Foosball Blog News
Playing The Game
Foosball is a table with 8 rods with handles and 'table soccer' men figures. Each player/team uses their handles to move their men to strike the ball into the opposing team’s goal. The game is fast and fun!
Objective: Have fun! Use your figures to pass and shoot the ball into your opponent’s goal while blocking the ball from going into your own goal. You serve the ball and try to score!
Game: A typical game is played to 5 points. Don't get too caught up in this though, some people play to 7 points or 9, or whatever. A match would normally consist of the first to win 2 out of best 2 out of 3 games, or maybe 3 out of 5.
Rules: Foosball rules can be simple and made up by the players or more complex created by professional foosball federations. Simple rules are to hit the ball into the goal. Complex rules include no spinning, time limits to advance the ball from each rod, and time outs during play. If you score, the other team serves. Be polite to your opponent and no swearing. Official ITSF rule book.
Tournaments: The professional players compete for hundreds of thousands of dollars ($100,000) all over the world. A typical tournament last for 3 days in which players compete against various divisions and several events.
Shooting a Pull Shot
Todd Loffredo, one of the all-time greatest players in foosball teaches us about a pull shot. Click Read More to see an image of Todd shooting a pull shot.
Foosball.com: Todd, where does the power start when shooting a pull shot?
Todd Loffredo: The first place to start is your stance. It is important that you have balance in whatever stance works best for you.
Foosball.com: How long does it take to develop a pull shot?
Todd: Developing any part of your game is determined by the amount of time and repetition you commit to achieving the result. I didn’t start out with the skill that I have today, it required dedication, passion, and determination. Repetition is key.
Foosball.com: What is in that box on the table in the picture?
Todd: About 100 foosballs of various kinds but mostly Tornado, which vary from batch to batch. Setting up your practice space is important, have several foosball handy to keep the repetition of shooting going. Good lighting, a maintained table, and cool environment make it easier to keep the focus the task.
Foosball.com: Is the type of ball important?
Todd: Not always, especially when you’re learning something new as the focus is on learning more about the stroke and the set up that works best. When preparing for tournament play, it is key to have new balls to fine tune the feel and aspects of your skills.
Foosball.com: Do you square or spray the ball when shooting?
Todd: My pull shot curves at the start and then ends more in a square motion, it is a very small spray angle about 5-10% depending on the release point. I pinch the ball the curve. The finish point is important, making sure you are ready to catch any rebound from a block.
Foosball.com: How do you get consistency in your shot?
Todd: Consistency comes from feel, feel comes from repeating exact circumstances.
Foosball.com: What is your ideal set for the ball, is it under the rod, in front, or behind the rod?
Todd: Depends on the type of ball and table for my ideal set. With Tornado, I like it slightly set back of the rod. Other factors may include stickiness, humidity, temperature, and the grip of the ball.
Foosball.com: Overall, how would you describe learning how to shoot a pull shot?
Todd: Practice, practice, practice! Repetition and studying the shot with comparison to others until you get the feel, power, understanding, consistency, and speed you want.
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