can help develop your split shots and take your game to another level. With several lanes available, a delicious food menu, and full-service bar, this is the perfect bowling facility to engage in some friendly competition or host your next group outing. Call (608) 788-7827 for league information and open bowl schedules, or visit them online to learn more about their rates and services.