Interview with Ng Eu Hock

Brief Introduction
Ng Eu Hock or Boy as he is popularly known, is currently ranked by Foosball Malaysia as the number one player in Malaysia. As a player, many knows his lightning pull shot and power five-men. Adaptive to many different game plays, he's versatile and agile.

Name	Ng Eu Hock (Ah Boy)
Age	21
Occupation	Junior Film Editor
Favourite Quote	"come on...."
Q: How many years have you been playing foosball? How many years in Malaysia?
4 years. I started playing since end of 1995.. in Malaysia.
Q: What major competition have you participated in?
I played in all competitions that were held in the Klang Valley and Kuala Lumpur. To name a few; Time Out Open 95, Carlsberg Open 96, Lowen Challenge 97, National Open 97 & 98, Molecule Open, Foosball Malaysia Open 98, and… I forgot... hehehe.
Q: What is your highest achievement so far?
I feel that all have been a great achievement for me since in Malaysia there is not much of foosball competitions. Well, firstly, I played in a Lowen competition in 97 which I got 2nd and won myself a trip to Europe for an open tournament which is in Slovenia... and some tour around Germany and Holland. Secondly, was the Mild Seven National Championship in 97, which I felt was really good because it was my 1st major competiton after the trip to Europe. I won the singles and 2nd for doubles with my partner Kenny Lee. After which we got to play in the World Championship 97 in Dallas, U.S.A. I played with my idol Don Swan, Todd Loffredo and many more... It was a fully paid trip by our kind sponsors Mild Seven. I think another biggie I won would be the one (Foosball Malaysia's Players' Championship - Kuala Lumpur) recently where I beat the currently world ranked number 17th, Mr. Miqdad Suwaidi from U.A.E. (Wow... that was a real great experience... cold sweat... b’coz I was in the loser’s bracket.) … hehehehe…..
Q: If you have only one advice for a novice player, what would it be?
I guess it will be… stick to one powerful shot and practice, practice… hehehe (I think so.)
Q: Which do you prefer, Singles or Doubles? And why?
Hmm… I think Singles, because I get to play all by myself and I’m more confident… and also more challenging, fast and play a smarter game… everything is thought out by myself.
Q: Can you let our readers know how you started playing foosball? What do you remember most about that first game?
I started when I first hung out with my friends in a pub at Bandar Utama. Then started seeing people playing, shouting and I just tried playing it; where at that time was all spinning the rod. Just got hooked up like that… until now.
Q: Have you ever played or attended the World Championship held in USA? What was it like?
Yes, in 1997. It was really great to be there. For me it was like a dream come true where the players I used to see on the (video) tapes just popped up in front of me, and I’m like, "That is Don Swan, Todd… Terry Moore… and hell lots more of good players man... of course the main thing i saw was the huge ballroom where there were 200 tables lining up ready to be played by players and a grandstand for fans… big stage filled with trophies, huge TV monitors with "live coverage", stalls selling t-shirts and a lot more….
Q: Where do you play foosball most of the time? And when? (Cause our readers may want to come and chat or duke it out with you.)
Anywhere there are foosers and good table… weekends at nite... maybe Gizmo or HotSurf… tell me where else to play… hehehehe.
Q: I know this is difficult to answer, but who do you think is the best all-round Malaysian player? And why?
Don’t laugh... Me... i guess... why...?? Experience, match composure, self confidence, and never say die attitude… (hehhehehe… all this is what I think of myself).
Q: And lastly, how do your family members or loved ones feel about you playing foosball?
Hehehe… going for another trip?? Hehe... where U.S or Europe?? That is the 1st question from my dad. My mum will ask me how much you won this time… They fully support whatever I do as long I’m happy and enjoying life!!! Originally Posted: 17th November 1999

Interview with Alex Chong

Brief Introduction
Alex Chong is very active in foosball in Malaysia. He is one of the senior players contributing to the growth of the game. He has organised a number of major foosball tournaments in Malaysia and has spent time touring the country promoting the sport. (He was the first guy that showed me the Snake/Rollover... and I thought that it was illegal back in 1996. Silly me... :-) Many players see Alex as the first Snake shooter in Malaysia. And many still have learnt from him.

