The record is now 116-5, thoroughly passing the 100 win mark.
Table Condition: I do have to point out Celebration Station does not repair their tables; the "Hot Flash" goal I was playing at, as always, slides back diagonally when force is exerted against it. I had to use my knee to keep it where it should be during all games on the "Hot Flash". This resulted in my knee having a large, red sore spot on it afterwards. My knee will be sore and tender halfway into the week.
Friday: Friday was the best day! I began by challenging whoever was playing, winning, and continuing to challenge people. The games began on the purple-top table and soon moved to the "Hot Flash" table because the speeds are greater and the puck movement more fluid.
After the first four games, I began to attract a crowd. Soon after that, I was surrounded by people watching the game and asking me questions. I even had one person who asked if she could take my picture while playing! (Believe me; it's true.) The last time I counted, there were more than 16 people present and watching. My opponent was being decided for two to three games ahead at one point.
I love these environments! Everyone has at least one sport he or she can play well. I really enjoy it when people are amazed at my hard work and skills. It's a bit like the limelight, I think. I really want to play people in the US Air Hockey Association (USAA) and see just how far I can go in my current state.
Saturday: I came at the same time as Friday and sincerely hoped to see some stragglers from last night and play them. It's rare I meet anyone who I have played before (I think that's only happened two times so far). I found this one guy (in his 30's, I assume) and played him for many games on end. He wasn't too bad. As is normal during multiple games, he began to try to mimic my puck control and drifting. In my opinion, people either begin to see the advantage to playing as I do or they attempt to mimic me because they hope they can score if that happens.
After the guy left, I played a "team" of two guys for three games; they thoroughly enjoyed it. Finally, one kid was the odd one out on a game his parent and a friend was playing. I decided to let him enjoy a game (it turned out to be three games afterwards). To help him enjoy the games better, I kept aiming the puck at his mallet so he could hit it back. Granted, I missed some times and it went in the goal. Still, they were nice cool-down games and the kid was really excited. I hope he continues to play air hockey and discovers it as a sport. (Note: For those interested, I do not count games to my record unless the opponent was modestly competent.)
Verdict: I once again proved superior in every game against every opponent. If this keeps up, I will see about going down to Atlanta to see if their league has anyone I cannot beat. I certainly hope so; it's much easier to improve if you have a specific goal in mind.
Question & Answer Time: I will answer a few FAQs from both nights:
How long have I been playing? I have been playing seriously since early 2001-2002. I played many times before that. It was not until early 2003 or so that I began in earnest to become a better player.
Have I been to any tournaments? I can think of a few out west I could attend, but there isn't anything close to home. I do not think at this time air hockey is a justifiable reason to incur travel expenses. Therefore, I have not participated in any tournaments. I prefer to know what I am up against before I play in tournaments. If I know I have a good chance of winning, I will consider traveling. Air hockey does not pay the bills and I will not allow it to create some.
Where did I learn to play like that? I learned on my own. There are a few air hockey sites online that tell of a few moves. I also have a few media files of a tournament in Texas. The people playing are extremely good, but it's difficult to learn much from those videos. Instead, my play style involves monitoring the opponent's defense and coming up with a strategy either to shoot or to create holes by fake shots in his or her defense and then exploit the holes. Most of my strategy is not that complex, but as of late I have been trying to come up with even more complex strategies and analyses of opponents' psychologies.
How often do I play? After 9PM on Fridays and Saturdays exclusively at Celebration Station. I have yet to find a better place where I can play stronger people in the Greensboro area. I tried a mall in Winston Salem, but they didn't have a table.
What's my favorite shot? I have never had anyone ask me that before. When I was asked that on Friday, I had to think. I have two favorite shots, actually. The first is what I call a "pop shot". This shot is a simple straight shot at the opponent's goal. What makes it my favorite shot is its speed; it is faster than anything anyone has seen. Since most people do not use the "triangle defense," a well-aimed pop shot can take out an opponent.
My other favorite shot is a great example of the thought I put in the game, but is difficult to set up. It requires two shots banking off one side of the opponent's goal. This will make the person move his mallet closer the side I bank off. The third shot will look like it is the same thing because nothing differs. However, I will then aim for the opposite side of the opponent's goal, which is normally less guarded by then. To change it up, I may cause the puck to hit either wall before hitting the opponent's goal. A shorter version of this shot involves me hitting the puck softly towards the far left of the center line and hitting it once more before it crosses the line to create a totally different shot--basically the same effect as the three-shot one, but with no setup.
How can I get that good? Part of it relies on one's reflexes and hand-eye coordination--that's the honest truth. Still, one can progress by practicing either alone or with someone. When one is practicing, the most important thing to do is to think: think of the next shot, find the opponent's weakness, compensate or minimize any weakness you have, and come up with ways to improve on your strategy. When playing, don't hit the puck randomly; that will not help you improve. Instead, try to line shots up. When you are practicing alone, aim for the table's corners. Once you improve, aim for just outside the goal so the puck will change its course instead of resulting in a simple rebound--that's difficult to do. Doing so will strengthen your offense by allowing you to execute more precise shots. Strategy with precise shots and a solid defense is a dangerous combination. After that, try for speed. Adding effective, controllable speed to the mix will prove deadly for an opponent. Above all, focus on improving and go for the kill. However, do not get overanxious.
