A high striker, also known as a strength tester, or strongman game, A carnie stands next to a tower, goading men to step on up and show off their manly strength. Contestants are handed a heavy mallet and instructed to hit a pad that will launch a small puck up a track (usually a metal rod) along the tower. The man who rings the bell at the top wins the prize.

Many men think the key to winning this game is strength. Start with your stronger hand towards the head of the mallet and your weaker hand as close to the end of the handle as possible. Bring the mallet up and over your head, and as you swing down towards the pad, your strong hand will slide down toward the end of the handle to meet your weaker hand. This technique gives you a bit more control and balance.

If the lever is struck with enough force, the puck will rise high enough to hit the bell, indicating a success. Modern versions use a spring-loaded version of the lever, others use an enclosed striking mechanism.

High strikers come in different shapes and sizes. Heights range from 4 to 20 feet (1.2 to 6.1 meters). Most models use a spring-loaded lever that can be adjusted to increase or decrease the force required to propel the puck to hit the bell.

The most important factor is swing accuracy. While strength is necessary, you have to hit the pad directly in the center if you want to ring that bell.

Try to use two techniques

Aim for the center of the pad. Remember, the center of the pad is the sweet spot.

Make sure the face of the mallet hits the pad squarely. If the mallet’s face is tilted when you hit the pad, you lose some of the oomph in your swing. You want the mallet face to hit the pad flatly and squarely.