Foozkilla - I would just use Scotch tape and draw your lines on that. I used masking tape to extend lines and teach my daughter where to shoot. Another option would be black electrical tape, or you can buy 1/8 wide pin stripe tape at art supply stores. I have already tried my snake shot, but the center 3-man gets tangled in the spring in the rollover. The push/pull kicks and euros might work. I will will have to try those. I don't really have those shots down. My main shots are pull and snake.
Garabdorje - I have never worried about my hip/arm transfer. I just yank the ball over and stuff it in.
I am not a pro, though. I have sped up my shot a lot by practicing against my trainer. I teach all my league guys on it, and even my daughter. Its nice, because you start off easy and work up to the hard levels. One of my leaguers could not shoot a pull at all, and he is now at level 5 in just a few weeks.
Jagiar - Thank you for your supportive words. I did spend a lot of time inventing this. I have a drawer full of stuff that didn't work. I also put some money into the patent, the web site, parts, packaging, etc. I hope to at least break even
I have thought about building a random defense trainer, but it would involve a micro-controller (single chip computer) to make the random motion. Anything strictly mechanical would be too repetitive (like my defense
and you could just time and blow past it. Also, you would need two HUGE servo motors and an even HUGER power supply to run them. You don't realize how powerful and versatile the human body is, until you try to replicate it. It takes a lot of power to move those rods accurately at the speed you would need to give you a real defensive challenge. Unfortunately, in the end, we are talking hundreds of dollars. I would just buy a buddy a beer and have him defend your shot. The skill level will be set by the number of beers he drinks
Anderson - It is patented, so you can't build and sell them, but you could make one for yourself. I get it. I am a total DIYer, too. See my HowToLou.com site. I am hoping that my trainer will set a standard so that we can compare shots. When I say I can shoot a Level 9, that would mean something to you, even though you have never seen me shoot. That was actually my original goal in the invention. I wanted a way to measure how fast my shot was, compared to other guys. I even originally called it the "Foosometer". Once I perfected it, though, I realized it was a great trainer too. The barrier bar is to stop you from going behind the defender and to keep his toes down. Shoot me a mail (FoosTrain@Gmail.com). I will send you one free, if you help me with testing on the Bonzini and Fireball. I have only have two Tornados.
Alaris - Thanks. Like Anderson said, it would work on Bonzini, but the levels would be harder. Let us test and get back to you. Right now, I am thinking we just need longer hooks to make the spring tensions the same on both tables. I am not a Tornado snob. I just learned on one, and the weekly city league (Kipps in Indianapolis) has Tornados, so I bought two for my league as well. I would love to try this on other tables too.
Alaskan Thunder - Thanks for your kind words. It is heavier, but you do not notice it at all. I think it is sort of like those ankle weights you can wear for exercise. When you take them off, you feel stronger and faster. It must build your Foosball muscles.
I shoot the same long pull with and without the trainer, and usually graze the far post, either way.
Slowball - Thanks, and I am guessing your username is not the same as your shot
Foozul - Thanks. I can't read German, but that was an interesting contraption, and Portable!
FoosTrain
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