Slap save

Strike the flipper button and cabinet in sequence to move the playfield under a ball headed down the center and extend the flippers’ reach.

Also called: Double slap, Single slap, Cabinet slap

Variants: Elwin save

The left flipper moves first and the right follows, redirecting a center-bound ball back into play. Source: Abe Flips: Slap Save at 0:52.

How it works

  1. Identify which flipper can make first contact with the center-draining ball.
  2. Slap that button and cabinet, then immediately use the opposite hand and flipper.
  3. Let the cabinet re-center instead of continuing to push it.
Use it when
A center drain is otherwise unavoidable and the ball is still within extended flipper reach.
Watch for
Any cabinet movement can trigger a warning or tilt; sensitivity varies by machine and event.
Practice
Learn with the least force that moves the ball, and never practice on a machine whose owner forbids nudging.