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March 15th, 2002

Vibrating Football

How many of you had a vibrating, electric football game like this one or this one? You would line up the players on the field, give one of the guys the miniscule foam ball, and then flip a switch that would vibrate the entire field, sending the players into miniture seizures. The vibrating would continue until the man with the ball was touched by a player of the opposite team. There was some bizarre way to pass, too, but I forget how it worked. Kicking was also possible with a little one-color plastic man with a snap-action foot.

The game was always pretty anti-climactic. The guy with the ball would, without fail, run backwards. Or, everyone would bunch together and never actually move anywhere.

I also had what must have been a piece of an electric game — it was just the playing field with nothing else attached. I enjoyed this as much, or more, than the electric football. I’d line up the players and run my own game, sometimes sprinkling some water on the field to simulate rain.

Interestingly, there are some hardcore players that take the game very seriously. They use pocket scales to make sure the players are of a regulation weight and will pay beaucoup bucks for custom fields designed like their favorite team’s home field. Wow.

I’m pretty sure both of these are still at my parents house (alongside the more strategic Foto-Electric Football). Perhaps it’s time to fire it up and enjoy a quick game.

Posted in Childhood Memories

WEIRDWOLF August 21, 2007, 8:46 pm

Electric Football is alive and well! As Electric Football is a brand name of the Miggle Toy Company the hobby itself goes by Miniature Football these days. Organized leagues, competitive play unlike anything you remember as a child and a National Coaches Association called the Miniature Football Coaches Association. Also, custom stadiums and detailing right down to the nike symbols on the gloves. It’s come along way and you can check it out at http://www.miniaturefootball.org Make sure to go to the forum for all the latest discussions.

dominic June 22, 2009, 12:16 am

If any1 knows I was just wondering what paint I should use to paint the guys. I just bought my electric football and cant wait to paint them. thanks!

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