The art of a better bounce

Find your angle in Brick Break and Paddle Duel.

The paddle is a steering wheel

In Brick Break, the place where the ball touches your paddle changes its next direction. A hit near the middle sends it mostly upward. A hit near an edge gives it more sideways movement.

Move early, adjust late

Watch the ball as it leaves the bricks. Move toward its likely landing point first, then make a small adjustment to choose your angle. Chasing the ball at the last moment leaves less room to aim.

A different kind of opening

Paddle Duel uses the same idea sideways. Return a shot with the upper or lower part of your paddle to make your opponent travel farther. The computer has a limited movement speed: it cannot reach every angle.