I've heard that term a lot since I've returned to bowling : going through the pins properly. I understand its meaning, and I can actually visualize it as I'm typing this response. Back in the day, though, you'd simply chalk it up as pins simply weren't falling for the bowler.

But hey, I commend you on converting on more than 90 percent of your 10-pins. That's almost as good as having a clean sheet, no misses for your set.

Well, it depends upon when that statement is uttered. If everything (300-800, tourney title, etc.) is riding on a single shot, while I'd like to throw a great shot, I'll be more than happy to live with myself if a good break gets me what I want. Still, all things being equal, I'd like to pure the shot AND get the result I'm looking for.

We all just need to realize that there is almost always a clear reason why we leave what we do. If you drill the pocket and leave a 7-10, it means your ball probably came back a little too late, causing it to come in slightly behind the head pin, which thus impacts the deflection into the 7 and 10 pins. Sure, the ball technically got to the pocket, but it didn't get there at the right time and with the right angle to carry. Sure, sometimes we get away with those shots, but it's not quite the unbelievably bad break some people make it out to be when both pins end up standing. That's also the case with solid 8-pins. People always used to say that it's the only true tap in bowling. These days, solid 8's are very easy to leave, especially when you're playing deep angles. Sure, the ball comes up and gets flush into the pocket, but it doesn't have the continuation to get through the deck to the 8-pin. If you watch the ball leave the pin deck on those hits, you'll see that it goes straight back or just slightly in the direction of the 9-pin. Is it still a pretty good shot? Sure it is, but it's not terrible luck - or terribly hard to understand.

Again, I just posted about this as a reminder that we all need to take a look at where and how our bowling balls are moving on the lane and leaving the pin deck. The information you gain from doing so will help you understand what you are leaving and why. There are times when everything looks good, but you still end up leaving something behind. That's what happens when two round objects collide; however, more often than not, you should have a pretty good idea why you left what you left. It's not bad luck; it's bad ball motion-matchup at that point in time.

Spencer,

You're exactly right. Last night wasn't the most fun evening of bowling I've ever had, but I was very pleased with my spare shooting. If I can make nine out of every ten 10-pins I shoot, I will be quite happy!

Gene,

 Since when is the BALL supposed to hit the 8 pin?

 I have always been under the impression that the perfect shot had the ball hitting the 1-3-5-9 (1-2-5-8 for lefties), and everything else was pin interaction.

 I know resin changed lots of the game. Did it change this too?

I'm a little hazy with my memory on exactly what takes out what anymore, Juggernaut. Back when I was working with USBC Equipment and Specs, I could've told you exactly what was "supposed to" go where, and I could even show you high-speed video of it happening. I may have spoken inaccurately before, but my premise remains the same. Today, leaving the 8-pin can often be linked to the ball not finishing hard enough through the deck. To the naked eye, the ball looks dead flush, but it doesn't go through the pins with the proper authority to get the 8 out.

Been there where I've left 10+ ten pins in a set.  It almost gets comical after moving a couple boards, change balls, change area of lane, change speed, change release, change shoes, take keys out of pocket, anything else I can think of.  There are just those times where it's just going to be a test of mental toughness to just pick up spares.  It's sure not fun though.

Gene, what adjustments did you try and why was that your choice?  I know I'm always trying to learn what others do.  I'm sure others would like to hear from someone with experience as well.