The air hockey table is an interesting game that has many followers. However, to a new player, the table layout may appear confusing. That’s due to the numerous markings on the playing surface.
But have you ever asked your selves what the markings on an air hockey are for? The markings help players in different ways. For instance, defining each player’s boundary, and goal position.
This page might include affiliate links for which we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you should you make a purchase. Read more here.
Read on to find the detailed meaning and functions of those markings.
Centre Line Mark
When you look at the air hockey table, you’ll realize that it closely mimics the hockey field. And at the center of the field is a horizontal line that divides the table into two halves. That is the attack and the defense side.
Air hockey table game requires two players at any given moment. That is the defender and the attacker player. The attacker initially hits the puck aiming to score against the opponent.
On the other hand, the defender as the name implies defends the puck and hits back the puck. Therefore, the center line helps to mark the two sides of the field; the attack and defense sides.
By defining the two sides, each party then knows its boundary. And at any moment whether you are an attacker or defender, your mallet must not go beyond the center line. If it crosses the center line then that means you have committed a foul.
Moreover, once the puck crosses over the center line and reaches your side you have limited time to react. You must hit back at the pack in 7 seconds. So, in other words, the center line helps you to know when the7 seconds countdown begins.
But if the puck is on the center line, any of the two players can hit it to score against the opponent. And during the entire playing time, each player must stand behind the center line.
A Pair of Circles on Either Side
On either half of the field (attack and defense side), there are two circles. The two circles just like the center line play a crucial role.
Air hockey demands that you know how to skillfully hit the puck such that your opponent has a hard time defending it, and so you make a score. So, the position and timing of the puck matter.
For that reason, the air hockey table has a pair of hockey on the defense and attack side. The circle so helps you to know the proper position to hit the puck so that it rebounds into your opponent’s goal area.
Semi-Circle On Either Side of the Center Line
Apart from the full circles on an air hockey table, you might have also seen semi-circles. That is a center circle that’s divided into two halves by the center line. A semicircle on the defense side and another semi-circle on the attacker’s side, immediately after the center line.
The semicircles mark the shooting zones on each player’s side. Depending on the layout of the air hockey table and the physics behind it, the shooting zone gives you the highest probability of scoring against your opponent.
For that reason, most players make their shots from the shooting zone, about 90 percent of their shots of the puck. First, it pulls you closer to the goal of your opponent. And best of all, it gives your opponent less time to react.
Semi Circles at the Goal Area
Like all other games, the air hockey table player aims to score on the opponent’s goal. Air hockey table a goal on either side of the table. And its opening is small such that it’s just enough for a puck to move in.
While standing on your side, viewing your opponent’s goal might be challenging. That’s why you have the semicircle highlighting the goal position on the defense and attach side. And for the goal to count, the puck must slide into the hole or tilt inward the goal mouth.
Conclusion
When you take your time to master the rules of the air hockey table, you are a step closer to being a professional. Also, you must know the meaning of the markings on the playing table.
Always make sure you stand on your side of the table as defined by the center line. Never let the mallet across the center line.
The two circles on your side may help you know how to hit the pack to rebound and make a zigzag wining pattern. When aiming at the goals, the semicircle at the end of the table comes to your aid.
