Monday, July 11, 2005
The Perfect Shot
When my friends and I became obssessed with an object or activities, we would pursue it until we got it out of our system. This was the case with foosball in the late 90's. We would visit our favorite pool hall every weekend just to play foosball. We tried some pick-up games from the locals that played foosball. We pretty much kept away from the hustlers, those tournament class players that suckered you into a money game. If there are many players, we would place our quarters on the table and wait out turn on the table. The rule was that whoever won controls the table and the players next in line pays for the next game.
In one game, Frank, my best friend, and I played against two locals. They were pretty good, but Frank and I were better than our opponents, since we have been playing doubles for some time before the game. We worked well together and we anticipated each other moves giving us an edge on our opponents. I was playing the front men, while Frank was controlling the backmen, as well as, the goalie. Everytime I controlled the ball, I would set the ball on my three-man for a power shot. I would set on the left and pull or hit the ball towards the center before using a wrist flick to power the ball into the goal. The opponent goalie would guard at the corner preventing an easy shot and then raced his goalie and two-men to the center to protect from being scored.
I would always set the ball on my three-man and wait for my opponent, asking him if he was ready before I continued play. I would face the opposing goal making my body perpendicular to the foosball table and I would extend my right leg out for balance. Once the opposing goalie was set, I would make my move and slammed the ball into the goal. Frank was exceptional working the goalie preventing our opponents from scoring on us.
With only one point away from winning the game, I got control of the game ball. I positioned the ball in the same place before I made my power move. My opponent knew what would occur next and he eagerly anticipated it. When I asked him if he was ready, instead of pulling the ball for a power goal, I gently ficked it from the corner. The ball rolled slowly at an angle to the goal. Our opponent over committed his goalie and two-men into protecting his middle. When he realised the ball was rolling from the corner he tried to move his men to intercept the ball. He over compensated and he missed the ball, he erratically shifted the men from side to side to no avail. The ball slowly rolled into the goal winning us the game.
The oppossing goalie was flabbergasted at what just occured. After some time, he smiled and laughed and gave me a high five. It was very satisfying win and one that I will remember fondly. I think maybe it is time that I introduce my nephew to foosball. He might make a good goalie or better yet, a great three-man player. Set, soft shot and score, a game plan to a perfect shot.
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