Name	Alex Chong
Age	38
Occupation	Senior Operation Executive
Favourite Quote	"... see how you are going to stop that shot"
Q: How many years have you been playing foosball? How many years in Malaysia?
17 years now. In Malaysia, about 4 years.
Q: What major competition have you participated in?
Danish Light Foosball Competition 1997, Mild Seven National Championship 1997, World Championship 1997 (Dallas, Texas) and Foosball Malaysia Players' Championship 1999 (Dynasty Hotel, Kuala Lumpur).
Q: What is your highest achievement so far?
That I have contributed to the rise of foosball in Malaysia and the birth of Wasteland's foosballers (Note: Wasteland Pub used to produce the best young foosball players in Malaysia). The rest is history. (Smiles)
Q: If you have only one advice for a novice player, what would it be?
It would be, "If you have the desire in your heart to play this game, you'll surely improve."
Q: Which do you prefer, Singles or Doubles? And why?
I like both categories. Single is a test of your all round skills, more complete, both has a defender and striker. The doubles is fun 'cos you have a team mate to discuss strategies, someone to share your joy of victory and the agony of defeat.
Q: Can you let our readers know how you started playing foosball? What do you remember most about that first game?
I started playing foosball in 1982 in Toronto, Canada (around Windsor and London areas of Ontario, Canada) on the Styker(spelling?) Table. And the most memorable thing was that we used to beat the local there, as well as making a lot of new friends... (Smiles)
Q: Have you ever played or attended the World Championship held in USA? What was it like?
Yes, in 1997. It was an eye-opener. From there I get to meet the great Todd Loffredo and we spoke about techniques, styles, execution of shots as well as the phsychological aspects of the game. Did you know that Todd will go on a fast before competition day? He says it will make his mind more sharper. Aside from the games, I went sight-seeing in Dallas, Texas. It's a nice city.
Q: Where do you play foosball most of the time? And when? (Cause our readers may want to come and chat or duke it out with you.)
At my home base in Cougar Pub, Bandar Sri Damansara, during the later part of the evenings on most weekdays. The weekend is strictly for family... :-)
Q: I know this is difficult to answer, but who do you think is the best all-round Malaysian player? And why?
I think it would be Tan Win Hin of Penang. He is versatile with all kinds of shots/passes. Fun to watch and fun to spar with. The rookies can develop and get creative on their own specialty from there on just by watching him play, and that's good for the game. Although he has not won any major competition, in my eyes, that's good enough reason to make him a valuable player.
Q: And lastly, how do your family members or loved ones feel about you playing foosball?
My family is behind me 100% in whatever I do... :-) Originally Posted: 22nd November 1999

Interview with Alex Ooi

Brief Introduction
'Young boy' as Alex Ooi is popularly known as, is a versatile and adaptive player. He plays well under pressure and knows just what to do at the critical moment. Alex is touted by Miqdad Suwaidi of UAE to be 'a promising forward whom I believe will soon be Malaysia's best forward'.

Name	Alex Ooi
Age	18
Occupation	Student
Favourite Quote	'Sorry but are you ready or not?”
Q: How many years have you been playing foosball? How many years in Malaysia?
1 year and 7 months.
Q: What major competition have you participated in?
Mild Seven Foosball Players' Championship in Dynasty Hotel, Kuala Lumpur and Foosball Malaysia's Players' Championship in Berjaya Georgetown, Penang.
Q: What is your highest achievement so far?
Rookie Doubles (partner with Noel Ho) & Singles title during the Foosball Malaysia's Players' Championship in Berjaya Georgetown, Penang.
Q: If you have only one advice for a novice player, what would it be?
Treat it as a GAME but play it like a sport.
Q: Which do you prefer, Singles or Doubles? And why?
Both... different environment.
Q: Can you let our readers know how you started playing foosball? What do you remember most about that first game?
I dunno… I can’t really recall the first time I touched the table…. probably when I was er... 7. But I guess the most significant moment is at Zulu’s in Penang when I started shooting a push palm roll on my poor friend who knows nuts about foosball.
Q: Do you aspire to play or attend the World Championship held in USA?
Yeah why not? I am gonna go there to study sooner or later.
Q: Where do you play foosball most of the time? And when? (Cause our readers may want to come and chat or duke it out with you.)
Where ever and whenever the waves takes me.
Q: I know this is difficult to answer, but who do you think is the best all-round Malaysian player? And why?
Richard Perera. Why? You ask anyone around and I am sure they won’t disagree much with me.
Q: And lastly, how do your family members or loved ones feel about you playing foosball?
I don’t know… I am happy just as long as they don’t object to my early morning returns to the bird’s nest. Originally Posted: 24th November 1999

