The Right Grip in Air Hockey
air hockey tableshave become a very popular addition to arcade game areas and pubs. The high speed of the game and simple rules make it a very entertaining activity. Although most people use air hockey tablesfor recreation, there are an increasing number of people who play professionally. Their experience in the game helps them find out better ways of playing it, techniques which can even be used by amateurs to improve their game.
The rookie grip
The air hockey mallet is generally a flat, circular paddle with a straight handle attached to the center. Looking at the mallet, it is easy for a beginner to guess that it has been designed for players to wrap their fingers around the handle. This kind of grip might give you the ability to hit powerful shots over the air hockey table.
The professional grip
However, a game of air hockey is more about finesse and control than power. A player who is able to aim well is better able to take advantage of the gaps in the opponent’s defense and also volley back attacks with much more precision. To improve the control you have over the puck, you would have to hold down the back of the mallet with three fingers, the middle, pointer and ring. Your middle knuckle would have to touch the handle while the other two fingers would have to rest on either side of the mallet.
Improving the technique
You would need to apply a proper amount of downward force on the mallet so that you can sustain the strike of the puck, without producing too much friction over the air hockey table. With this grip, you would be able to have superior control over the mallet, and increase the accuracy of your shots. At first, it may seem difficult to perform a powerful strike, but with practice, you would be able to find the right balance in the tension you apply on the mallet. Remember that you are aiming for a firm, yet comfortable grip without allowing the mallet to slip off your hand or causing unpredictable deflections in your strikes.
