Actually you can control the balls direction, e.g. if you click it on the top right side, it will change direction to the bottom left. (Technically: the direction vector is changed to the vector from the clicking-point on the balls surface to the balls center).
But I definitely see what you are talking about. I did not figure out a way with a paddle that did not block to much of the view. Maybe I will add an arrow to the ball to show the direction if you click a certain point. I think there will be an update in near future.
Thank your for your feedback!