I've been using an old Sport-Tec urethane ball a friend gave me for shooting 6 &/or 10 pin spares and while it's not a bad ball, I'm only good for about 40% accuracy.  My approach when using this ball is to stand about 13-15 boards left of center (I'm right handed) and aim between the 3rd & 4th arrows.  If the lane conditions are just right and my aim is just right, the ball will travel down the lane (along the gutter) and I'll pick my spare.  If not, it will break too much (or too soon) to the left and I miss one or both pins.  I know I should be able to flatten out the ball enough for this shot, but I'm just not there yet. 

So what I'm going to try now is the old Zone ball I bought back in December when I first got back into bowling.  The reason I quit using it was because the thumb hole became too small after I'd been bowling for a while.  So I've got it redrilled and ready to go.  But here's my question.  Switching to a plastic ball that is going to no or very little hook to it, I know I'm going to have to change my approach/angle.  But to what degree?  Should I line up straighter to the 6/10 pins and throw straight down the laner or just reduce the angle some and try throwing/lofting the ball a little deeper down lane? 

This may be a stupid thing to ask about, but I'm just curious as to how others that are using a plastic ball approach the 6/10 or 4/7 pin spares.  And at this point (I finished the summer league with a 186 avg), I feel my inconsistancy in picking this spare is keeping me from throwing 600 series' on a more regular basis.  I know I'm not gonna become a 200 avg bowler overnight, but I've had more than a few games that could've been much better had I not left so many 6/10 pins standing.  So any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!!     

After a couple years of harassment from my higher average teammates about me not having a plastic spare ball, I broke down and got one.

My ten pin conversion percentage did go up considerably. So did my average.

Now I am able to get up on the approach with more swag to throw at the nemesis of most bowlers knowing I have a better chance of busting it dead flush. Then I think to myself, I got the best of that pin!

One common piece that most all pros use is a plastic spare ball. Why? It works. 

It is all in what you practice using. In many cases there is no practice just bowling league.

Any ball even plastic over a few games starts to alter in surface. Even plastic can become rough and hook.

I would suggest taking your urethane ball and having it cleaned/polish added. That ball has a pancake weight block and mild cover. A little cleaning and adjusting of surface with polish can make it go every bit as straight as plastic. That is a $5-$15 solution.

+1 i have used a Desperado for my spares for years, but a bunch of polish on it and it goes straight enougheespecially if you can back your hand of it a bit. On top of that having urethane in the bag is a good plus. It will give you a added dimension if the lanes go all nuts you have a ball that will be smooth even on the lane.

spares, especially single pins comes down to fundamentals
solid fundamentals will increase shot making considerably
yes, a plastic or non-weight block core type ball will help with going much straighter for spares, but only marginally if your not consistent

food for thought

Thanks for the replies.  Appreciate the input and advice.

I agree that having a urethane ball is a good thing to have on hand and that's why I was using it; trying to kill two birds with one stone.  To use as a spare ball and for dry(er) lanes. 

Agree also that solid fundamentals and consistancy are key factors.  Still working on both!!  It's frustrating as hell when I've strung together a few stikes or going after an easy spare and then I throw the ball and as soon as it leaves my I hand, I'm asking myself, "what the hell was that!!" 

Gonna go practice this afternoon when I get off work and see how the Zone ball works and see if I can figure it out.  Will also keep in mind the option of having the old Sport-Tec ball cleaned and polished.  In time and with practice, that may be the better, more versatile ball to go with.

Thanks again!!         

Quick update;  Bowled yesterday afternoon using the Zone ball as my spare ball and that's definitely the way to go!!  For now anyway.....   

Of the opportunities I had shooting at the 6 &/or 10 pin, I was at about 80-85%!!  Tried a method I had just read about online and it worked great.  I'm sure most experienced and long-time bowlers know this, but it was new to me...  For spares (especially the corner pins), pick an aiming point further down lane which will allow your ball to go straighter.  That may be over-simplifying it, but it works. 

Over time and once my confidence builds at consistantly picking the 6/10 pin spares I may go back to using the urethane ball, but for now I'll stick with the plastic Zone ball. 

Thanks again for all the input!!             

The plastic ball takes out the guessing game. It is going to go straight, light, medium, or heavy....it doesn't matter.

Practice is the key. Play 2 or 3 games just shooting at the six and ten pins. Then do the same for the four and sevin pins. You will be amazed how your confidence goes up, when its time knock them down for a spare in league or tournament.

 

Only reason to use a spare ball on THS conditions is if you cant adjust your release to go a bit straighter.  Flatter tournament patterns are another matter.  Shiny urethane or plastic is the only way to go, and it can be more important on 4 and 7 pins than on 6 and 10 pins for a right hander.  I throw my spare ball at all spare other than double wood combos.  Saves the surface of my strike ball, and give me a more consistent reaction across a lot of conditions.