Foosball Skills

1. Recovery

The art of recovery secures a loose ball that would otherwise be placed in the opponent's possession..

2. Grip

Gripping the ball can cause deception because he who is in control moves the ball. Use the grip of the ball, table, and feet to "fake-out" the opponent.

3. Passing

Eventually, the opponent will apply defensive pressure on a single man, so he must pass it. Skillfully accurate passes are difficult but necessary to deceive the opponent away from the passing direction.

4. Penalty Kicks

Whether table rules permit the playing of PK's or not, this skill is very handy. A free point is the best deal in the game of foosball (least effort and easiest defense: only the goalie). Developing the skill for this shot will also make a quick shot in-game much easier with practice.

5. Dribbling

Once a player is comfortable with the Passing aspect of the game, along with the Grip technique, dribbling is added to the skillset. A combination of gripping and passing to confuse the opponent and eventually set up for a shot is dribbling.

6. Shooting

Perhaps the most important and deceptive aspect of the game, shooting must be done with strategy and skillful accuracy. Deception must be considered at every aspect of the game, but especially during the final instants leading up to the Shot.

7. Blocking

Blocking is considered the opposite reaction, or defensive response, to passing and shooting. It is a maneuver of defense, and is most effective when executed with Recovery in mind and the available option to quickly Shoot

8. Defense

The back two bars are considered defense, and must be in position at all times--manned or not. Meaning. after deflections and clears, a good foosball player returnes his resting men to their strategic positions. Strategy of placement considers goal coverage, tilt, shot location, and opponent habits.