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

I only ever got good at one pinball game. The trick is to hold the flipper up to “catch” the ball as it came down either side chute, then let it go down slowly and time it so you could hit specific targets that racked up points.  Some targets were more valuable but have a higher risk of going straight down the middle, so you avoid those until you rack up extra balls.  Then you go after the high value targets especially ones that give you multi ball.  When you get back down to one ball, you get a little more cautious again.