I have to admit that i'm totally clueless as to the history or product scope of Striker but decided a short while ago that I just could not avoid obtaining some of the more common items to add to my predominantly Subbuteo based Table Soccer collection . I think I am correct in saying that Striker, by Parker Brothers, was introduced in the early to mid 1970s. I say this because I can remember playing it at a friends house at around this time, and usually losing!. The simple fact that the players actually kicked the ball captured many a school boy's imagination and it looked at first as though Striker would present a serious challenge to the dominance of Subbuteo Table Soccer but I guess this never really materialized. Subbuteo was very well established at this time and was probably going through it's own "Golden Age" and as such could stand up to most tests of its credentials.
Early Striker Set
The game was basically Five-a-side football played with 4 outfield players and a goalkeeper on a felt covered pitch with surround fence. The pitch was split up into zones which the players had to stay within. Pressing the head of the outfielders automatically resulted in a kicking action with one leg and various types of shots or passes could be performed. The goalkeepers moved from side to side on a handle and also had a throwing action (that often resulted in lobbing the ball into their own net. Well it did when I played!)
The Game In Action
As Striker continued into the late 1970s so it evolved, leading to the invention of the diving goalkeeper. This was a fantastic item that really completed the realistic feel of the game. This time as the goalkeepers were moved from side to side an ingenious rotating action caused the keepers arms to extend from by their sides to out above their heads in a most realistic manner. These new keepers were introduced into the main sets which were now re-named Super Striker. Obviously many schoolboys had been bought the original sets and to keep these happy the new diving goalkeepers were made available as an accessory set.
New Diving Goalkeepers
To be continued .........
Contact - collecting.subbuteo@virgin.net Updated - 07 November 2004
