Foosball Overview – Foosball is commonly categorized as both a game and a sport. To many it is simply a game based on the sport of soccer/football. 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. Regardless of your skill level, this amazing game/sport will certainly provide years of enjoyment.

Objective – Maneuver your 4 rods to control your 13 player figures to drive the ball towards your target goal. Sounds easy enough… until you have to keep your opponent(s) from doing the same!

Game/Match – A basic game of foosball is a race to 5 points/goals. The first team to 5 goals wins the game. Matches can be played where best 2 out of 3, or 3 out of 5 games wins the match.

Types of Games – Common game formats are Singles (1 player versus 1 player – each player must control 4 rods on their side of the table); Doubles (2 versus 2, where one player per team controls the leftmost/defensive rods, while his partner controls the 5-Bar and Offensive 3-Bar); Goalie War (1 player versus 1 player where each control the leftmost/defensive rods only while the middle 4 rods are not used).

Rules of Play – The basic rules of play are quite simple. Aside from no spinning and no “unsportsmanlike conduct”, the majority of other rules govern the pace of play and special circumstances that arise during play.

Philosophy of Rules – The “intent” of the rules is essentially to keep matches fair between competitors. 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 common-sense.