First, get comfortable shooting at it. A long time ago, I used to miss it all the time. One day, I got mad and filled a score sheet (when we still had to write our own scores) just shooting at nothing but the 10 pin. I think it was 10 or 12 games to a sheet. I was in a non-competitive environment (no pressure) and learned to relax and hit the pin. Now, I would rather shoot the 10 pin than any other leave. I am so confident now in my ability to cover the 10 pin I'd rather shoot at it than a 5 pin!
Also, shooting cross alley from the left side of the lane (for a righty)
increases your margin for error. Think about it. If you're shooting straight down the 1 board, your margin for error is what, 1 board, maybe 2? You have to either hit the pin dead center, or to the left - to the right you're in the ditch. By standing left and shooting over the 4th or 5th arrow, you have the width of the pin plus the width of your ball x 2. Think about it, you can hit the pin dead center, on the left side, or on the right side (just before the ball hits the ditch).
Personally, I like to throw plastic at it and take friction out of the equation. Some tips I have read say to "dump" the ball with no follow through, but I prefer to keep the same follow through, throw plastic, and flatten the wrist - come straight up the back of the ball (think end-over-end roll with 0 side tilt).
Oh, and relax.
DO NOT try to increase speed or force the ball into the corner, as the other measures you've taken will keep the ball from hooking off target. Also, throwing harder is more likely to throw your timing off a tad and result in an errant shot. It's only one pin - you could roll a 4 lb ball 1 mph and knock it over, so hitting it harder is unnecessary. Stay relaxed, loosen your swing, and just get the ball to the target. It's as easy as that.
Good Luck!
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9~Internet Tough Guy
Cyberspace Sheep Lover
