How to do the foosball pull shot, step by step

For the pull shot you put the ball beside a figure on the 3-bar, pull it sideways and shoot in the middle of the movement. It works on almost any table, whether it stands in the office, in the pub or at the club.

Why the pull shot works

• The ball is moving. The goalkeeper has to follow it and does not know when the shot is coming.
• You can change how far you pull and hit different corners.
• It does not need a special surface. It works on smooth tables and on rough ones.

3 steps to the pull shot

1Step 1: Put the ball beside the figure

Put the ball beside the figure so it sits directly under the rod or just behind it. The figure is already touching the ball before you pull.

Take the handle from above and wrap your whole hand around it. Stand slightly side-on to the table, facing the goal.

2Step 2: Pull the ball and get ahead of it

Pull the ball towards you with the side of the foot, parallel to the goal area. Tilt your wrist forward as you do. That winds the figure up.

Get very slightly ahead of the ball so the figure ends up behind it. Try not to lose contact with the ball.

3Step 3: Snap it

Now snap your wrist down fast. It feels like opening the throttle on a motorbike. At the same time make a small movement against the direction of the pull. Then the ball goes straight at goal and not off at an angle into the post.

Common pull shot mistakes

• The ball sits too far forward. You push it instead of pulling it, and it squirts away.
• You lose contact while pulling. The ball rolls at an angle and the shot is inaccurate.
• The shot goes off at an angle. You are missing the small counter-movement as you snap.
• You always shoot from the same spot. The goalkeeper adjusts after three shots.

Tip for advanced players

Pull the ball different distances and so change where you shoot from. Add a version where you do not pull at all and shoot straight after the wind-up. If the goalkeeper expects the pull, the straight shot is open.

Lunch-break drill (5 minutes)

1. 1 minute: Pull only, no shooting. The ball should stick to the figure.
2. 2 minutes: Ten pull shots into the far corner. Count the goals.
3. 2 minutes: Ten pull shots, alternating short and long pulls. Whoever in the office scores the most sets the target for tomorrow.

What the rules say