How to Convert a Bowling Split

There isn't a worse feeling in bowling than looking down the lane and seeing two pins on either side of the lane staring back at you after your first roll. Picking up a spare by converting a split -- when two or more pins aren't adjacent to each other after your first roll -- is something that frustrates even professional bowlers, as you have to strike the pins at the perfect angle and with the exact spin. Although the 7-10 split is the most well-known -- and feared -- type of split, there are other types of bowling splits, and there are a few methods you can utilize depending on the situation.

Instructions

    • 1

      Grip the ball firmly and keep your wrist straight if you are seeking to convert a 7-10 split. Align your body on the far left side of the lane if you are left-handed, and on the far right side if you are right-handed. Release the ball hard between the second and third arrows from the side you're on. Hopefully, the ball will strike one pin and knock it into the one on the other side of the lane.

    • 2

      Roll the ball directly in the middle of the pins if you're faced with a 2-3, 4-5, 5-6, 7-8, 8-9 or 9-10 split. You will want to have the bowling ball strike both pins at the same time to maximize your chance at success.

    • 3

      Convert a 3-10 split by striking the 3 pin on the right side so that it ricochets into the 10 pin. Do the opposite if you're a left-handed and facing a 2-7 split.

    • 4

      Aim to just clip the right side of the 5 pin if you are faced with a 5-7 split, as you will need it to go as horizontal as possible to maximize your chance at hitting the 7 pin to the left. Go for the extreme left side if faced with a 5-10 split.