I'm not the a great player, but I do alright. I used to restart f-14 (my first game) all the time if the 1st ball sucked. Now when a get a new game I change the settings to be a easy as possible. Extra balls, save progress, tight outlanes. I've even put a game on 5 balls (gasp) to learn it better and have longer ball times. At home you should have fun, however you do it. Don't let the game get to you because that one great ball can happen whenever.
Once I learn the machine I start raising the difficulty.