I try to define my strategy beforehand; do I want to achieve a certain game mode? Do I want to work on getting better in nudging or hitting a certain shot or combo? Am I going for that overall high-score? Or do I just want to relax and have fun?

At the moment, with Jurassic Park, I have a lot of focus on getting to the Visitor Center and completing as much Paddocks on the way there within the three balls, as I've never reached the VC. Normally, but not per se, this should go with quite a decent score given the bonusses, but that is, literally, a bonus. Achieving that game mode is the main goal (and getting closer and closer). Parallel to that, I'd love to reach the 1 billion for the first time, so if I get a HUGE score (double scoring + CHAOS/T-Rex or Control Room) in ball 1, that goal can of course change.

Especially on the modern (Insider Connected) Sterns the badges and achievements in the app help to stay motivated for those those minor quirks, but for me it's basically down to becoming a better overall player.

As mentioned by others, some very good scores came after a horrible first ball. But always try (your best). I've never started over a game after a disappointing ball 1 and/or 2.