Basic 3-6-9 Spare System: Moving Right

For beginner and intermediate bowlers, the 3-6-9 spare system is a great way to quickly get lined up to make spares on both sides of the lane. In this free video lesson, Scott Pohl, owner of On Track Pro Shop, teaches right-handed bowlers how to hit the 2, 4, and 7 pins consistently.

Getting Started

In order for this spare system to be effective, you must be lined up and constantly hitting the pocket. Hailey Triske is lined up utilizing board 29 on the approach and targeting the second arrow.

It is called the 3-6-9 system because that is how many boards you will be moving with your feet to the right to make the 2, 4, and 7 pins from your strike shot, using the same strike target.

You can use your strike ball or a plastic spare ball with this system.

2 Pin

Located just left of the headpin, the 2 pin requires right-handed bowlers to move three boards to the right on the approach, while throwing at the same strike target on the lanes to convert this spare.

4 Pin

The 4 pin is located next to the 2 pin and it requires right-handed bowlers to move six boards to the right on the approach while utilizing the same strike target to convert this spare.

7 Pin

The 7 pin is located next to the 4 pin and it is the farthest pin on the left-hand side. Right-handed bowlers will move nine boards to the right on the approach to hit the 7 pin while using the same strike target on the lane.

Check out “Left and Right Side Spares with Kegel’s Torch” and “Low Ball” for more spare shooting tips from National Bowling Academy’s expert coaches.