| Factor | Strikes | Spares |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | All 10 on first ball | All 10 across two balls |
| Bonus | Next 2 rolls | Next 1 roll |
| Excitement | High | Lower |
| Score consistency | Variable | Foundation of high average |
| Coaching priority | Secondary | Primary ('sparing is for dough') |
Choose Strikes when…
You're focused on the exciting high-scoring shots, have a powerful hook and high strike rate, or are chasing the perfect 300 game.
Choose Spares when…
You want to build a consistent, reliable average, are developing your fundamentals, or want the highest-leverage skill for improving your score.
Gear for both
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FAQ
Are spares or strikes more important in bowling?
Spares are the foundation of a consistent score — the bowling adage is 'striking is for show, sparing is for dough'. A bowler who reliably converts spares scores consistently in the 170s-190s even without many strikes, whereas missed spares cap your average no matter how many strikes you throw. Master spares first, then build strikes on top.
How do you aim for a strike in bowling?
Most bowlers aim at the arrows (arrows are 15 feet from the foul line, much closer than the pins) rather than the pins themselves. For a right-handed bowler, the standard strike target is the second arrow from the right — this directs the ball to the pocket between the 1-pin and 3-pin. The ball should enter the pocket at an angle of 4–6 degrees to maximise pin scatter and carry.
What is a perfect game in bowling?
A perfect game is a score of 300 — 12 consecutive strikes in a single game (10 frames plus 2 bonus balls in the 10th frame). Each strike in a non-final frame scores 10 plus the next two deliveries, which means 12 consecutive strikes gives 30 per frame across the first 9 frames, and 30 for the 10th frame's three balls. Perfect games occur at all levels of bowling, but are rare for recreational players.