Written by admin on 25 September 2009
I can never resist a game of table football – it is probably the only chance my team has of winning the Premiership and I have spent years fine tuning my skills.
My early training involved pub-based tournaments with my friends which almost always start with the ‘who will be red or blue’ argument (especially if there are Man U and Liverpool factions in the room). It’s a great game for any age to play on their own or in teams of two and can get very competitive when there’s a round of beers at stake.
Table football as we know it was invented in the 1920s by Harold S. Thornton who was an avid fan of Tottenham Hotspur. He wanted to invent a game that could be played at home and came up with the design we know so well from a box of matches. Apparently he laid the matches across the open box and had a Eureka moment.
The rules are fairly simple: the balls is served by whoever wins the toss through a hole at the side of the table, or simply placed by hand at the feet of a figure in the centre of the table. Then it’s a case of speed, reactions and expert flicks of the wrist to whack the ball into the opposing goal or to make sure you have a solid defence. 360-degree shots or spinning the players is illegal.
Nowadays it is big business, especially as the International Table Soccer Federation (ITSF) was founded in 2002. A World Championship is held with £100,000 prize money and even got TV coverage on Eurosport 2 in March with worldwide tournaments held throughout the year.
Even though I fancy my chances at The Crown I am a long way from turning professional, especially as I don’t have the time in my life to practice. However it is always good to rent out a table and hold your own Premiership tournament when even the lowliest of teams can be elevated to Champion heights.
Written by admin on 24 September 2009
I have been glued to the Formula One season which is reaching its dramatic climax over the next few races.
One the things I have enjoyed most about the television coverage this year is the breakdown of the work of the pit crews which is the ultimate display of teamwork.
The crew have just seconds to change tyres, refuel and carry out emergency repairs or changes and can have a massive impact on the outcome of a race. Pits stops are an essential part of race teams’ strategy and the crew have to stay sharp and be as well prepared and on the ball as the drivers to make sure they can take advantage.
It takes years to reach the level of expertise to be part of a Formula One pit crew but pit stop simulators are almost as good as the real thing and a great team building exercise. There are lots of pressure situations at work where people need to pull together but hardly any that have to be resolved in a matter of seconds. Pit stops need everyone to work together to make sure they are fast, safe and effective.
The simlulator is a replica of a 2004 racing car with authentic details including the wheel and tyres, mirrors, chassis, quick release steering wheel, pedals and racing harness.
Would be pit crews are armed with cordless power wrenches, F1 trolley jacks, and spare wheels and are pitched against the clock to see how quickly they can get the car ready to rejoin the race.
Even though it’s not for real, with the timer going and some authentic pit garage noises in the background, it really gets your heartbeat pumping and makes you realise the pressure the real life teams are under. If just one of you is off the ball it can cost dearly which makes it the ultimate team challenge.
Written by admin on 16 September 2009
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Written by admin on 14 September 2009
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