Table top games are available from relatively reasonable prices from many retailers these days, they offer a range of activities from table tennis to air hockey and more relaxed activities such as poker for parents.
I am going to explore each type of table and discuss briefly the concepts behind the use and advantages/disadvantages of each. Hopefully after reading this article you will have a better idea of what table you should buy to keep your family occupied, safe and happy.
Table Tennis Tables
Table tennis has been a popular past time for generations. It involves two (or four) players rallying a small ball between them with wooden paddles. It can become a very energetic game and has become an extremely serious sport and has been included in both the Olympics and Commonwealth games. Games are generally played up to 11 points with the serve switching every 2 points. Matches tend to be the best of 5 or 7. Table tennis is probably the table top game which requires the most space, you will need some room to move around, beginners will require minimal space but as you become better you may wish to clear a larger area for more active play and long shots. The standard size of a table tennis (or ping pong) table is 152.5cm wide by 274cm long. Its standard height is 76cm. Obviously you will need around double this amount of space to play. Due to the extended amount of movement I recommend that table tennis tables be placed on the ground floor to avoid the excessive noise of thumping feet. Fortunately many table tennis tables fold up when not in use so they will not dominate a room unless in use. Prices range from £200-£2000 depending on quality. Unless the product has been discounted I do not recommend buying one for under £200 as it may be of an inferior quality. Recognised brand names in the field include Kettler, Plum and John Jaques.
Table tennis tables are an excellent choice for active young teenagers as they give them a chance at competition and gentle exercise, they can aid in parent child bonding as well as sibling bonding. You should supervise young children and even adolescents on a table tennis table at first until you are sure they can play safely. Ping Pong balls are a chocking hazard to toddlers and babies, do not leave them unattended with such items.
Air Hockey Tables
Air hockey is another well known table top sport. It involves 2 players, one table, a disc or puck and two mallets (or paddle). Each player takes a mallet and attempts to score 7 points by shooting the puck towards a goal. There are some crucial rules that must be followed to keep the game fair.
* The puck should not leave the table, if it does the player who caused this to happen has committed a foul.
* You should not strike the puck when it is completely on your opponents side of the table (past the centre line), doing so results in a foul.
* Touching the puck with any other object than the mallet results in a foul. If this is done as a last ditch attempt to stop a goal a penalty is awarded.
* Stopping the puck by clamping down the mallet is also considered a foul.
* If a foul occurs possession changes hands (away from the offending player) and play is restarted.
Air hockey tables vary in size but regulation tables are 8ft in length. They can vary in colours and styles and while neon lit tables are available they are not regulation. Air hockey does not require quite as much space as table tennis. While you will need a space around the table for movement there is no need to leave space for long shots or far reaches as the puck should never leave he table and you cant reach beyond your own half. Air hockey should be supervised by parents at first for all children, it can cause minor injuries if players are not participating properly. Other than a knocked figure however an injury is extremely unlikely. An air hockey table is likely to set you back around £400. Air hockey is recommended for people without as much room but who still want a sport alternative to indoor activities.
Pool and Snooker Tables
Pool and snooker are both extremely well known, especially in the UK. It has been a popular past time, especially for teenagers and young adults, for many years. Pool and snooker tables do require a large amount of room (generally snooker is more) and you should remember to leave room not only for the dimensions of the table, but space fully around it for someone to use a cue. Pool and snooker have more complex rules than some of the other table top games and you may wish to look these up before starting or deciding which on to purchase. In general pool is easier to play than snooker. Pool and snooker table costs can massively range in price due to the way they are constructed. A fully official, slate bed table could cost between £500 and £3000 but you can pick up a decent quality table, good enough for playing on at home for £200-£300. Pool and snooker can be dangerous if not played correctly, balls can travel at very high speeds and potentially trap fingers. Children ages 8+ should be supervised while playing at all times (and may not be suited for full size tables at all). Children 11+ should be checked for safety and I advise that they still be supervised as much as possible.
Football Tables
A favourite among many young teenagers (especially boys) table football or foosball as it has become known is a great choice for people without the room for a snooker or pool table. It involves to sets of football men mounted on polls with the aim being to flick the ball into the opponents net by tilting the polls with you hand. Foosball is often played as a two or four player game with either one person controlling all the men on a side or one person playing attack and the other defence. Other rules are fairly simple and basically state that you should not tilt or bump the table or touch the ball with anything other than the players while the ball is in play. Depending on how you table is designed you may whish to develop a fair way to launch the ball after a goal. On open top tables a common method is to place it in the midfield at the feet of the person who just conceded. Football tables range from £100-£400 and vary in size. Recognised brands in the sport include Harvard and BCE.
Hopefully this will give you a good insight as to what is available for your home. Bear in mind too however that “multi-games” tables also exist that can include from 4 to 20 games. Always check the size and quality of such products as well as what games are included. These products tend to be more suited to smaller children as the games inside are compact and designed for smaller hands.
If you are looking for place to buy try internet specialist. Many high street shops sell the smaller multi-game version but specialist toys/sport shops will often be able to get you a higher spec product. Some sites also offer free delivey, a massive bonus if you are ordering something as big as a pool table. I recommend outdoortoysdirect.co.uk and simplyfitnessequipment.co.uk, both have a large range and free delivery.
About the Author
Peter Farmer is a landscaper and fitness enthusiast from the Nottinghamshire area of the UK. He also helps develop websites such as this Outdoor Games site and this Fitness Equipment site.
Source: ArticleTrader.com
