So I've got a layout full of circular sprites with the bullet behavior. Sometimes one such ball will hit the environment in such a way that it travels nearly horizontal near the ground. I want to have a player that is confined to the floor (no jumping) that won't be damaged by such balls. I want the player to only be allowed to destroy balls above her. My current best idea is to have a life bar that recharges. Anyone have other ideas?
EDIT ---
(Maybe this is a more readable format)
Game type: walking left/right, shooting up to destroy balls
Problem: the balls sometimes end up bouncing so low that the player can't destroy them without being hit by them
Best solution so far: a rechargeable life bar
Any ideas?