Let's Redesign the TTQB!

[Shabby J]

OK, brace yourself, I am up late again with nothing to do.

The TTQB is not the best designed or constructed MF device, but we all have to deal with it unless you use only the sticks for your passing game.

It could definitely be improved upon, after all it was not designed to be used by 40 year old guys who demand perfection and top of the line equipment, keep in mind it was a toy for kids. We use them, modify them, tolerate them then toss them out when they break an ankle or leg.

It can be redesigned, think about this; does it even really need to look like a QB? If we can design a device that is similar in size and basic mechanical function that allows us to attach a ball pull it back and let her rip, then bingo! Mission accomplished, right? Hell it could even have a spring on it.

Picture a device like this; I think it would be great. We could bury the TTQB as we know it and use a quality made passing device that is similar in function, but could be designed with better performance in mind and at the same time newbies or returning coaches may actually be able to pick it up and execute with it quicker.

If I am playing a game, I take my stationary QB off the field for a pass play, I reach for my TTQB and position it on the field and manipulate it with my hands to throw a pass, what do I care if the new device even resembles a QB figure, as long as I can put it on the field, hold it in my hand and with the same mechanics in mind throw a pass.

Picture in your mind an empty base and what sort of simple device could be created to sit atop that base and allow us to throw a pass using the same pull back and release method. I cold give a rats arse if it resembles a QB, as long as I can control it better and with greater consistency and make a complete pass.

I am thinking a very lightweight anodized aluminum base with a rubber cover or band all around it to help it stay in contact with the field. Atop this base made of the same lightweight anodized aluminum is the mechanical passing device, heck you could even make it look and function similar to the TTQB, but maybe with a spring to provide the enegry for passing instead of having to rely on the torsion of bending the plastic TTQB. With CAD and CNC waterjet cutting machines, this would be a pretty simple thing to construct, it would have very few parts and could be done in mass quantities pretty easily. We could even work a similar kicking device into it, or make the kicking a totally separate thing.

Please chime in on this idea. Let’s get some drawings worked out and get some proto types made! The hobby needs something to replace the TTQB.

[Anthony D Burgess]

With respect to all..........

The Pass Placement if done properly ( Not changed to the liking of the user ), would infact replace the TTBQ, thus rendering the TTQB obsolete.

It creates parity, and is playable for all no matter you're condition. Pass PLacement puts the focus on football scheme and strategy. It takes less time to execute as well.

The many forms of Pass Placement are due to the fact of personal preference and lack of playing proper pass defence as that is the key to defending the Pass Placement, the same as in real football.

Pass Placement was designed with the future in mind, and what is best fot the hobby, not a person.

Mom always said to eat you're vegtables, but we didn't like the way it looked, but in time we found out the it tasted good, and it was good for us. The same goes for Pass Placement, ( and no I'm not you're moma ! )

Just my thought and opinion on this subject.

[WEIRDWOLF]

Keeping with the original question on this thread.
Redesign of the QB.

The only redesign I see that needs to happen would be to give the QB a few more realistic details and a thicker ankle.

Practice, practice, practice is the key to getting good with the QB. Look around at the winners from last years tourneys and you will see guys who are deadly accurate with the QB proving that it is not the equipment but the work that went into making that skill important. With the MFCA skills competition I have watched alot of people who have developed the skill and are deadly accurate but even the best are not perfect. Of all those who have attempted it we have not had a perfect score yet when the pressure was on. However, I watched some when it didn't count hit a perfect score.

No matter how long this game exists, I believe that the QB should always be a part of it. It is part of the beauty and excitement of the game to hit that perfect pass and seperates out those who practice from those who don't. We can't all be Montana's or Marino's but with practice we can be good enough to win games and hit enough passes to give us an NFL average QB rating.

Practice, practice, practice.

[Michigan Joe]

Because the TTQB needs to be "spring loaded" in order to drill the pill, I would start by making the joint between the figure and the base out of a 0.3mm thick stainless steel "leaf spring". No more breaking, and with the metal the spring loading would be more consistent than plastic. Plasticd is generally not designed for multiple flexing as it has a low fatigue failure rate. At the very least, the current TTQBs from Miggle clearly need to be made of a more durable plastic.

[Reginald Rutledge]

It's just my opinion that I like the present QB from the 70's. I have always loved him. To me, he's accurate and decisive. If a person puts in the practice time, he can develop into an adequate passer. It's kinda like "Wolf" said, everyone is not gonna be Montana but every body does not have to be a Tavarius Jackson either (and I love the Vikes).

There's nothing about quarterbacks being on par with each other. Like my wife Rose said, "Why should Tom Brady be penalized because he is so much better than the next guy?" Essentially, the next guy should try to elevate his game to that of Brady.

Analogously, the same can be stated in miniature football. Shabby, I know you wanted my response in this matter but I just got to come correct to you, I love the way this plastic fella works.

Now I have designed a right hand QB from my left hand QB but he does not give me the type of accuracy that the TTQB gives me. Because the plastic of the FF.COM QB is flexible, it does allow for a spring action at the hand. When I throw using the FF.COM QB, it looks like a real QB throws the ball but with no telling where the ball will fly.

I love what the makers of this game did as far as the TTQB. They killed 3 birds with one stone. A passer who throws accurately, a placekicker who kicks at an extreme high percentage, and a punter who has the ability to kick the ball out of the stadium.

