Slingshots are devices that pretty much act as the name implies. They are generally found just above the main flippers at the bottom of the playfield. They are usually set at an angle in such a way that they kick the ball to the opposite side of the playfield as well as up the playfield. When the ball hits the rubber in front of the slingshot kicker a switch closes which activates the slingshot coil. As the coil plunger is pulled down into the coil the kicker arm is propelled forward by lever action to shoot the ball away "like a slingshot". A slingshot in "like new" condition can me made even more powerful with some modifications.

The Physics:

The pinball imparts a force on the slingshot rubber which pushes on leaf switch. The rubber in turn imparts a force on the pinball to start a change in momentum for the ball.

The leaf switch closes to complete the circuit to the slingshot coil.

The energized coil magnetizes the iron core which is pulled in and attracted to the coil stop at the bottom of the coil.

The L-shaped kicker arm is rotated about its axis (levers, torque) which produces a strong force on the slingshot rubber and the pinball.

The force of the slingshot for a moment of time (impulse) produces a change in momentum of the ball (direction change as well as speed increase).

The rebounded rubber allows the switch to return to an open state, deactivating the coil.

The spring force returns iron core to its original position.