Interview with William Yiong

Brief Introduction
"Palm shot" William has to be the one and only 300km/h palm shot shooter in Malaysia or maybe the World! A real easy going guy with a mouth built for foosball, he can also talked you to death while playing; either that or you will be laughing till your tummy ache or loose with a smile on your face!

Editor's note: A lot of vulgarities have been edited out for safe consumption.

Name	William Yiong
Age	21
Occupation	Business Development Executive
Favourite Quote	"Lep Chot Ar. (Good shot)"
Q: How many years have you been playing foosball? How many years in Malaysia?
I started foosball in mid of 1996. Venue?.. I guess it will be Wasteland Pub Damansara Utama. I played with Boy, Oliver, Kenny, Junior and the rest of the gang. It was really a different ball game at that time. Fun is the actual word.
Q: What major competition have you participated in?
1997, I played the Mild Seven Nationals Championship. I only managed to play the first game and lost BADLY. Luckily back then, each entry is inclusive of a cigarette, beer and a t-shirt. It was worth the RM15.00 of my pocket money. Dynasty was the highlight of a new ball game for me. I met a lot of foosers. It was real fun. I never had the chance to win anything, but I guess the most important thing is I enjoyed the game.
Q: What is your highest achievement so far?
NONE! But if u count points, 9-0... is that high enough for you? Hahahaha
Q: If you have only one advice for a novice player, what would it be?
Do not be afraid of my 300km/h shot!. It will kill ya! Don’t be afraid to play any good player, they are bound to give u tips on how to be a good fooser.
Q: Which do you prefer, Singles or Doubles? And why?
Singles, I can control the game as how to I want it to be. Ya know!
Q: Can you let our readers know how you started playing foosball? What do you remember most about that first game?
Si beh chia lat... let me see… once upon a time, I went to Wasteland with Fatboyslim, a BANG was heard shortly after I arrived. So look see look see at the table, I see the good players play. So I got addicted to it... I start to take out my life saving and learn to play the game. I remember when I played my very first game, I was so stoned. I don’t know what to do, just got my butt thrashed!. It took me about a few games before I got the hang of it. Then the rest is all history. That is when I learned PUMP!.. the 300km/h shot!
Q: Do you aspire to play or attend the World Championship held in USA?
I wish and if I can (if u have the chance don’t u think u would too!) – aiyo.. what kind of a question is that.. next please.. hahahahaha
Q: Where do you play foosball most of the time? And when? (Cause our readers may want to come and chat or duke it out with you.)
Where there is a Tornado table, and if they open early, I will be there playing or training. Hotsurf is one of my favorite choice. Coz the tables there veli cun (very good tables)!. Hahahahaha
Q: I know this is difficult to answer, but who do you think is the best all-round Malaysian player? And why?
Wah, like that ar.. Ah Boy, he is the person I look up upon for foosball. He used to beat me FLAT! But now with my patented 300km/h shot, it is a different ball game!.
Q: And lastly, how do your family members or loved ones feel about you playing foosball?
No one knows actually. I play the sport for interest and pleasure? Originally Posted: 6th December 1999

My Life, The Fooser

Byline: Oliver Yong.

It all began with some friends playing a game, a pub game. It was October 1996. The place? Gotham City. 3 Lowens and 2 Tornados. Not the greatest tables in the world, but that’s all we had. Went up to the bar counter and got some change. Yeah, my choice, the Lowen. Lowen was well known for bank shots, but we were great, great at spinning instead! How ridiculous. Yeah, we got trashed by some of the “better” players. It wasn’t a big deal then. The BIG deal was our attraction for the GIRLS walking around us! Humble beginnings.

I first played Tornado in a pub called Donmark, it was managed by my dear teammate Thomas Lok, the place was filled with all types of beer; imported beer filled half of the pub. The first table and most popular table was the trusty Lowen. After a couple of months, Tornado was brought in. YUCKS, was my first impression of the table. There was no control, too much speed and I thought of it as a lousy table.

