I have had my STTNG machine for about 4 weeks now and the "airball" issue has been pretty much as the OP describes. I have thought it had to do with the foam behind the targets but wasn't sure what can be done to fix that. Do they sell just the foam or do the entire target switches need to be replaced? I have had some hit the shuttle target next to the beta quadrant ramp launch balls over the habitrail, into the right side track, into the right cannon, I have had them go left into the command hole, the left side track or actually fly over the flippers into the drain lanes. Don't remember seeing this much "airtime" when playing this table in the bars. Thanks for letting me add my observations and hope for a solution. Was very happy to see this post and hope for any answers.