Live catch

Time the end of a flipper stroke to meet the incoming ball and cancel its momentum into a cradle.

Also called: Live trap

The left flipper reaches the top of its stroke at contact, stopping the incoming ball before it settles into a cradle. Source: Abe Flips: Live Catch at 1:28.

How it works

  1. Read the ball’s path and choose the receiving flipper.
  2. Flip so the ball arrives just as the flipper reaches the end of its stroke.
  3. Keep holding the button while the ball settles into a cradle.
Use it when
A clean, predictable feed approaches close to perpendicular to the flipper.
Watch for
The timing window is small, and a failed attempt can send the ball toward the center.
Practice
Use repeatable orbit returns and listen for the contact at the top of the stroke.