Foosball tips and tricks: 8 moves from the pass to the snake shot

Table football, foosball, kicker: whatever you call it, it is played in pubs, offices and at world championships. It is still football, just on a table, with eleven players a side on four rods.

The game gets really fun once you know a few tricks. Here are the basics, plus 8 moves for passing, defending and shooting that will make you better at the table.

The basics for beginners

The table is a small pitch with a goal at each end. Each team controls four rods from its long side. From the back: the goalkeeper, the 2-bar with two defenders, the 5-bar in midfield and the 3-bar with three strikers. You can play singles or doubles. In doubles, one player takes defence (goalkeeper and 2-bar) and the other takes attack (5-bar and 3-bar).

The aim is simple: score more goals than the other side. Most tables have a score counter at each end. Move it after every goal so nobody loses count.

The most important skill is ball control. Pin the ball under a figure, between the foot and the playing surface. Then it cannot roll away. If it sits too far back, tap the handle lightly and it slides forward. If it is too far forward, a gentle wipe brings it back.

The second skill is a safe pass. Practise it more than anything else. Stand comfortably and keep your grip loose so your wrist can move freely.

Tricks in midfield

The midfield is the hub of the game. Your passes forward start here. When the other team has the ball, your 5-bar is there to block the pass to their strikers.

1. The safe pass

One rule always applies on the 5-bar. Under the official ITSF rules, a ball that is stopped or pinned may not be passed straight to the 3-bar. Move it to another figure first, then pass while it is rolling. For beginners: learn the simple straight pass first.

2. The wall pass

The wall pass runs straight along the side wall. Your outside midfield figure has to hit the ball cleanly so it travels along the wall. Make sure your 3-bar is ready to catch it. The wall pass is the easiest pass to learn. If the other team blocks it, switch to the lane pass.

3. The lane pass

The lane pass goes through the gap between two opposing figures, slightly diagonally. Hit the ball a little earlier than for the wall pass so it changes direction. Do not angle it too much, or the next defender will cut it out. Tilt your receiving striker slightly forward, at about 30 degrees, so the ball is easier to trap. The lane pass is a great change from the wall pass.

Do goals from the midfield count?

Yes. Under the official rules, a goal from the 5-bar counts like any other. In some pubs midfield goals are banned. Agree on it before you start.

Tricks in defence

A good defence stops trouble before it starts. The basic rule: do not line your defenders up directly behind the goalkeeper. Cover different parts of the goal with each rod, so the striker has fewer options. And keep your rods moving. You react faster and the striker finds it harder to settle.

4. The V position

Angle your defenders and goalkeeper differently. The defenders lean forward, feet pointing towards your own goal. The goalkeeper leans back, feet pointing towards the defenders. Seen from the side, the figures form a V. The benefit: a ball that hits your defence does not roll towards your goal. It stays in front of you, ready to be played out.

5. The bank shot

The bank shot goes off the side wall. Do not hit the ball square on, cut it instead. The more you cut it, the sharper the angle off the wall. Players use it when every direct lane is blocked. To defend against it, cover the walls with your midfield when the other team has the ball at the back. Above all, close the middle with your 5-bar and 3-bar. The gaps between the three central midfield figures are the most dangerous spots.

Tricks in attack: shooting

A solid defence matters, but goals win games. Three shots are worth learning.

6. The pull shot

The ball sits beside the figure, under the rod. Put your hand on top of the handle. Pull the ball sideways with the side of the figure's foot. Then bring the figure behind the ball with a small backswing and shoot. The power comes from your wrist: roll it up, then snap it down, like opening the throttle on a motorbike. Fast and explosive makes a good shot.

7. The pin shot

The pin shot differs from the pull shot in the hand movement. Keep your wrist straight in line with your arm. Pin the ball under the figure and drag it along to the left or right. Roll the handle up along your wrist and wait for the right moment. The shot is the same rolling movement in the opposite direction.

8. The snake shot (jet shot)

The snake shot works differently. You do not hold the handle in your hand. You rest the rod against your wrist. Pull your hand up in a straight line and the figure spins round 360 degrees. At the end of the turn it hits the ball and, at best, sends it into the goal.

Good to know: in the ITSF Classic format, snake shots are not allowed (Classic Matchplay Rules). In the standard format and at the office table, go for it.

Positions: who plays front, who plays back?

In doubles, one player takes the goalkeeper and the 2-bar, the other takes the 5-bar and the 3-bar. The back suits whoever stays calm and likes to block. The front suits whoever passes and shoots well.

Officially you may swap positions between points, between games and during a time-out. In an office league it pays to play both positions. Everyone gets better and you are more flexible when picking teams.

Tactics: small tricks, big effect

• Control first, then shoot. A ball at rest is easier to place than a rolling one.
• Mix it up. If you always shoot into the same corner, you will be read quickly. Change direction and pace.
• Watch the clock. Officially you have 10 seconds on the 5-bar and 15 seconds on the other rods.
• Breathe after conceding. At tournaments each team has two time-outs per game. At the office table a short pause before the next kick-off will do.

Tips for beginners: how to practise

1. Stop the ball and pin it under a figure until it no longer bounces away.
2. Practise the straight pass from the 5-bar to the 3-bar, slowly at first, then faster.
3. Learn one shot properly, usually the pull shot. Only then try the next one.
4. Keep your rods moving in defence instead of waiting.
5. Play against better players often. In an office league, your stats show who you beat and who you still struggle against.

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