10 Pin Right-Handers – 7 Pin Left-Handers
The 10 Pin for right-handed bowlers and 7 Pin for left-handed bowlers can be the most frustrating pin to leave in bowling. In most cases it appears to be a very good shot that could result in a strike, but stays standing as if to mock you!
The good news is there are several options for a bowler to improve skill at picking up the 10 Pin (right-handers) and 7 Pin (left-handers). Here are a few of these options:
- Use the middle arrow. The middle of the lane has the most amount of oil allowing the ball to skid further down the lane rather than hooking away from the pin. The middle arrow creates more angle than the third arrow (common arrow for cross alley). The increased angle will cause the ball to go straighter farther down the lane.
- For most bowlers, bringing your eyes in closer to the dots will improve accuracy. For the right-hander bowler, count 17 boards from the left side of the lane. For the left-handed bowler, count 17 boards from the right side of the lane. Focus on the dot area as you release the ball and in your mind, let your swing go through to the arrow. Hint: the dot closest to the center on each side is board 14.
- Make sure your shoe slides at or near the last dot on the approach. This will get the ball started on the correct part of the lane for the ball to cross the dots and arrows to the corner pin. Many bowlers tend to walk back towards the middle causing the ball to go to straight with the boards.
- If you have more than one bowling ball, switch to a lesser hooking ball. Plastic is the most ideal ball for shooting 10 pins (right-handers) and 7 pins (left-handers).
- Change your hand position to the back of the ball so the ball rolls more end over end. Letting the wrist bend back slightly can also help cut down the hook.
Experiment with these options and determine which option(s) bring you the most success. Using one or many of these tips will improve your consistency on picking up your corner pins.