As time went by, I played at other locations, watched others play and learned the game at a deeper level. Donmark was the place where I met most of my foosball friends. People like Thomas, Aunnie, Ben, Ray, Sean were there to play the game. Not to mention my bosses who played and bet during games too. Sigh, those were the times. All fun, no competition. Even then we had no knowledge of blocking nor striking! As expected, we were thrashed by Ng Eu Hock. Back then he was our idol. He was the man to beat.

Yeah, you could say Donmark was the birthplace of my foosball life. However, the great veteran players’ were patrons of this other pub called Wasteland. It was not a great pub to hang out at first, I felt like a stranger, as usual I was thrashed by the senior players but ultimately Wasteland was the prime location for foosin’. I took some of my friends there to play and even brought my bosses there for their drinks! Time-Out Sport Bar in Bandar Utama was another great outlet, there I met my friends Henry Long and Coop aka Alison, they were the players to beat and to learn from too. Henry plays Tornado often and Alison played Lowen with great precision. Back then, anyone that could BANG the ball in was a hero!

The real craze kicked in when it was tournament time, for example the first ever Mild Seven Foosball Challenge 1997. Lowen was played on the middle of the year and Tornado was scheduled for the year-end. There I met a lot of foosball friends, namely Alex aka Anaconda Chong who was there to assist anyone that needed help during the tournament. Played Lowen with minimal supervision from the SWAT team was a no-no. All went haywire with me losing, losing badly to fellow pub friends. It was my first and last taste of a Lowen tournament. I lost interest in Lowen the very moment I got the hang of Tornado. Tornado was fast becoming a hit! Control, speed & accuracy (I complained back then, Sheeeesh). Anyway, the tornado was played at pubs, the first 3 qualifiers would collect their trophies and prize money. It was simple back then, win at any pub level, and you get your payback immediately.

1997 was the finest for players like Ng Eu hock and Kenny Lee, they were paid to play at the Worlds! They learned a lot at that tournament and although they hesitated to teach us at first, the skills were transferred to us in no time. The skill-o-meter rocketed instantly! Weekends were the best to thrash out our skills at Wasteland. I was a real rookie back then, got training from BOY, his way of coaching is far fetched from anyone. He was the best, so I guessed the things he had said ought to be right... I thought. BOY, thanks for all the help.

As the year went by, the foosball fever feverishly hit the Yuppie crowd (young executives). This was also when the K.L. and Penang friendly rivalry was born. The rivalry has come very far to reach this level. A semi-pro competition level. During this time many foosers were regulars at Wasteland, it was the best place to hang out for foos action and foos talks.

Time-Out was one of the places I patron too, I can say that Time-Out was the initiator for all such foosball activities. Other outlets soon joined the bandwagon. Places like Mirage was the prime location for K.L. foosers, they had the best players there. Once in a while, we would go over for a friendly match, there we met C. M. Mak, Bernard Leong and the rest of the K.L. gang! Matahari Pub was a great place for the working class to hang out, be it for Lunch or Dinner. Well, that was the only destination with foosball and food. I used to go over during my lunchtime, often skipping lunch, trading it for a few games of foosball. It was worth it.

There I met my future foosball partner, my dear friend Mr. Kevin Chang, he was a pure rookie then. Playing the rollover plus minimal skills on his 5-bar. Ben, Ray & Sean could be seen there for some foosin and occasionally for food. They would arrive on their super bikes - the coolest foosers in town. We all became real close friends. It started with a spark, the passion for FOOSBALL. Different backgrounds, getting together as a family, to unite each other’s flame, love and support for the game.
Lets not over work the issue of a team, we should be enjoying the game, as the game has given us joy, passion and friendship, a gift that has been thrown freely to us.

Wasteland Pub

Byline: Oliver Yong.

It sure was a WASTELAND! Time: 9:30pm. Date: EVERYDAY! Yeah, that was the time most of the players would come to play their favorite game, foosball. Back then Kenny, Junior, BOY and some of the other super players were around. Things were pretty normal back then. Foosball, beer & pool. Once in a while we would see some gorgeous chick, WALK PASS... hmmm... I guess we were in the wrong pub.

