Air Hockey > Offense > Straight Shots
Air Hockey Straight Shots
Overview of the Straight Shot
The straight shot in air hockey is when you use your mallet to make contact with the puck so it travels straight towards your opponents goal. It is a mandatory that every air hockey player learn it because it can quickly rack up points while you are on offense. This is probably the most rare shot to perform on the table because your shots will typically have a slight angle to them, making them become an angle shot. This shot is used only when your opponent is leaving a gap in their goal open on defense directly across from the position of the puck on your side of the table. |
Straight Shot Level of Difficulty
This shot ranks at a 4 out of 5 in the level of difficulty. You would think the straight shot is the easiest one to perform in air hockey, but it can actually be difficult to properly place. This is because the puck is typically in motion and is rarely ever sitting in a stagnant position where you can simply shoot it directly in a straight line. You will need to practice it to become accurate without hitting the puck off at an angle you didn't intend.
This shot ranks at a 4 out of 5 in the level of difficulty. You would think the straight shot is the easiest one to perform in air hockey, but it can actually be difficult to properly place. This is because the puck is typically in motion and is rarely ever sitting in a stagnant position where you can simply shoot it directly in a straight line. You will need to practice it to become accurate without hitting the puck off at an angle you didn't intend.
Defending Against the Straight Shot
This shot is typically one that simply catches you off guard or out of position. It can be frustrating when your opponent uses it against you because there is nothing special or fancy about it but it simply gets the job done. If you are letting these by you when you are playing defense you are likely focusing too much on the offensive side of the game and not getting back into defensive mode quickly enough. Just remember to always be lined up with and follow the puck with your mallet no matter where it is. You don't have to wait until your opponent takes a shot in order to get into position to block it.
This shot is typically one that simply catches you off guard or out of position. It can be frustrating when your opponent uses it against you because there is nothing special or fancy about it but it simply gets the job done. If you are letting these by you when you are playing defense you are likely focusing too much on the offensive side of the game and not getting back into defensive mode quickly enough. Just remember to always be lined up with and follow the puck with your mallet no matter where it is. You don't have to wait until your opponent takes a shot in order to get into position to block it.