Foosball Table Rules
Foosball Tables- How to Buy a Table and How to Play
The teams face off, their countenances stony and determined. The ball drops and they move in perfect formation, kicking the ball with both feet and a clunk. This is no average game of soccer; it is rousing game of foosball.
Foosball is an exciting game perfect for family and friends of all ages- from the professional tournament level to anyone tall enough to reach the handles! It is a vibrant addition to college dorms, restaurants, offices, game rooms and homes. It even has the capacity to act as something of a “teenager trap,” attracting your older children and their friends to your home for a tournament.
Foosball tables feature rows of “players” controlled by game players on either side of the table. The rules of the game are simple; first, a coin toss determines which team will receive the distinct honor of serving the ball- either by sending it through a hole in the side of the table or placed at the feet of a player in the center. Then, all foos-dom breaks loose as the opposing teams swiftly move their players in attempt to make a goal. Spinning the rod to achieve a 360-degree turn is technically not allowed, but it is such a satisfying way to hit the ball! Foosball tables come with nine balls, so players compete for best out of nine.
There are a few things to watch for when looking at foosball tables. A level playing field is essential for a fair game, so look for a table with leg leveler. These will ensure a level table even if the floor is not.
The weight of the table is also a crucial factor for when play starts to get more vigorous- some pros have been known to hit the ball at speeds close to 30 mph! A good table will weigh over 150 lbs, but in this case, heavier is usually better. Thicker sidewalls ensure more consistent play; look for a table with at least a one inch width sidewall.
Another perk of foosball tables is the minimal amount of maintenance they require; if the rods become stiff, all they need is a quick once-over with rubbing alcohol. This also works for cleaning the table top itself.
Now, you have a handsome, sturdy, new foosball table with rods that don’t stick at all. What’s next? Beating your friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition! As in most things, repetition equals success, so practice your shots. A Pull Shot will make you look like an expert in no time; to practice, simply push your 3-bar (the third bar from the goal) fully against the sidewall. Place a ball on the right side of the center man of the 3-bar, creating the starting position of every pull shot. Pull the rod back toward you, bringing the ball with it; this sneaky move will get you away from where your opponent is focused. Bring the center man up, then use him to touch the ball softly, stabilizing it before the shot. Keep a good grip on the rod and then shoot the ball forward by flicking your wrist. The key is to be quick and precise, not necessarily powerful.
A Dribble Shot is also a great way to fake out the defense of the other team; when the ball comes to your “forwards,” the row of players closest to the goal, you can dribble the ball from side to side with the bottom of the players until you have an opening to take a direct shot.
Remember the importance of those sidewalls? Their importance is not limited to the game in general, they can also act as your most dependable teammate. Once you master the Dribble Shot, you can put it into action it with the player on any row closest to the edge. Use that player to tap the ball off the wall, past the defensive row in front of you, and on to your next row of players. Practice this move until you can do it in your sleep, and you will be able to pass anywhere on the table, making your shots almost impossible to defend.
A spectacular shot, while not quite legal in official play, will definitely serve to convince the opposing team of your skills if you casually throw it off before a game. It’s called a Full Table Chip Shot, Carefully pinch the ball between your goalie and a defender, then lift the ball into the air and balance it on the back of the defender. In one swift movement, toss the ball off the defender’s back and kick it with the goalie. When done correctly, the ball will swoop neatly into the opposing goal. For competition purposes, your time would definitely be better spent practicing legal shots, but the Full Table Chip is no mean party trick.
We’ve covered the basics of foosball- an overview of the rules, the important elements of a good table, and shots that will help you beat nearly anyone you challenge to a game on your new table. Welcome to the world of foosball!
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Tale Of The Tape
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