The pub’s owners back then were Kenny, Junior, Uncle Sam and... shucks! I can’t remember the others. Anyway, Doreen was one of the super regulars. What to do? Kenny worked there! She would come over and give us a warm welcome. What a nice lady, and pretty too! I would yak with her for hours if god permitted me to sleep in Wasteland! She’s a great lady. However, nowadays she is the proud owner of Union Restaurant in Sri Damansara.

Everyone knew practically everyone. Freddie and Ms. Chin were the staff that managed to handle the foosball players. “Coins please Freddie/Ms Chin”. They would smile and pass us the coins. It was great. Beer there was cheap and the atmosphere was good too. No foul smell, that is good. You get to hear the best songs, not those funny R&B, and Techno types, but retro and also rave songs... those were the IN thing, man. They would play songs from ‘Light House Family’; those were great songs for foosers.

Players would come and go, college students would come for a quick game before they headed on to their favorite clubbing area. Senior management would come over for a drink and some finger food before they adjourned home.

Serious players or should I say wasted players played foos till the wee hours of the morning! Yeah, like 7am in the morning! Playing till 7 was a normal thing for us during long weekends, holidays and special occasions. After the long foosing sessions, we would go for some tim sum or better still, go home to sleep! We did and still do love the sport and companionship from all of the foosers. It was THE sport to play during the night.

Richard, Bernard, Albert and the rest would just hang out there. They would drink, drink and drink some more! Richard’s game sucked back then. I had a chance to partner him in a DYP session. He never did walk straight, especially when he was in Wasteland. He was a real sucker for the game. “Defense? Offense? What is that!” He has improved since then. He uses his head and wit for the game right now. By the way, we got knocked out on our first game and also our first losers bracket match! Richard, whenever you need a partner, call me man, I would love to partner you in any tournament, anytime.

It was a close knit joint. We knew each other and we welcomed new patrons. There was one time, I left my handphone behind, I left it there for about half an hour, and to my surprise, the phone was given to the staff and I got it back. Though it was not the greatest pub in the world, we all felt the warmth and friendliness there. Newcomers to the pub didn’t feel it on their first trip, but in the long run, we were all one big happy bunch of drinkers and foosers.

Back then, SWOT was happening, as they have got hooked to the sport. Riding their cool machines, with cool attire, arriving with a “bang”. Whoa.. BEN, RAY, SEAN, ANNA! A typical night would be beer & soft drinks for the gentlemen, coffee or tea for the lady.

Sara would always be there whenever BOY was there. Sometimes I pitied that girl, she always got NAGGED by BOY... Deep down I know that Boy is always there for Sara, pitching for her to win and also urging her to fight for the game! Bravo to Sara! Do not look down on this lady player! She is one of the best defensive players I have ever seen!

Henry and Alison would come in late, about 4am when they finished their duty in Time-Out Sports Bar. Henry wouldn’t play foosball though, he would just get his beer or liquor and yak yak yak he was good in yakking though. Alison would get her cue and play her infamous pool...

Sigh… OH YEAH! I remember, when foosball really turned from hot to LAVA. Listen, it all started when GIRLS.. yeah GIRLS came to play. It turned from a pleasurable sport to a “bird-watching” sport. Some birds were BIG birds, and some were just normal birds, trying their luck in the game. I think most of you guy know who this lady is!

Lady players, they played their part in foosball history. They attracted male players. In a healthy way of course! “What a lady can do.. a man can do.. BETTER!” Male chauvinist pigs! Well, generally Asian men thought that (some still do). As time went by, the ladies played from “gosh she can play” standard to “good enough to beat some veteran players too”. Players like Anna, Aunnie, Alison and Sara, not to mention Yin Yin & Amy. They were good. I remembered when I played Amy, she was a good pull shooter, I lost to her. I guess my over-confidence killed my game. A message for all of you ladies, Thank You for joining us, it used to be a male dominated sport, but I always believed in WOMAN-POWER! Girls, you ladies are the best thing that ever happened to this sport! You have lifted us from hell! Here’s to Lady FOOSERS!

