Having a foosball table will allow you to enjoy one of the world’s favorite table-based games, right from the comfort of your own home. Since foosball can be played by just about anyone, shopping around to find just about any table won’t be the biggest challenge. Actually finding a table that’s solidly built and one that’s made from all of the right materials is the real challenge here. Since there are countless new models coming out each year, browsing for the best foosball tables can take plenty of time and research.

Fortunately, I’ve done all the hard work for you. If you don’t know much about foosball, what type of features you need, or how to tell a high-quality model from one that simply won’t last, then you’ll love this buyer’s guide. It goes in-depth, explaining the important must-have features, so you know you’re making a solid investment.

I’ve researched and reviewed many of the leading models on today’s market and have narrowed it down to the top ten tables that every foosball enthusiast will love.

Below, I’ve created a comparison chart that will go over some of the best features each table has to offer. This will make it easier for you to find a table that will work for the type of space you have available in the home, your budget, and your skill level.

Foosball Tables Comparison Chart

Product	Skill Level	Dimensions	Weight	Our Rating
Best Choice Products Table Shop On Amazon!	Beginner	48” x 24”x 33”	52 lbs
Sport Squad FX40 Shop On Amazon!	Beginner	40" x 20" x 8"	15 lbs
Barrington Collection Table Shop On Amazon!	Intermediate	56" x 29" x 34"	125 lbs
Hathaway Playoff Foosball Table Shop On Amazon!	Intermediate	48.5” x 24” x 32”	51 lbs
Rally and Roar Foosball Game Shop On Amazon!	Pro	56”x 29.6”x 34.5”	74.8 lbs
KICK Triumph Foosball Table Shop On Amazon!	Pro	55" x 30" x 36"	119 lbs
Rally and Roar Tabletop Shop On Amazon!	Beginner	40” x 20” x 9”	16lbs
Warrior Table Soccer Shop On Amazon!	Pro	56" x 30" x 36"	200 lbs
Atomic Pro Force Shop On Amazon!	Intermediate	55" x 30.5" x 6.5"	60 lbs
Mainstreet Classics Table Top Game Shop On Amazon!	Beginner	20" x 12" x 3"	4.4 lbs

Best Budget Option – Best Choice Products Competition-Sized Foosball Table

Our Rating: (5/5)

The Best Choice Products 48-inch foosball table is one of the best-selling models for this year. There are a few very good reasons for that. First of all, it is quite affordable. Secondly, it is fairly sturdy and can be used by both kids and adults.

This forty-eight-inch foosball table is competition-size and equipped with many of the same features that you would expect to find on a pro-quality model. The table comes with a total of eight rows of players, with four rows per team. There are eleven white players and eleven red players.

On each end of the table, you’ll also find a built-in cupholder, so you can keep your favorite drink accessible and on hand while you play. This feature is often overlooked, especially by people who are looking for a table that is going to sit in a bar or other spot for commercial use. The rods have good dexterity behind them. Each of them comes with a thick grip for improved comfort. The rods themselves offer fast, friction-less smooth shooting action. They are made out of chrome-finished stainless steel.

The cabinet is made out of MDF which is fairly durable but it doesn’t do a lot for the table’s weight. In fact, how light this table is might be one of its bigger downsides, since it can wobble a bit especially if people lean on it too much. Overall, for this price, there is hardly any other better option out there currently!

Top Small Foosball Table – Sport Squad FX40 Foosball Table

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Sport Squad FX40 tabletop foosball table is an amazing compact model that is meant for some great fun with the kids! It is super cheap and quite capable in its performance, despite its smaller footprint. After all, it is made by the experts from JOOLA who are responsible for some of the best sports games on the market.

The FX40 weighs in at just fifteen pounds, making it highly portable and very easy to set up and move around. It is also very compact in its size (23 x 35 x 3.8 inches) allowing it to fit just about anywhere. It comes with smooth rod shooting action, thanks to the tough stainless steel, chrome-plated design. It’s also made out of MDF which brings the weight down while keeping it fairly durable. The non-marking rubber pads on the bottom of the table will also prevent marks and scratches to the surface the table it’s placed on.

On each side of the table, there is a ball-return system connected to the goal boxes. This makes for a fast pace of play and adds to the table’s convenience. All in all, for this price, this table is a great purchase for kids or adults that want to have some fun without compromising interior space.

Barrington Collection Foosball Table

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Barrington Collection Foosball Table is a true gem. Despite its higher price tag, it packs a stunningly beautiful exterior paired with a solid build quality and amazing performance. It goes without saying that this table is geared more towards serious players or recreational use at bars and game halls. However, if your budget isn’t very tight, this would make a wonderful addition to any living room. It has a classic wooden design with a dark wood finish, bronze fixtures, and varnished handles.

