Table Soccer Tips

Table soccer, also known as foosball, is a fun and often frenetic game for players of all ages. For most people, an informal game of table soccer will take place in the home, in a bar or at an amusement arcade. For others, table soccer is a professional sport with strict rules and regulations drawn up by official associations.

Rules

Despite table soccers reputation as an informal game, there are many players who treat it like any other regulated sport. The International Table Soccer Federation has an extensive list of official rules and regulations. Many of these rules do not necessarily apply to informal games, but knowing the basics will help you to improve as a player. Spinning of the rods, jarring the table, reaching into the area of play and distracting your opponent are all against the official rules. Abiding by these rules will help you to focus upon positive table soccer techniques.

Passing

Mastering the passing technique is all about practice. Your passing skills will increase the more you play, but it is best to practice without any opposition, so that you can concentrate solely on passing technique and angles without having to worry about defending. The Foos Manchu website recommends lifting up the opposing player bars, allowing you to pass back and forth between your own players unobstructed.

Defense

According to the KLS Game Tables website, your main defensive aim is to keep the ball from your opponents striker row. Try to keep one of your men in front of the ball at all times, particularly in midfield and defense. Keep a close eye on your opponent and try to figure out his strategy. You can then try to adapt your defensive play to counter and frustrate your opponents preferred attacking moves.

Attack

Attacking table soccer is all about scoring goals. Passing and controlling the ball should be used as a means to get the ball to your front two rows from where you can take a shot at goal. Mixing up your offensive attack by using multiple shots during a game is a very good approach to any offensive strategy, says the Das FoosMaster website. Vary your play to diversify your shooting angles and distances. This will make your opponent more wary, forcing her into a more defensive style.

Table Selection

Table selection becomes increasingly important as your table soccer skills increase. A poor table is a great leveler, making it difficult for a good player to control a game against a lesser opponent. If a table is not level, or it is warped in any way, then your passing abilities will not give you such a noticeable advantage. If you have a selection of tables to choose from, test each one for faults before choosing the match table.