Reg

[artlax]

As I recently stated elsewhere here.I tweaked my TTQB's using some tips offered here by Reg and others - and worked at practice - and have increased my pass skills.

[Shabby J]

I appreciate everyone's response. I too love the TTQB and it is a part of the game's magic, I get excited when I see the fab 5 and the TTQB, don't get me wrong. I can use it successfully and I do practice and am getting better, as I am sure we all are.

I was just throwing some ideas out there, as I know there are a bunch of innovators in this great hobby and I have seen no real talk about the TTQB except improving its ankle strength.

If it ain't broke don't fix it right! I am all for that. It's just that to me I can see a lot of things in my head to make it even better. I guess the need for improvement and evolution that are a necessity in some of my other hobbies have carried over into MF. I was reaching out to the tinkerers, engineers, scientists, and innovators to see what they thought.

One other note, not intended to offend anyone, believe me, but to those who say practice, practice, practice in this post, that is not really the topic here. I was seeing if anyone else felt the way I do about making improvments on the current design. Nothing I have mentioned will take the skill level away, I am still talking passing in the same fashion, just with much better and improved equipment.

Thanks though, I appreciate the chance I have to bounce ideas off you more experienced coaches, as I have learned so much in the last three years since I returned to this hobby from all of you.

I hope no one takes offense.

[Kansas Bill]

Originally Posted by Shabby J

I appreciate everyone's response. I too love the TTQB and it is a part of the game's magic, I get excited when I see the fab 5 and the TTQB, don't get me wrong. I can use it successfully and I do practice and am getting better, as I am sure we all are.

I was just throwing some ideas out there, as I know there are a bunch of innovators in this great hobby and I have seen no real talk about the TTQB except improving its ankle strength.

If it ain't broke don't fix it right! I am all for that. It's just that to me I can see a lot of things in my head to make it even better. I guess the need for improvement and evolution that are a necessity in some of my other hobbies have carried over into MF. I was reaching out to the tinkerers, engineers, scientists, and innovators to see what they thought.

One other note, not intended to offend anyone, believe me, but to those who say practice, practice, practice in this post, that is not really the topic here. I was seeing if anyone else felt the way I do about making improvments on the current design. Nothing I have mentioned will take the skill level away, I am still talking passing in the same fashion, just with much better and improved equipment.

Thanks though, I appreciate the chance I have to bounce ideas off you more experienced coaches, as I have learned so much in the last three years since I returned to this hobby from all of you.

I hope no one takes offense.

While it may not be completely broken.. it could certainly use some improvement..

So I'm with you on this one.... I agree with a spring loaded type arm.. something more consistent than the current TTQB's... I think the TTQB's made "back in the day" was a slightly different plastic, and more pliable.. the stuff now is a bit more brittle.

Everytime I practiced with one till I worked around it's tendancies.. It'd break at the ankle.. Get out the plastic fusion.. BUT... It's a completely different feel after you've repaired it at the ankle.. I took to applying the plastic fusion before I even used the TTQB..

...a spring loaded arm of some sort on an actual QB pose? You wind it back as far as you think you need to - based on the length of the pass - and you tilt the ball accordingly to give it its trajectory. Then all we do is push the button to release the arm.

Same for the PK and P. They would have some sort of ratchet and gear mechanism in their legs, and we would tilt the ball accordingly and push the release button.

But, if we had to use what we have, I'd agree with RR and find yourself a "white, big-head TTQB" from the 70s. They are made with the thicker plastic and they never seem to warp.

Also, the ball you use makes a HUGE difference!!! Puff Daddys usually knock their targets down or blast a Defender's facemask off; foam balls move so fast you can't follow them nor can you find them; felt balls barely leave proof of contact because they are so light; and the colored foam balls weren't made for Passing, just Kicking. Take your pick based on what your league or Tourney allows.

As far as kicking, using an EFDW foam ball will allow you to "float" those kicks and keep them on the field whether it be a Kick Off or a Punt or even a FG that you can actually see go thru the uprights instead of just listening for the ricochet off of the cutout piece of board. Tilting the TTQB Kicker back and up at different angles will give different results as well if you don't have different types of juevos available. :rolleyes:

[Reginald Rutledge]

me wrong! You hit upon some very interesting concepts. The engineer in me always want to make me redesign everything! Most things can be improved upon.

As you, Kansas Bill, and Jimbo mentioned, a spring-loaded device in the arm could be of great benefit. Kind of like the old 10 foot giant Coleco QB. He had a spring in both his leg and his arm. Ravenna Al does a similar technique for the kicker portion of the TTQB. I had been designing QBs from my Gunslinger QB because of the flexibility of the plastic. I changed him to a right-handed QB and put in a pivoting joint in his arm, giving him the ability to release the ball. The accuracy of where he hurls the ball has not been perfected but he does have the ability to throw the ball on the fly.

But I do like the concept of some type of spring-like device which allows him to hurl it as well. Ideas like yours is good for the game and makes me think. You can rest assured, after you broached the topic, I went right to my laboratory, put on my smock and hard hat, took out my pocket protector, and started computing how to do this.

So keep bringing those thoughts Shabby J. You know I've got much respect for what your fresh energy bring to the hobby. Keep that creative juice rolling in that Shabby J'ed head!

Reg