The legs of the table are A-shaped and quite big. They are entirely made out of metal and allow the wood veneer to sturdily sit on top. These legs end with hidden levelers which are somewhat hard to reach but easy to adjust nevertheless. The table weighs more than 120 lbs making it even harder to shake and wobble during intense games. Everything feels solid and well-built. The playing surface is slick and allows for fast-paced games. Speaking of that, you get two high-quality 36mm foosball balls with the table. The robot-styled players are balanced and quick to assemble. The table, however, isn’t as easy to set up.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for something classy that will compliment any interior it sits in, this table is just the right thing for you. It is durable in the long run and can withstand hours upon hours of gameplay without much maintenance. If you aren’t a huge fan of the looks, there are three other versions – the Richmond, Brooks, and Urban sets, each with its unique styling features.

Best Small Kids Foosball Table – Hathaway Playoff Foosball Table

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

In the budget segment, there aren’t a lot of tables that stand out. The Hathaway Playoff Foosball Table, however, definitely does. It is affordable, large enough for adults to play on it, and it provides fast-paced action on its playfield. And while it definitely shows its budget nature here and there, it is more than worth your money!

This table is made by one of the leading foosball table manufacturers in the country. It comes with players made out of tough ABS plastic, with a playing surface that features colorful graphics. The table has thick, textured rubber grip handles with smooth chrome-plated rods that offer excellent playing action. The table’s wood construction ensures it will last year after year, while the integrated leg levelers allow you to raise or lower the table based on the height of the players, or the type of surface the table is placed on. And while the materials are fairly long-lasting on their own, they are prone to damage if you aren’t careful.

This model is made out of MDF that’s CARB certified. This helps with the durability while keeping the weight down to around 50 lbs. That makes it easier to set up and even easier to move around your house but does allow for wobbles to happen if the players push it too hard. The smooth playing surface is designed to allow the ball to easily glide from one end to the other.

The table also comes with a dual manual slide scoring system and an automatic end ball return at both goal boxes. As a whole, the Playoff by Hathaway gives you a decent compromise between price and performance and checks a lot of boxes when it comes to good foosball tables.

Best Indoor and Outdoor Foosball Table – Rally and Roar Foosball Table Game

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

Rally and Roar is a company known for its game tables. Their 56-inch model sells like hotcakes mainly due to its style, performance, and above all – affordability. This is a full-sized model that can easily be assembled in just half an hour. This pro-quality table can be used recreationally or in a tournament. It features ergonomic handles, counterweighted players, and an impressively smooth playing surface. It also features a solid wood bead abacus and a durable cabinet design, so you know the model will remain securely in place during gameplay.

This model comes with chrome-plated stainless steel rods that are equipped with thick wooden handles, for ultimate shot control. The leg levelers can be used to ensure you’re playing on an even surface, or you can lower and raise the table based on the height of the players.

This is a versatile table that can be used both indoors and outdoors, so even if you’re tight on space in the home, you can place it on the back patio and enjoy a round of foosball anytime. Since it weighs roughly 75 pounds, it isn’t going to be hard to move around. However, its rigidity will suffer a bit due to the lack of proper weight to keep it stable. All in all, this is the perfect middle ground for someone who is looking to check as many boxes as possible without breaking the bank!

KICK Triumph 55″ Black Foosball Table

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The KICK Triumph is one of the brand’s countless foosball models. KICK is known for its tables all around the world and chances are you’ve already played one of them in a local bar. Unfortunately, with their familiar rigidity and build quality comes a high price tag. And while these tables are mostly meant for commercial use or professional play, they do bring excellent value for people that aren’t on a limited budget.

The table itself is made out of wood and stainless steel for its support bars and leg levelers. That makes it a bit heavier than other similarly sized tables. At 120 lbs it is slightly annoying to move around and the assembly is a 2-person job. However, once fully set up, the table stays put and doesn’t wobble around when played. The bars are fast and the playing surface is slick enough to allow for fast-paced games. With the table, you get two sets of players – counter-balanced ones and uniformed ones. You also get 4 foosball balls and a few other accessories to help with the gameplay.

One of the best features of any KICK table is that it comes with an unlimited lifetime warranty that will cover most issues you could stumble upon during the service life of a foosball table. That feature alone makes the table a no-brainer. Combine it with the rest of its features, however, and it really makes it difficult to find suitable competition, no matter the price.