Things changed pretty drastically when WasteLand was renamed Tatt Shack. It was really a smart move. Everything was different. Things were new, foosball tables were reallocated to a different position. Things weren’t good for a lot of pub outlets, due to the economic slump (1997). Things were good for a while, but eventually the economic slump hit our beloved pub too. Sadly, the birthplace of foosball was closed, forever. It will be difficult to find such a place for good foosin’ and friends ever again?

This article is dedicated to Wasteland.. Wasteland, we love you..

Tips for Push Kick Shooter!

Byline: Pat Goff

First, the best push kick in the world belongs to Ken Alwell. His command of the shot is phenomenal. He's won championships both on Tornado, and Tournament Soccer.
Ok, let's start with the mechanical keys to the shot:

First, the best p.k.'s are not necessarily a brute force shot. The most  successful one's are the players that have the full command of the whole shot, with all the options. What makes the shot so successfull, is the fact  that you have at least seven options off the set at any one time. Properly  executed, the goalie has little chance of shutting one down. My personal keys to shooting the p.k.: I have a balanced stance, I don't stand to far back from or behind the rod,  the secret is to make it hands and wrist, not shoulder and arm. I have a fairly loose grip on the handle, loose muscles are faster than tight  one's. It gives you much more snap to the shot, and makes hitting the ball  square much easier. I personally put my thumb and forefinger over the  handle, but this is a personal thing, whatever helps you hit the ball the  hardest.

I start the ball on the outside box line. I feel it gives me the best  starting point, and makes the straight angles easier to hit. Even though it looks like the ball travels a long way across the hole, it's actually a short stroke. It's really less than a 3/4 pull shot, as far as rod movement goes.

I position the ball directly under the rod when using new 'fuzzy' balls, or balls that are fairly sticky. With really slick balls I might move the ball  just a little bit behind the rod, but not much. This helps you to 'hit' the ball, rather than 'throw' the ball into the hole. You require much less back swing, and it's easier to go straight through the ball into the hole.

Ok, those are basic setup tips, let's start firing the ball in the hole. When I'm warming up, or just working on my timing, I'll shoot a rack or so of balls just in the middle of the hole, not thinking speed, just the move through the ball into the goal. My key on hitting the long shot, I play 'bowling' with the center man. I concentrate on where I want to hit the ball, usually the #6 dot, then I watch the center man go to that dot, then down through the ball. If you can imagine ball set up like a push shot, and you want to make the same motion forward and through to the hole, that's the push kick stroke. Don't concern yourself with speed to begin with, just consistency with the stroke. Speed will come as your confidence raises.

The 'inside' shot. The dinks, angles, first hole kicks are what will make the p.k. work. I have seen maybe two or three p.k.'s in my whole life that  were virtually unraceable, but they were so long crazy, they weren't that  hard to block. The truly deadly shot will involve the entire hole.
I use two different first hole dinks, the standard semi-off speed dink that will move a guy racing you out of the first hole just enough to slip it past him. I also shoot a 'power dink' a lot, it's basically a hard fast push shot to the first hole. This will work best when the goalie thinks they have your movement down on the slow dink.

Probably the most effective dink is the middle slide. I use this a lot and score probably more with it than any other shot in the bag. This dink I start very fast, same speed as my long, and just 'nudge' the ball forward, so it slides across the hole to the far corner. It's a devastating shot, and will break a defense down very quickly.

Next, and just as valuable are the far and near straight angles. This is just like a straight in with a pull shot. I just hit the far or near corner. This is most effective when the goalie is trying to bait you, and they can't see those two holes. If I see the goalie trying to bait me, I'll just sit on them, and fire the straight angles when they open them up. Again, it will really tighten up a defense, and make them hesitate and make mistakes trying to defend you.

Lastly, is the first hole smash. This was probably the hardest shot to learn, but again, it's very valuable. This is putting it in the first hole as fast and hard as your long kick. It's a little tricky, because you must come back for the ball. I push it out, then bring the three rod back to the bumper and hit it straight into the first hole. That shot will completely throw off a racing goalie. After a few first hole smashes, he'll be hesitating on every move you make, and you can just feel free to launch longs on them the rest of the match.

I really enjoy shooting the shot, I feel it's almost an art form when it's done correctly. I also feel when it's done correctly, there isn't a harder shot to block.

I hope this helps Jack.

