10 table soccer mistakes not to make

If you want to make a good impression on your future opponents and partners, follow our advice. By following these rules, you'll become a better player. Discover the 10 table soccer mistakes you shouldn't make, according to our team of professionals.

#1 Underestimating your opponents

In life in general, you shouldn't think that everything is a foregone conclusion. It's the same with table soccer. You can tell yourself that this game is going to be easy, that victory is in the bag; but that's only going to get you so far. Being proud and underestimating the team in front of you is not the way to go. If you win, you'll be seen as a proud player with no sporting values. And if you lose, your defeat will be hard to swallow. In both cases, you'll be labelled a bad player, self-confident and full of himself. What's more, underestimating your opponents won't allow you to give your all in the match.

#2 Making “rakes”

In table soccer, the expression “rake” refers to a back-and-forth movement with the players. This movement is strongly reprimanded among players, as it is considered to be anti-game. It's especially disliked by experienced players, who see it as a move that doesn't make for an interesting game. What's more, this move doesn't allow you to play, as it lets luck decide whether the ball goes through or not, so there's no real merit in using this technique.

#3 Lack of complicity with your teammate

Table soccer is a game played mainly by pairs. And it's always an advantage to know your partner and to have played several matches with him or her. That's why it's a big mistake to play table soccer with a team-mate you don't know, don't get on with or can't communicate with. Like any team sport, table soccer requires a certain amount of team spirit, and that's what it takes to win.

#4 Not lifting your players

Whether you're playing as a duo or solo, knowing how to control your players is of great importance in the game. Indeed, letting your team-mate's shot go through is very important in the game, allowing you to make not only passes but also potential goals. Even when playing 1-on-1, it's important to know how to lift your players to fluidify the game and create scoring opportunities. If you don't lift your players, your shot or that of your team-mate may be countered by your own team, which is why it's important to lift your players.

#5 Making pissettes

In table soccer, the expression “pissing” refers to a goal branded by the attacker closest to you. This movement is strongly reprimanded between players, as it is considered anti-game. It's even forbidden! It's especially hated by players, who consider it a move that doesn't make for an interesting game. What's more, this move doesn't allow you to play, as it gives you a goal that's too “easy” and unstoppable, so there's no real merit in using it.

#6 Not controlling your ball

Knowing how to control your ball is one of the most important elements to master. If you don't control the ball when you have it, you won't improve your game. Learning to control the ball will enable you to play better and therefore make better passes or score better goals. It will also enable you to analyze the game and the opposing team. What's more, certain table soccer rules prohibit you from playing without controlling your ball.

#7 Trade-ins

In table soccer, the term “trade-ins” refers to a goal branded without controlling the ball beforehand, but it can be accepted when it's the defenders who are doing the restarting. This movement is strongly reprimanded between players, as it is considered anti-game. It's even forbidden! It's especially hated by the players, who see it as a move that doesn't make for an interesting game. What's more, this move makes the goal too “easy”, so there's no real merit in using it.

#8 Not training

It may seem trivial, but training is the key to progress in all areas, including table soccer. You can try training as a duo or even solo. Perfect your skills by watching videos and trying to reproduce the moves. But remember, never underestimate training. The best players, as well as those with the greatest evolutions, have all gone through training.

#9 STELLA SPECIAL - Don't know how to do jump balls

Jump balls” are an effect where you bounce your ball off the sides of the table soccer table. This bounce results in a goal and earns you 2 points. And it's all possible at Stella. All our staff agree that if you can't jump balls, the game is less interesting. So not knowing how to do jump balls is a big mistake because you're not elevating your game and you're missing the opportunity to score double a single goal. What's more, jump balls add excitement to the game.

#10 STELLA SPECIAL - Don't play with the head

One of the special features of Stella table soccer tables is their players. They allow you to play with your head. And our staff agree that this technique is there to elevate the game and create more scoring opportunities. So not knowing how to play with the head is a major mistake in your matches. Try out new passes and give yourself a range of new strategies and opportunities for your next games.