Top Tabletop Foosball Table – Rally and Roar Foosball Tabletop Game

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

If you’re not looking for a full-sized table, and instead, portability is a priority, then the Rally and Roar tabletop foosball table might just be the right thing for you! This table is also something worthy of your consideration if you’re also tight on space and have a limited budget. While it is mostly geared towards kids and beginners, it can just as easily be played by 2 adults.

This model comes pre-assembled, which is a huge plus for any parent. It features a heavy-duty design, despite its smaller size and comes with chrome-plated stainless steel rods with non-slip rubber grips that will promote faster shot action. This lightweight model can be stored when not in use, and comes with many of the same features you would expect to find on an intermediate or pro table. On both goal boxes, there is a ball-return system that lets you easily access the foosball once it’s in. On top of those goal boxes, you have a manual score counter that is easy to use and track.

With its fairly large playing field and durable players and rods, this tabletop foosball table from Rally and Roar offers plenty of functionality at a fraction of the price of full-sized foosball tables.

Best Pro Table – Warrior Table Soccer Pro Foosball Table

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

One of the best things about this table is the impressively fast assembly time of twenty-five minutes. Aside from a fast and simple assembly process, the model comes equipped with counterbalanced men, complete with split bearings for smoother and faster shots. As a result, the ball control is quite improved. Also, the table itself features durable, solid construction, complete with a decent ball return system that channels the ball to the center of the table, without the use of hoses.

The included leg levelers will allow you to lower or raise the table based on the height of the players, or you can adjust the height of each leg independently if the table is placed on an uneven surface. Additionally, the rod guard system here is a great safety feature and it works to prevent the rods from moving too fast.

Size-wise, this is a tournament-style table that weighs in at two hundred pounds and can be used for a small business, in a tournament, or it can make a great addition to your man cave or family game room.

Atomic Pro Force 56″ Foosball Table

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

There are quite a lot of foosball tables in the mid-range but the Atomic Pro Force definitely stands out for a few reasons. First of all, it is one of the better-looking tables on the market this year. Secondly, it boasts good all-around build quality that includes heavy-duty legs and various steel parts around the frame.

Inside the table, there is an internal ball return system. This is, in fact, just like you’d get in professional tables. That, combined with the center ball hole makes for some fast-paced games. The bottom of each leg ends with a 3.5-inch leg leveler that does a good job of securing the table in place and keeping it stable even on softer surfaces.

As a whole, despite its bigger footprint, this table is ideal for kids and adults to play with one another. It isn’t the cheapest out there but it does bring plenty of performance for its money, making it a deal you should at least consider!

Mainstreet Classics 20-Inch Table Top Foosball Game

Our Rating: (4/5)

Last (and maybe least) on this list is the Mainstreet Classics 20-inch tabletop Foosball game. It is something in a league of its own when it comes to its dimensions. Thanks to its compact size, this game is super lightweight and very easy to move around and store. It is, without a doubt, one of the best presents you can get a small kid that loves soccer.

The price of the game is also great, making it the cheapest model on this list. Build-quality-wise, it is surprisingly sturdy once assembled. It doesn’t wobble too much and it can sit stably on almost any surface. It weighs 4.4 pounds so it is easy to take with you on a road trip. On each end, there is a ball-return system as well as a manual slider for tracking the score. There are 4 rods, 2 for each team with 3 players on each rod. The game also comes with 2 foosball balls.

Foosball Tables Buyer’s Guide

Adding a foosball table to your family room, rec room, school, small business, or your man cave can allow you to enjoy your favorite game. However, buying this type of gaming table can be pricey. There’s no doubt that buying a new foosball table should be considered a serious investment. This is especially true if you’re purchasing a full-sized model for your game room.

These tables are available in a variety of sizes, and they’re made out of a wide range of materials. The important thing here is to know exactly what features and materials can indicate quality. That way, you won’t end up with a table that’s not able to withstand heavy use or one that can’t survive the kids. Below, you’ll find all the information you need to know to pick out the best table for you and your family.

Most Important Features To Look For

One of the best things about this game is the fact that people of all ages can enjoy a challenging match. This is a very easy game to learn, but without the right strategy, you’ll find yourself getting creamed time and time again. Fortunately, many of these tables will allow you to play one-on-one or two on two, so you can practice with a friend or family member.

When buying a new foosball table, there will be quite a lot of things that you will need to look for. In this next section, we will go over all of the features that you need to pay attention to when getting a brand new model. The most important ones are:

Playing Field

A playing field’s hardness can determine gameplay speed. Particleboard or solid wood playing fields will have the slowest speed due to their softness. Models that come equipped with a laminate over the playing surface will offer faster ball action. Some models may also come equipped with tempered glass, offering the fastest ball action possible. The playfield is one of the main factors that determine the table’s price. Typically, cheaper models will come with MDF or particleboard for their playing surfaces.

