Although I was a bit better at shooting my spares tonight (and, indeed, I even made a couple of tougher ones, a washout and a baby split), I still think I’m missing too many for comfort, and good spare shooting could’ve been used tonight, because I couldn’t line up anything in the second game. If I had made all of my makeable spares in the second game, I would’ve definitely saved my average tonight. With an eye on this, I’ve decided not to bowl in any of the upcoming tournaments and spend my money instead on a couple of lessons about spare shooting (hopefully, maybe just one lesson will fix my problems, though).
Result: 182-157-183=522
Average (54 games): 180 Last 9 games average: 178
Next week’s AVG+1 score: 579
Comparatively speaking, however, it was a banner night for my team to open the second half, and the highlight was Helen shooting a 204 in her first game, which she told me was her first since the season before last. Carl also had a second game in the 180s, and those games helped pace us to a three-point night. Good shooting guys! 😀
The Tenth Board 
Hi Rich,
I’m curious about a couple of things.
1) How do you calculate your “average plus one”?
2a) Do you use the same ball for sparing as you do for your strike shot?
2b) Would it be easier to make spares if you threw a ball that hooked less (or not at all) and took a straighter line? Or perhaps a ball that was drilled to roll that way?
These are issues I’ve not come across as a simple 5 pin bowler – but I am curious.
You are obviously doing enough things pretty well to have your average in the 180’s.
cheers,
Gar
Hey Gar…I’ll address your questions one by one…
1) Remember, “average plus one” means the series needed to raise your average by a single pin. It can be done in a spreadsheet if you have the games you already bowled in a range. Here’s the formula:
(TRUNC(AVERAGE(range))+1)*(COUNT(range)+3)-(SUM(range))
Note: The 3 in the formula can be replaced with whatever number of games you bowl in a series.
I just take it from my BowlingTracker.com stat sheet when I can, though.
2a) I’ve been using my Target Zone for most of my spares.
2b) I’ve been trying to go straighter at my spares. I’m not sure if I’m lined up properly, my mechanics on my spares are different, or both. I’ve arranged for a lesson from Ray for a couple of weeks from now to address my spare issues.
Hi Rich,
Thanks for the explanation regarding average plus one.
Is this a stat that 10 pin bowlers keep track of on a regular basis?
Good luck with the lesson 🙂
Hey again Gar
I’m not sure that all bowlers track what they need to raise their average, but I’m certain many do…it gives them something to shoot for in their quest for improvement. 😀