You'll learn to be smart with your shots and avoid trying to hit standup targets or anything that creates any side to side action as the slings are deadly. Once you get the ramp shots down and the left orbit to side ramp (Delta) shots down the game becomes a lot more enjoyable. Always pick the "Advance Warp factor" option at ball launch and get the extra ball after Warp Factor 8.

I think as an overall package STTNG is the best game ever made. It's the game that's been in my collection the longest and will likely be the last to leave. It's a game that requires great shot accuracy and controlled playing and will make other games seem easy the more you play it.

Let me re-phrase. Always start off a game with "Advance to Warp Factor 4" and get the extra ball right off the bat by hitting the 4 Warp shots. Once Warp Factor 8 (Extra Ball) is achieved it is no longer a viable start option. On subsequent balls I always pick "Light Lock" or light Holodeck and work towards Borg Multi-ball like Les said.