The official rules of foosball: how to play according to the standards
Discover the official rules of foosball: fouls, throw-ins, permitted movements, and tips for playing like a pro, whether with friends or in a tournament.
Introduction
Table soccer is much more than just a bar game. It is a miniature sport where precision, reflexes, and strategy come together around a table. However, many people are unaware of the real rules of table soccer. If you are tired of arguments every time you play, this guide is for you.
The basics of the game
A game of foosball is usually played between two teams: either 1-on-1 or 2-on-2. Each player controls one or more bars equipped with players. The objective is simple: score more goals than your opponent.
The game starts from the middle of the field, and the ball must be put into play fairly. The match is played in several rounds, often with 5 or 10 winning goals depending on the variations.
The official rules
Certain actions are prohibited to ensure fair play:
- Spinning (spinning the bars before or after shooting) is **strictly prohibited.
- Shaking or lifting the table is considered a foul.
- Hitting the ball with your hands or moving the table intentionally is penalized.
If the ball goes out of bounds, it is put back into play by the team that conceded the last goal. If the ball is blocked in the middle, a neutral throw-in is taken.
Differences between schools
In France, several foosball brands are benchmarks, with Stella being one of the leading brands thanks to its unique features (headers, balls bouncing off the slanted rails, etc.). However, the basic rules remain universal.
Official tournaments follow the standards set by the French Foosball Federation (FFB).
Play fair
The spirit of foosball is all about having fun together. Even though the game can get competitive, respect between players is still super important. Shaking hands before and after the game is part of the tradition.
Conclusion
Knowing the rules means playing better and, above all, having more fun. Whether you're playing with friends or competing locally, follow these principles and you'll never look at foosball the same way again.
Want to play on a real, high-quality table? Check out our professional foosball tables and accessories in our store!
Related posts
-
The rules of American billiards
You wonder how to play pool and want to know all the secrets of the rules of the game? Here is a summary of the rules...Read more -
The Stella billiards primer
To understand the game of billiards, you need to know the vocabulary. Discover the vocabulary and terms of the game...Read more -
The rules of golf billiards
You wonder how to play billiards and want to know all the secrets of the rules of the game? Here is a summary of the...Read more