Air Hockey > Offense
Air Hockey Shots and Offense
Keys to Learning Air Hockey Shooting and Offense
Not all of us aspire to become professional players. However, that doesn't mean the competitive spirit in all of us doesn't come out when we play a game against an opponent. There are two foundational elements that you should know at any level that will help improve your game. First is learning how to drift the puck, which is essentially tapping it towards the centerline in order to set up your shot. The second foundational element is knowing the shooting zone that you need to drift the puck into in order to take your shot from the place on the table that will allow you to be most accurate. After you understand these two things, you can move on to more tactical level items to improve your game. Over the years we have collected a few tips below we feel shouldn't be overlooked as you are leaning how to play air hockey.
Not all of us aspire to become professional players. However, that doesn't mean the competitive spirit in all of us doesn't come out when we play a game against an opponent. There are two foundational elements that you should know at any level that will help improve your game. First is learning how to drift the puck, which is essentially tapping it towards the centerline in order to set up your shot. The second foundational element is knowing the shooting zone that you need to drift the puck into in order to take your shot from the place on the table that will allow you to be most accurate. After you understand these two things, you can move on to more tactical level items to improve your game. Over the years we have collected a few tips below we feel shouldn't be overlooked as you are leaning how to play air hockey.
- Practice slow shots before trying to speed them up - Some people think they need to practice at full speed. We would contend that you need to crawl before you can walk and taking a slow approach helps you understand the angles. It can also help to better understand your accuracy. Then speed up your game when you are comfortable with what a solid shot looks like.
- Shoot with your wrist, not your arm - While you can produce more speed with an exaggerated arm thrust motion at the puck, there are a couple reasons why you should avoid this. First, too much power will actually make the puck jump and sometimes cause it to fly off the table, especially off a rail on a bank shot. This results in a loss of a possession and potential scoring opportunity. Second, moving your arm too far every time you attack makes you weaker on rebound offense. You want to quickly strike the puck with a wrist flick so you can get back on defense and protect your goal from ricochets and quick shots back at you.
- Vary your shot sequence - Keeping your opposing force on their toes and always guessing your next move is critical to your success. Remember that if they know it is coming because you consistently take the same shot or two they will likely find a strategy to beat you. If you vary what types of shots you are taking, where you are taking them from and which side you attack their goal, they will start to second guess their every move. The sport is just as much a mental game as it is a skills one.
- Add in some punk fakes - If you feel like you are being easily telegraphed, break out a few juke moves before you take your shot to throw them off. Again, don't do this every time as it will just become another tendency they will look out for.
- Play against stiff competition - You simply can't learn anything from players you can always beat. You need to find people that challenge your every shot and defensive move in order to get better at the game.
Types of Air Hockey Shots
The offensive side of the game is extremely important to stay dynamic. Unlike some other table games like foosball shots, it is not recommended to just learn a single shot. You will need to vary your offensive sequence in air hockey and if you become one dimensional, you will easily telegraph all of your shots. Make sure you practice all of these shots in order to master the game.
The offensive side of the game is extremely important to stay dynamic. Unlike some other table games like foosball shots, it is not recommended to just learn a single shot. You will need to vary your offensive sequence in air hockey and if you become one dimensional, you will easily telegraph all of your shots. Make sure you practice all of these shots in order to master the game.
Straight Shots - A straight is defined as a shot that goes in a straight line from the offensive side towards their opponent's goal.
Bank Shots - Banks are when the puck strikes one side rail and bounces into the goal. Banks can be "unders" or "overs" depending on if they go over the top of the defenders mallet or under it.
Double Bank - Similar to the standard bank, this is when the puck hits off the wall before it scores a goal. However, the difference with the double bank is it must hit two walls before scoring.
Trick Shots - Trick shots are all about deception, speed and timing. The key to these types of shots is to fake out your opponent and vary your shot sequence so your opponent doesn't know what you are going to do next.
