Nudging

Move the cabinet briefly so the playfield shifts under the ball, changing its speed or path after contact with a post, rubber, or wall.

Also called: Nudge, Bumping, Shaking

Variants: Nudge pass, Outlane shake

The cabinet shifts sideways as the ball approaches the outlane, changing its path toward the flipper. Source: Abe Flips: Nudging, Part 1 at 2:50.

How it works

  1. Predict the ball’s path before it reaches a dangerous obstacle.
  2. Use a short movement to place the obstacle where it can redirect the ball.
  3. Stop pushing and allow the machine to settle immediately.
Use it when
A small change can keep the ball away from an outlane or improve a rebound.
Watch for
Long, sustained movement is less precise and more likely to trigger a tilt warning.
Practice
Start with gentle post rebounds and move the cabinet only as much as needed.