Day #73: March 14th, 2026
How to Convert the 7–10 Split: The Ultimate SpareTime Challenge
Every bowler eventually faces the impossible: the 7–10 split. Known as the “goalposts” or “bedposts,” this spare is the hardest in bowling because the pins stand at opposite ends of the back row. Yet while almost every bowler has watched it mock them, converting the 7–10 isn’t completely out of reach. With the right strategy, physics, and a bit of luck, it can happen, and when it does, it’s unforgettable.
Understanding the 7–10 Split
In a 7–10 split, you’re left with just the far-left back pin (7-pin) and the far-right back pin (10-pin). What makes it brutal is the wide distance between them, roughly 12 inches wider than the ball itself. You can’t simply aim for both, so you have to use the rebound off the back wall or pin deck to knock one pin across into the other.
The Proven Approach
Most successful 7–10 conversions use the sidewall rebound method. Here’s how it works:
- Target the corner pin directly. Right-handers usually aim for the 10-pin, while left-handers go after the 7-pin.
- Use a higher speed and minimal hook. A straighter, faster shot makes the pin bounce more violently.
- Let physics do the rest. If hit precisely, the pin can bounce off the back cushion and slide across the deck just enough to hit the opposite pin.
The key is placement of the bowling ball; even a half-inch off can ruin the angle. That’s why many pros say the 7–10 is equal parts skill and miracle.
What the Pros Know
Professional bowlers like Mark Roth and Andy Varipapa have famously converted the 7–10 on television, proving it can be done. They rely on repeatable technique: consistent ball speed, calm focus, and a clean release that controls the pin’s bounce. It’s also worth noting that modern lane oil patterns and pin deck materials affect your chances. Synthetic lanes, for instance, make rebounds sharper but less predictable.
Practice Tips for SpareTime Bowlers
You might not see the 7–10 often, but practicing similar corner spares builds the precision you need:
- Work on single-pin accuracy (especially corner pins).
- Experiment with ball speed and release angle.
- Challenge yourself.
- Record your attempts to measure consistency and improvement.
The Takeaway
Converting the 7–10 split isn’t about perfection, no, it’s about persistence and understanding the science behind every pinfall. Even if you don’t make it, every try strengthens your fundamentals and gives you that much more control when it counts.
So next time those “goalposts” appear, don’t sigh… smile. You’ve got a plan, so maybe today’s your day to make bowling history.