A typical air hockey table consists of a large and smooth playing surface designed to minimize friction, a surrounding track to prevent ice hockey and hitting (rackets) from leaving the table, and track slots at both ends of the table as goals. At both ends of the table behind and below the goal, there is usually a hockey return. In addition, the table usually has some kind of mechanical device, which generates air cushion on the competition table through small holes, in order to reduce friction and improve the playback speed.

In some tables, smooth table surfaces, usually plastic, are used to save manufacturing and maintenance costs and avoid the use of machinery. Please note that these tables are not technically air hockey tables because they do not involve air, but they are still generally understood as such due to the basic similarity of the game. There are also ice hockey balls that use batteries and fans to produce their own air cushions, but they are usually sold only as toys because they are easy to break.