Pat

Back Pin

Information about the Back-pin for Beginners

The back-pin shot was very popular during the 70s & 80s on the Dynamo and Tournament Soccer Tables. It is not a very good shot to use on the Tornado Table due to the nature of the table design. However, some players have gone to the extend of "filing" the Tornado's "men's feet" to adapt it for back-pin shot. The main reason for it's lack of popularity is it's lack of execution speed which is why it is used more on the goalie 3-men than the forward 3-men. There are two ways of executing the back-pin: palm and wrist. I would suggest you choose one way and stick with it. Advantages: naturally setup to execute the "brush" series of shots the ability to "dribble" the ball by "pinning" the ball down makes the shot dangerous the ability to fake opponents out with a fake series the ability to transform into other shots like push-kick, pull-kick or tic-tac Disadvantages: cannot shoot a straight goal lack of execution speed on the Tornado 3-men (or is it just me... =) What the back-pin really needs is someone to use it to win a World Championship... then we should see the numbers of back-pin users increase, just like it's alter-ego, the front-pin.

Front Pin

Information about the Front-pin for Beginners

The front-pin shot like the back-pin was very popular during the 70s & 80s on the Dynamo and Tournament Soccer Tables, etc. It is gaining popularity again and it is all because of a Belgian player named Federico Collignon when he won the 1999 World Championship. Collignon sent a frightening message to the world foosball community (which is dominated by the 'pull shot' and the 'snake') with his front-pin. There are two ways of executing the front-pin: palm and wrist. I would suggest you choose one way and stick with it. Advantages: tough to execute the 'brush' series of shots but it has one advantage over the back-pin, which is that it can shoot a straight goal  the ability to 'dribble' the ball by 'pinning' the ball down makes the shot dangerous the ability to fake opponents out with a fake series the ability to transform into other shots like push-kick, pull-kick or tic-tac very effective whether if you are playing forward and goalie Disadvantages: cannot think of any, except that it is VERY difficult to learn and be really good in it.

Pull Kick

Information about the Pull-kick for Beginners

The Pull Kick has always been a shot that is easy to execute on any foosball table, but depending on whether you use wrist or palm technique, the accuracy and speed varies. This shot is mostly used as a secondary backup shot rather than a primary shot. There are two ways of executing the shot: palm or wrist. I would suggest you choose wrist for mastery, as you can control the speed of execution and speed of the ball. All you need is practice... :-) Advantages: easy to setup and learn for beginners there are 5 holes opened to a pull-kick shot at any one time as suppose to 7 scoring opportunities depending on the defense. natural ability to transform into other shots like tic-tac, pull shot, etc. Disadvantages: compared to the push-kick, the pull-kick depends on the palm technique to control the "squaring-off" or "spraying" of ball shot on a goal very tough to recoil on a "deadman" (but then again, do you need to?)

Push Kick

Information about the Push-kick for Beginners

The push-kick is one of those most basic and straightforward shot. It is easy to learn but tough to master. Technically, there are many ways of scoring a goal with the push-kick and is hard to explain without watching how it is done. Suffice it to say that it should be executed in one single movement. There are two ways of executing the shot: palm or wrist. I would suggest you choose wrist for mastery, as you can control the speed of execution and speed of the ball. Advantages: easy to setup and learn for beginners there are 5 holes opened to a push-kick shot at any one time as suppose to 7 scoring opportunities depending on the defense. natural ability to transform into other shots like tic-tac, pull shot, etc. the ability to control the "squaring-off" or "spraying" of ball shot on goal the ability to control the speed of execution and speed of the ball. Disadvantages: very tough to recoil on a "deadman" (but then again, do you need to?)

Push Shot

Information about the Push Shot for Beginners

The Push Shot, alter ego of the Pull Shot, was also one the most scary shot used by experienced users. The fact that it is hard to "recoil" using this shot, prevents it from being chosen as a primary shot by player. Advantages: easy to setup and learn for beginners, and on any foosball table there are at best 4 holes opened to the push shot at any one time depending on the defense. natural ability to transform into other shots like tic-tac, push shot fakes, etc. the ability to control the speed of execution and speed of the ball. Disadvantages: very tough to recoil on a "deadman"

Pull Shot

About Pull Shot:	At one time the Pull Shot is THE shot to use! Deadly on any table. This popular shot is used by various world-ranked players such as Todd Loffredo, Tom Adkisson, Tony Bacon, Dave Gummeson, Cindy Head, etc.
Variations:	Roll fake, roll and push kick & snake pull shot.

