public void act()
    {
        // sends information to expandImage method where it stretches the paddle
        if(enlarge > -1) {
            expandImage(getImage().getWidth()+1);
            // expand by 1 more animation
            enlarge++;
            // stop expansion when reached 25 times
            if(enlarge > 25) {
                enlarge = -1;
            }                   
        }
        // sends information to expandImage method where it stretches the paddle
        else if	(shrink > -1) {
            shrinkImage(getImage().getWidth()-1);
            // expand by 1 more animation
            shrink++;
            // stop expansion when reached 25 times
            if(shrink > 25) {
                shrink = -1;
            }            
        }
    }