Shielding

Raise the flipper beneath a dangerous feed to close part of the center gap, then switch flippers as the ball crosses the middle.

Also called: Flipper shielding, Center-drain shielding, Flipper management

How it works

  1. Predict which side of the center gap the ball is approaching.
  2. Raise the nearest flipper to shield that path.
  3. After the ball crosses the center line, lower it and raise the other flipper if needed.
Use it when
Slingshot, inlane, or post rebounds may drop unpredictably toward the center.
Watch for
Holding both flippers or switching too early can create a larger uncontrolled gap.
Practice
Practice the left-right handoff on slow feeds until it becomes automatic.