Snake Shot

About Snake Shot:	This popular shot is used by various world-ranked players. Popularise by Terry Moore (King of Snake), in the World Championship.
Also known as:	Rollover, Wristrocket, variation of Front-toe or Front pin.

So what's new?

There's a DYP coming up in Breakers Ampang, you know the one in City Plaza, KL. Check out the Events section for more info. FM has postponed the Player's Championship to March 2001. And our friends from Japan will be here. Well, this site is new for one thing.

	DYP	Forward Shootout	Women Singles	Mixed Doubles	Rookie Singles	Rookie Doubles	Pro-Am Doubles	Open Singles	Open Doubles
1st	50%	50%	Trophy	Trophy	Trophy	Trophy	$600	$1200	$2000
2nd	30%	30%	Trophy	Trophy	Trophy	Trophy	$300	$600	$1000
3rd	20%	20%	Trophy	Trophy	Trophy	Trophy	$150	$300	$500
4th							$70	$150	$250
5th								$75	$125
6th								$35	$60
Entry Fees
Pro	15	10	20	30			80	80	80
Semi Pro	15	10	20	25			70	70	70
Rookie	15	10	20	20	40	40	60	60	60

Please note that all figures are in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) or Ringgit Malaysia (RM).

Schedule of Events
27th April (Friday)		28th April (Saturday)		29th April (Sunday)
8pm	Hall Opens	11am	Rookie Singles	11am	Rookie Doubles
9pm	DYP	2pm	DYP	2pm	Open Singles
10pm	Forward Shootout	4pm	Mixed Doubles	4pm	Pro-Am Doubles
		6pm	Women Singles	10pm	Prize Giving
		8pm	Open Doubles	11pm	Goodbye

---

Early birds who register before 7th April 2001 can take advantage of package deals below :

Package Deals
Category	Open Singles	Open Doubles	Pro Am	Rookie Singles	Rookie Doubles	Total	Actual Savings
Pro	x	x	x			150	90
Semi-Pro	x	x	x			120	90
Rookies	x	x	x	x	x	150	110

Wasteland Revisited

Wasteland Pub, why is this name synonymous with foosball in Malaysia? Well, for one thing, not only was it a place where a lot of foosers gathered but it was also the breeding ground for new foosers.

The first time I heard about Wasteland was in 1997 through my friend, Nirvanic. Nirv was a close friend of Junior, Richard and Robot, three of the few shareholders of Wasteland. Since, I knew Robot through my RPG and table-top gaming days, I decided to pay a visit to Wasteland. To my surprise, I met a few familar foosball players - Ah Boy, Bernard Teh and Alex Chong; whom I met in Time Out Sports Pub. Turning regular, I got to know many others players like Terence, Kenny, Ronnie Kok, Ben Tan, Ray Ng, Sean Yeap, Kevin Chang, Mohan, Calvin, Albert, etc. Just too many to name.

During that time, the Mild Seven National Championship was underway and the winners were sent to the World Championship in Dallas, Texas. Well, you can say that all the winners were Wasteland regulars. And naturally, after the Worlds, those players came back with new ideas, techniques and tactics. There was a big buzz and players were exchanging ideas and telling unbelievable stories from the West.

From then on, the player-base increased, skills improved. But unfortunately, Wasteland was sold and turned into a non-foosball establishment. T'was a sad day.

I still remember what a friend of mine once told me, he said, "When I go to another pub to play foosball. All I need to do to gain a psychological advantage, is to say that I am a regular at Wasteland."

What a great place!

Note: The name I used, "countryman", originated from Wasteland. How that came about was that I used to blab and yak a lot when playing a game. Always jesting and yakking away and annoying the hell out of the other player. And my favourite quote was from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, when Mark Anthony makes his speech after the death of Caesar. It goes, "Friends, Romans (I substituted Malaysian) and country man..." I would use that phrase when they score a goal on me. Later, I just called my opponents, "Country man, why you like that... blah, blah, blah". And since then I have been tagged as such... a countryman :-)