Gottlieb’s “Jump Shot” is a highly specialized electromechanical machine designed by Ed Krynski, with artwork provided by the prolific Gordon Morison. This table falls into the distinct “Add-A-Ball” category, a format specifically designed for regions where traditional replay or free-game mechanics were legally restricted.
Instead of winning a free game for high scores or matching, players are rewarded with additional balls extending their current game. This fundamental shift in the ruleset entirely changes the strategic approach; the primary goal is sheer survival and endurance rather than merely chasing a high score.
Every shot and combo is calculated to maximize the chances of triggering the add-a-ball feature. While specific playfield toys and target counts vary, the core Krynski design typically emphasizes flow and precision. “Jump Shot” remains a fascinating artifact of pinball history, showcasing how legislative constraints forced designers to innovate new mechanics that inadvertently created entirely new styles of competitive play.