How do people who are “good” at pinball manage to consistently avoid those random bounces that just go right down the middle out that there is no counter-play for?

Question

I have always wanted to get into pinball. But the few times I decided to really give it a go. I could do alright but most of my games seemed to end with a bounce that went straight down the middle out with nothing I can do about it.

When you watch professional pinball players. It doesnt matter what game it is they always seem to be able to avoid those shots even if its their first time on a machine.

So there has to be a method or developable skill to it. But I cant for the life of me understand it.

In: Other

Answer 1

People tend to focus on the flippers. My game improved when I instead focused on the playfield about 6 inches above the flippers, especially during multi-ball play. Keeping the ball alive is more important in the long run than trying to hit a specific target/ramp.

The “6 inches up focus” gives you .1-.2 seconds extra in which to react. Raising a flipper early can catch the ball early enough on it’s downward path to deflect it and keep it out of the center pit. Having said that, if it’s going right down the middle, it’s going to drain.

I should also add that lots of machines (by stupidity or malice) ARE NOT balanced properly, especially left to right. In most places if you take a minute (and a small bubble level) you can fix this issue by twisting the adjustors at the bottom of the front and/or back legs.

Source: Am 57 year old player with loads of experience.