I think the scoop locations border on genius. The mode start (left) scoop is positioned so that a miss to either side can send the ball into the pops and change the mode ready. This adds just the right amount of tension when you have Light Extra Ball ready (or one of the other more lucrative modes) and you are shooting for the mode start. It's gloriously frustrating when you miss and it changes to something else.

The rightmost (Wildcard) scoop where you collect the extra ball (or extend mode timers, etc.) also has the right amount of difficulty (it's hard) and risk for the value (you might drain if you do miss, but it's usually saveable with an appropriate nudge).

The Chicken (middle) scoop is not one I normally shoot for on purpose unless I'm one shot away from the next Chicken award. However, the position is great if you realize it's secondary function is to provide another exit from the pops with a predictable return (via the left scoop).