Dead bounce

Leave a flipper down and let the ball rebound from it toward the opposite flipper, reducing the ball’s momentum without a flip.

Also called: Dead flip, Dead pass, Bounce pass

The ball strikes a lowered left flipper and rebounds safely to the right flipper. Source: Abe Flips: Dead Bounce at 0:38.

How it works

  1. Recognize a feed aimed safely at the face of a lowered flipper.
  2. Do not press the button; let the rubber absorb and redirect the ball.
  3. Receive the slower rebound on the opposite flipper.
Use it when
A predictable feed can rebound across the center instead of draining.
Watch for
Feeds near the flipper base or inlane guide can deflect straight down the middle.
Practice
Resist flipping during safe feeds and observe how that particular machine rebounds.