How to do the foosball pin shot, step by step

For the pin shot you pin the ball under the figure, slide sideways over it and let the handle roll through your open hand. The figure whips forward and shoots. It gets its name because the ball is pinned at the start. It is harder than the pull shot, but it gives you more variations.

Why the pin shot works

• From a pinned ball you can move either way. The goalkeeper cannot see in advance where you are going.
• The movement is short. There is hardly any time between the move and the shot.
• It is a good step towards the snake shot, because you learn to let the handle roll through your hand.

3 steps to the pin shot

1Step 1: Pin the ball, open your hand

Pin the ball between the figure and the playing surface. The edge of the foot sits on top of the ball.

Your hand is what matters: the thumb does not wrap around the handle. It only rests loosely on top. Your hand has to be able to open freely in a moment.

2Step 2: Slide over the ball

Press lightly on the ball with the figure and move the rod sideways, parallel to the goal area. The figure slides over the ball. As soon as it leaves the ball, bring it straight in behind it.

Now open your hand. The heel of your hand stays on the handle.

3Step 3: Let the handle roll

Curl your fingers slightly and pull your hand straight up. The handle rolls through your hand, the rod turns and the figure whips forward. Catch the handle with your fingers at the end.

Common pin shot mistakes

• Your thumb wraps around the handle. Your hand cannot open and the handle does not roll.
• You press too little on the ball. The figure does not slide over it but pushes it away.
• There is a pause between step 2 and step 3. That gives the goalkeeper time to adjust.
• You let go of the handle. The rod keeps spinning and the shot goes wide.

Tip for advanced players

Move the ball both ways and over different distances. Fake one direction and shoot the other. With three reliable options (straight, short move, long move) you can beat any goalkeeper.

Lunch-break drill (5 minutes)

1. 1 minute: Practise the hand only. Loose grip, thumb on top, open and pull up, no ball.
2. 2 minutes: Pin the ball, slide over it, figure behind it. No shot. Ten clean reps.
3. 2 minutes: Ten pin shots at goal, five moving left and five moving right.

What the rules say