Need to know the basics

[Vince148]

It's probably been about 40 years since I've played electric football. I'm big into strat-o-matic games having those games for almost the same number of years. However, it looks like electric football now actually has rules...and leagues. I probably won't join any leagues because of my location, but I might be into some tournaments.

Anyway, I finally got a forum ID and can now post. So, I'm looking for some basic info.

First off, figures...
There's the traditional figures that come with a new game.
I found a couple of other sites that sell figures as well. 4buzzball.com, inthezone and footballfigure.net. Are there any other sites?

Bases...
From what I can tell from reading, there are
"rookie" bases. These pretty much just go straight ahead. What would you use these for?
Then there are TTC. This makes players go in any direction by turning the dial. Is there a difference between these and ITZ dials that I see mentioned? I also see that some use these on every player, others only with key players.

I found another site (Miggle's, I think) where they have...
speed bases,
pro-line bases
...and what's with all the different colors?
What are the differences with these compared to the ones I listed above?

Looping linebackers...I think I understand what they do...how do you create them. A specific figure. What base do you use and how do you tweak it?

General rules question...This may be different depending on the league.
Do QBs have to be on non-mobile bases?
With any player, can bases be changed in the course of the game? eg...One play I want strong straight ahead blocking with my guard. Can I change his base for the next play if I want to use one that allows him to pull for a sweep?

Speaking of which...I saw that someone mentioned something about bases that allow players to move laterally. Who are these available from as I did not see these on any other sites. Also, do the TTC bases allow linemen to pull?

I think that's all I have for now.

Glad I found this.

Thanks

[WEIRDWOLF]

I probably won't join any leagues because of my location, but I might be into some tournaments.

Michigan has LOTS of leagues and players from the U.P. on down. Where are you at?

First off, figures...
There's the traditional figures that come with a new game.
I found a couple of other sites that sell figures as well. 4buzzball.com, inthezone and footballfigure.net. Are there any other sites?
5-13 on this forum also makes some nice custom production figures as well as Dewayne Jennings (egridiron) from Electric Gridiron. There are probably others but I'm blanking on them right now. Sorry to those I am not thinking of.

Bases...
From what I can tell from reading, there are
"rookie" bases. These pretty much just go straight ahead. What would you use these for?
They actually go many directions depending on how they are tweaked but they are the basic starter base. They can be used on just about any position but are not often used as linemen.

Then there are TTC. This makes players go in any direction by turning the dial. Is there a difference between these and ITZ dials that I see mentioned?
Yes ITZ dials have the ability to move sideways.

I found another site (Miggle's, I think) where they have...
speed bases,
pro-line bases
...and what's with all the different colors?
These are bases that were created for the annual Miggle tourney. Each year they have a new color.

What are the differences with these compared to the ones I listed above? I'll let someone else tackle this question. There could be (should be) a book on this.

Looping linebackers...I think I understand what they do...how do you create them. A specific figure. What base do you use and how do you tweak it?
Better do a search for loopers. Another huge question.

General rules question...This may be different depending on the league.
Do QBs have to be on non-mobile bases?
No

With any player, can bases be changed in the course of the game? Depends on the league you play with but usually you will want to switch out a player/base combo rather than switch bases. Bases perform differently with different figures and it can be hard to keep track of what base you have on which man.

Speaking of which...I saw that someone mentioned something about bases that allow players to move laterally. Who are these available from as I did not see these on any other sites.
Those are ITZ bases. PM Mark Klingbeil (forum name "mklingbeil") for those. I believe Geno (Geno H) also sells some tweaked.

Also, do the TTC bases allow linemen to pull? Yes, too a degree. There are others on here who can detail this better. Read some of Reg Rutledges posts in his Shootout Rules section.

[Coach_J]

Hi There,

Greetings to you. My name is John but I am better known as Coach J on the chatboard. This is your first post so let me say welcome to the MFCA chatboard and welcome BACK to the hobby. You have come to an excellent place to get your miniature football questions answered.

Weirdwolf pretty much answered your questions regarding bases and players. Also as Wolf said there are MANY players and leagues in Michigan and I would highly suggest that you get in touch with leagues in Michigan. I always feel that it is good to have a mentor during your early stages of the hobby. Plus the coaches in your area can answer many of your questions first hand and show you the advances in the hobby since you last played. As a matter of fact I will contact one of the coaches in Michigan and hopefully he will reply to your post.

Have a good day, feel free to ask any additional questions, and again welcome to the chatboard and welcome BACK to the hobby.

John aka Coach J

[Reginald Rutledge]

of the Shootout Rules systems is derived directly from strat-o-matic. Games like strat-o-matic and Paydirt had it right with the injuries, penalties, and fumbles. If this is something you would like to incorporate into your rules, this may be worth your look.

If you would like information on efficiency of the game with the implementation of these type variables, go to the Rules section under Shootout Rules system and post.

Reginald Rutledge

[ChetDakota]

Hi Vince,

My best suggestion to you to answer all of your questions is to find someone near you who is an experienced player and go visit them. Spend a day with them and have them show you everything that they know. Most people pn this board will help you in any way that they can. It is hard to understand all of the many different figures, bases, fields/boards and rules until you see them live and in-person. Try to make the trip to Chicago in January to the Miggle Convention. There, you will meet so many different people who all have different ways to play. You will see and hear about all of the different rules sets. Be open minded on what you see. Take it all in, then make your own decisions on what you like best and how you want to play the game.

[Norbert Revels]

I'am right here in Hamtramck MI, 10 minutes from downtown Detroit, I can help you with any questions you may have on Miniature football, ....also my door is open everyday to any coach here in Michigan who wants to come by and talk MF,......... I work on bases everyday, I can show you all you need to know buddy in miniature football.

P.S. We have 3 leagues here with a ton of coaches who will help you anytime you may need help.

Norbert Revels
313-208-9918

[Vince148]

Hi guys. Thanks for the responses. I've been in the hospital the past 4 days and just got out, so I'll respond in a little while. I live in the Thumb, 2+ hours from Detroit, about 4 hrs from the "Up North" league. I would be interested if you know of anyone or anything going on in the Saginaw-Bay City-Midland area. Time is very limited for me, so I can't spend a lot of time on the roads.