Tips for Playing
Professional Air Hockey
|
If you follow some of these tips, you will be able to learn how to play
air hockey like the pros.
Begin by gripping the mallet with your fingertips behind the knob. Do
not grip it on top. Your wrist action will be better and you will be
able to move faster and manipulate the mallet better if you grip the
mallet behind the knob using only your fingertips.
When you are playing on defense, make sure the mallet is in the center
position approximately nine inches out from the goal. If you perform
minor movements to the left and right (where needed), as well as block
the straight shots, you will have an excellent chance at defending your
goal.
In order to obstruct, block and bank shots, utilize the triangle
defense. This is described as quickly pulling back towards the corners
of the goal so that you can block the bank shots.
In all of your shots and defense modes, you must learn control. You
should especially obtain control of the puck before you shoot. Your
shots should be set up in much the same manner as you would set up shots
in pool. Contemplate your shot and decide where you should shoot, then
aim and shoot.
You can use various means of getting around your opponent's defense. One
way is to point towards the corners of the goal. When you are attempting
a bank shot, try to move the puck towards and in the goal off of a
one-wall bank. If you bank the shot using double or triple banks, the
puck will lose speed and, therefore, be easier to block.
Air hockey is not as easy as it looks. There is a definite skill
involved. Professional air hockey players play it as though it's a chess
match. They "psych out" their opponent, then try to figure out creative
ways to trick the defense of their opponent. |
|
Game
tables resources