Jan 10
4
Beer Pong’s “Elbow Rule” a Nuisance or Necessity?
The “elbow rule” states that the shooter’s elbow must remain behind an imaginary plane extending upwards from the end of the table at all times throughout the throwing motion.
This rule is highly controversial, in fact most large scale beer pong tournaments have all but dismissed the rule all together, due to the fact that it is incredibly difficult to enforce the rule effectively. That being said you will still find many supporters on both the pro-elbow rule and anti-elbow rule sides of the debate.
Elbow Rule Pros:
- It eliminates the advantage that taller/longer-armed players might gain by leaning or extending their arms over the table.
- It makes the game more challenging.
Elbow Rule Cons:
- Elbow rule is almost impossible to enforce.
- Watching your elbow position and arguing about it wastes time and detracts from the game.
- Faster games are better when you’re trying to finish a tournament or people are waiting to play on the table.
As in any sport, certain body types can give competitors an advantage. For example, the NBA has an average height of 6′ 7″, with the tallest player topping the charts at 7 ‘6″. Taller players are closer to the basketball hoop which in theory gives them a higher percentage chance of making a shot. Unless you’re Shaq and you’re standing at the free throw line. Then we all know what’s about to happen.
Being tall in the NBA may be an advantage, but it doesn’t keep “little guys” like Rick Nash (6′ 4″) or Tony Parker (6′ 2″) from tearing it up and winning championships. These same factors apply to beer pong. It’s all about using your skills and abilities in the most effective way possible within the rules of the game.
In beer pong, a long wingspan and excellent hand-eye coordination could be your advantage. (For the record, I would take hand-eye coordination over huge wingspan if I had to choose.) And as long as leaning is permitted within the rules of tournament or house game you’re playing at, you should take advantage of it. More power to you, keep on leaning!
Pro-Elbow Rule or Anti-Elbow Rule… You know what we think, what do you think?
This is a post from: Beer Pong News, the source for all your beer pong info & events.
Beer Pong’s “Elbow Rule” a Nuisance or Necessity?
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