If you are a fan of air hockey, it is logical that you are constantly searching for air hockey-related information.
If you are a devoted fan, you may know more about your favorite athletes than the ordinary person. Possibly, you have the whole game’s lengthy history committed to memory.
However, how about a few more random pieces of information about air hockey? Did you guys know, for example, that the air hockey table was built to mimic an ice hockey rink?
Facts About Air Hockey
Air hockey may seem fun and games, but it is rather challenging. Nonetheless, it is not a simple sport.
To remain ahead of the competition, you must possess exceptional hand-eye coordination, footwork, and endurance.
However, air hockey involves more than simply pucks. So, buckle up because this is going to be an exciting experience.
1. The First Air Hockey Was Held in 1974
At the time of this competition, no institutional organizations governed the game’s regulations. In reality, Brunswick Billiards had yet to obtain an official copyright license for the game!
The event featured a $5,000 cash prize to the champion and a $1,000 cash prize to the runner-up.
The final match was between two college teenagers who were air hockey enthusiasts. The runner-up lost after 40 matches owing to poor performance caused by painful blisters on his hands.
2. The Game Nearly Died in the Early 80s
In the 1980s, air hockey’s reputation began to decline due to the advancement of technology.
No longer were children interested in air hockey. However, kids seemed enticed by the allure of sophisticated games such as Space Invaders and Pac-Man.
A guy named Mark Robbins was ultimately responsible for the game’s revival.
He persuaded Dynamo Corporation, one of the most prominent and successful foosball table manufacturers, to include air hockey in its extensive line of amusements, helping revitalize the game.
3. The USAA Was the First and Most Important Air Hockey Association
The United States Air Hockey Association was established immediately after the inaugural competition of the sport in order to establish the game’s regulations.
It retains the most influential organization for air hockey, which players from around the globe adhere to. Some regions have also developed their own organizations to use local players as mentors.
Individuals may join the Air Hockey Players Association (AHPA), another significant organization. Members are permitted to participate in leagues and are informed of the most recent event developments.
4. Who Invented Air Hockey?
From 1969 through 1972, a team of Brunswick Billiards workers invented air hockey.
In 1969, Bob Kenrick, Brad Baldwin, and Phil Crossman, three Brunswick engineers, started developing a game with a low-friction surface.
After the project languished for many years, Bob Lemieux then worked on developing an idealized form of ice hockey with two strikers and slit-like goals connected with photodetectors.
Air hockey was promoted and distributed to the general public when it was determined that the game might appeal to a bigger market.
The original patents include references to Kendrick, Crossman, and Lemieux and prior work on air tables.
5. Tricks to Win an Air Hockey Game
Drifting is one of the most effective strategies to mislead your rival and win the game.
There are several varieties of drifts, but the fundamental concept behind each is to advance the puck in one way and then change it when the opposing team is free to score and before the competitor understands what is happening.
However, a great deal of work is required to master these techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an Air Hockey Foul?
If any portion of a teammate’s hand, arm, torso, or clothing contacts the puck, the referee will call “palming,” which is a foul.
Every player is permitted one timeout every game. The maximum time-out allowed is 10 seconds.
What Is a Full-Sized Air Hockey Table?
The USAA and the Air Hockey Player Association (AHPA) accept and sanction regular air hockey tables measuring 6 feet in width and 8 feet in length for tournaments and leagues.
What Material Comprises an Air Hockey Table?
Typically, the surfaces of air hockey tables are composed of plastic. Its surface is bordered by raised borders that hinder the puck from leaving the table.
Each air hockey table’s surface is perforated symmetrically with small holes, giving an equal and smooth playing field.
Final Takeaway
When it comes to well-liked pastimes and games, including air hockey, there isn’t any question that there are devoted followers of the game.
As a result, untrained air hockey players may be unaware of some of the game’s more intricate or odd facts.
From bizarre superstitions to weird game regulations, air hockey has its share of odd tales and peculiar facts that you should be aware of.
