Cradle separation

Separate two or more balls held on one flipper so one remains cradled while another moves to the opposite side or back into play.

Also called: Multiball separation, Ball separation

Variants: Up-and-over separation, Newton cradle separation

One of two balls is tapped to the right flipper while the other remains cradled on the left. Source: Tilt Pinball: Cradle Separation at 0:12.

How it works

  1. Settle the balls together near the base of a raised flipper.
  2. Use a tiny, controlled release or micro flip to free the outside ball.
  3. Keep the remaining ball secured while tracking the separated ball.
Use it when
Multiple balls are stacked on one flipper and independent control would improve the next shots.
Watch for
An oversized input can release every ball or send the outside ball toward an outlane.
Practice
Begin with two balls and aim only to retain one securely before adding a target shot.