How to Bowl a 7-10 Pin Spare

When it comes to bowling, there is one spare set-up that is absolutely dreaded. That is the seven-ten split. Both pins are on opposite sides of the lane in the very back row. You must strike the pin with enough force and in the right spot to send it across the lane to knock over the remaining pin. Here are some tips on how to get a seven-ten pin spare.

Things You'll Need

  • Bowling alley
  • Bowling ball
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine which pin you are going to hit first. The rule of thumb is that you need to aim for the pin that corresponds to which hand you use to bowl. So since the seven is on the left side, left-handed bowlers would aim for that pin. Conversely, if you are right-handed, you'd aim for the ten pin. Many people act on pure superstition as well.

    • 2

      Move to the edge of the lane. Behind the lane, there are dots that correspond with arrows in the middle of the lane. Move to the dot for your respective pin. (left-most dot for left-handers and right-most dot for right-handers.)

    • 3

      Assume your bowling position. Your feet should be shoulder width apart, your knees slightly bent and the ball resting by your hip in the hand with which you bowl. Relax into this position before bowling.

    • 4

      Start your approach toward the lane. During this process, you want to focus on the outer edge of the pin for which you are aiming. If you hit the pin in the center or inner edge, it will not perform the action of shooting across the lane and making contact with the remaining pin to get the spare. Many people use a two or three step approach.

    • 5

      Release the ball keeping your wrist straight. This is the most important thing, as any variation will surely send your ball into the gutter. The margin of error when bowling on the edge of the lane is quick small. Think of your wrist and forearm as one unit, as if you have no wrist joint.

    • 6

      Get the spare and high five your friends. Picking up the seven-ten split spare in bowling is quite tough. The physics have to align in a narrow margin. Once the ball strikes the first pin, it will shoot across the lane. The unknown factor is whether it will make contact with the remaining pin.