Broaching balls

A clearing ball (also known as a spare ball) is a special type of bowling ball used mainly to clear remaining pins after the first throw. Unlike strike balls, which typically have more rotation and hook potential to effectively hit and knock down pins, clearing balls are designed to follow a straighter path to allow for accurate shots.

Clearing balls are often made of polyester or urethane, as these materials are less reactive to the web and therefore better at maintaining a straight line motion. The straighter path of the clearing ball allows the player to target the remaining pins with greater accuracy, increasing the chances of a successful clear. Clearing balls are an important part of the equipment for advanced bowlers who want to further improve their game and increase the number of successful clearances.