Yes. Use Pause or press P. A moving ball also pauses when you leave the browser window or enter or leave full screen, so you can return safely.
Yes. Choose Pause or press P while the ball is moving, and play resumes where it stopped.
When it pauses by itself
- Switching to another window or tab pauses a moving ball.
- Entering or leaving full screen pauses active play, so the court can resize without costing you a life. Escape leaves full screen.
Before you launch, nothing moves, so there is nothing to pause. Choose Launch ball or press Space when you are ready.
What pausing does not do
It does not save the run. The current level, lives and score reset if you reload or leave (what is saved). Only your personal best is kept.
Taking a pause between returns is a good way to plan the next paddle angle: see how the paddle aims, and the strategy guide.