Get a Foosball Table - Learn the Rules - Have Some Fun

Foosball is seen by most as both a game and a sport. To many it is simply a game based on the sport of soccer. To an ever growing number of foosball enthusiasts it has evolved into a sport in its own right. There are professional foosball players, player’s associations and a growing number of foosball competitions, some with big money prizes. It doesn't matter how skilled you are now, this amazing game/sport can provide years of enjoyment for you, your friends and family.

The objective of the game is to move your four control rods to manipulate your 13 player figures to drive the ball towards your target goal at your opponent's end of the foosball table. Seems simple enough, right? Just don't forget, you have to play defense too. Your opponent also wants to score!

The intent of the rules is to keep matches fair. For completeness sake and to cover every possible circumstance that could arise, professional/official rules are available to govern competitive play. At the highest level of competitive foosball play, officials are optional. To many players it is a self-officiating game where both teams are aware of the rules and compete within the boundaries of the basic rules. Interpretation of the rules should be based on their commonsense.

Basic Rules

1. Start by  flipping a coin to see who gets to serve first.


2. The team last scored upon gets the serve after a goal, after a ball is out of play, or after a neutral dead ball.


3. No Spinning.


4. You have a 10 second time limit to shoot or pass.


5. No jarring of the foosball table or banging against the side walls.


6. The winner is the the first player to reach 10 points (or however many you decide).

Tips:

1. Blocking. Your objective is to keep the ball from your opponent. So you should change your defensive play to match your opponent. If possible, try to keep one of your men in front of the ball all the time. Use the middle men to work together as a defensive unit. Don’t use the outside men for blocking, use them for getting the ball out of the corners and for maneuvering the ball.


2. Clearing. You have 10 seconds to clear the ball. You don’t have to shoot on goal every time. Your job is to clear the ball. Stop the ball before you start a pass or shot. If you swing at a moving ball and miss, it could end up in your opponent's control. Before you shoot, make sure your other men are up out of the way. Look for clearing or passing holes down the sides of the table.


3. If the ball goes off the foosball table or comes to a dead stop, out of reach of any player, then it is a dead ball. If it dies in the defensive zone, that goalie moves the ball to his nearest player figure and play resumes. Otherwise dead balls are re-served by the team who originally served.

Remember, the game is for your enjoyment. If you are just playing casually, feel free to adapt the rules as you see fit. Your foosball table will bring you years of fun!