There are a number of unique games in the Teen Room, but air hockey stands out. Foosball is relatively simple and has roots back to the 1890s. Video games, the most popular Teen Room activity, are more complex and rely on advanced technology. Air hockey bridges the gap- it’s a straightforward table game that’s only possible thanks to technology.
So how does air hockey work? Who invented it? How did it become so popular? Read on to find out the answer to these questions and more.
Floating on Air
Air hockey works differently than other table games. The table itself features a smooth surface with thousands of tiny holes that allow a blower under the surface to create a steady stream of air. As such, the small plastic puck is able to glide across the table with little friction. Players use hand-held paddles (also called blockers or strikers) to guide the puck into slots at each end of the table to score goals.
A Fast-Paced Timeline
The first air hockey table was designed in 1969 by Bob Lemieux, Phil Crossman, Bob Kenrick, and Brad Baldwin. They worked in the engineering labs of the Brunswick Corporation, better known for bowling equipment. The first commercial air hockey table was sold in 1972 and immediately became a hit.
It was popular enough that the United States Air-Table Hockey Association (USAA) – which still exists today- was formed in 1975 by Phil Arnold.
By the late 1970s, however, the rise of video games led to a sharp fall in air hockey’s popularity and just six years after creating the air hockey table, Brunswick stopped making them.
In the early 1980s, Mark Robbins, an air hockey superfan, drove around the country buying and saving air hockey tables to ensure the game would continue for decades to come. He even persuaded the Dynamo Corporation to develop and produce more affordable air hockey tables. Partly because of his love for the game, air hockey is still played around the world today.
Along with the USAA, the Air Hockey Players Association (AHPA- formed in 2015) both organize international air hockey leagues and championship games every year. As popular as air hockey is in rec centers and homes, there are actually only 24 professional air hockey players in the world!
In competitive leagues, the first player to seven goals wins and matches are usually a best-of-seven series. Air hockey professional leagues can be very competitive, in 2012 an air hockey game lasted for a record 30 hours!
Play in the Teen Room!
If you are interested in trying air hockey and are in 6th-12th grade, come to the Teen Room and check out our air hockey table. You can play with friends every day or take part in the Teen Air Hockey Tournament coming up on Monday October 12th from 3:30-4:30 PM.
If you miss the October tournament, don’t worry, we host them monthly! Besides prizes for winning games, this year there will be bragging rights on the line! All monthly tournament winners will have to chance to compete in an Air Hockey Tournament of Champions taking place in May 2027.
To find out more, stop by the Teen Room with any questions or contact the Teen Services Staff at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2450 or by email at [email protected].