Rods

A foosball table will come with rods that stick out of each end, allowing the player to control the men on the playing field. These rods are available in three style options: telescoping, solid, and hollowed-out.

The hollowed-out rods can promote faster shooting action because of their lighter weight. Solid rods can equal a slower reaction time since they’re much heavier, yet they’re also much more durable compared to their hollowed-out counterpart.

The telescoping rod is designed with safety in mind. Because these rods do not fully extend out from the table they’re the perfect choice when it comes to protecting children who are standing too close to the table. These rods tend to be more expensive, and less durable compared to solid rods.

Most models will come equipped with rods that are made out of stainless steel. These rods will need to be lubricated from time to time to promote smoother and faster shooting action and to prevent the rods from sticking and slowing you down during a match.

Leg Levelers

This is a feature that’s commonly overlooked, however, it can come in handy if you need to lower the table for shorter players and children, or the table is placed on an uneven surface. Wider leg levelers help with balancing the table on surfaces such as soft floors or carpets. They also add a ton to the overall stability of the table.

Decals and Graphics

The graphics and decals that are found on foosball tables typically consist of the company’s logo. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line table, then you want graphics and decals that are dyed or printed onto the table. Avoid tables that have sticker decals and graphics since these will begin to fade and peel over time.

Goalie Design

Goalie rods are available in two different configurations. A one-goalie setup is European, while a three-man goalie setup is aimed toward American-style foosball. The three-man goalie design will definitely speed up the game’s action, however, it also makes it easier to defend your goal, compared to tables that only have a one-man goalie bar.

Dimensions

A table’s dimensions will give you a good idea of how much playing space you’ll have to work with. Bigger tables that are forty inches or longer can accommodate two on two gameplay. This will definitely be something you want to consider if the whole family wants to join in on the fun. The height of the table will also be important, especially if younger children want to play and the table doesn’t come with leg levelers.

Before you buy a table, you’ll need to consider where you want to place it and exactly how much space you have to work with. Keep in mind, the size of the table doesn’t account for the additional space that will be needed to accommodate the rods when they’re fully extended.

Ball Retrieval

The table’s ball retrieval system involves the internal system that allows you to retrieve the ball that lands in your goal. Some models will have rails located inside that allow the ball to drop into space or slot on the side. This means that you’ll need to move to grab the ball. Other models will come equipped with a more basic system that will drop the ball from a goal to a large slot located directly in front of you. There are also netted goals which are the easiest form of ball retrieval and are usually the cheapest option available.

Weighted Players

If you’re looking for a pro-quality table, then a model that comes equipped with counter-weighted players is a great choice. Players that are counter-weighted will remain in a horizontal position once they’re released, which means that you won’t have to worry about their placement when you’re trying to take a shot. Basically, these counter-weighted men are designed to stay out of your way and allow you to focus on your shot instead of whether or not your men will hinder your shot path.

This isn’t a feature you should be looking for in a beginner table, as it won’t allow you to properly learn how to control your players and keep them out of the way. Once you start advancing your way up the foosball ladder, then you should start looking at these pro features.

Table Weight

Most models of foosball tables are pretty heavy. These tables are not designed to be moved, which means they require a permanent space in the home. You can expect a table to weigh in anywhere from one hundred and fifty pounds up to two hundred and fifty pounds. However, smaller models designed for kids can weigh anywhere from five to twenty pounds. This is why tabletop models became as popular as they are now. They are lightweight, easy to move around, and can be put on every type of flat surface.

One thing to keep in mind is that, in some cases, weight is your friend. The heavier the table, the sturdier it will be. With that in mind, make sure that you have enough people to help you transport and set up the table initially. Once the table is installed in its place, its weight will keep it from moving or shaking when people lean on it during an intense game!

Grip Materials

Grip materials can include rubber, other types of textured material, or wood. Models that come with texturized or rubber material are generally more comfortable to use and hold, which will promote longer gameplay. Wood and hard plastic, on the other hand, are easy to clean and maintain. For most bars, wood is a solid option. However, most professional tables will come with handles that are wrapped in a type of grippy material. This will help with different sharp and sudden moves and quick shots on the field.

Foosball Table Materials

These tables are made out of many different types of materials. Knowing which types of materials can ensure you have a table that’s designed to last will help you pinpoint which table will work for you based on who will be playing and what your budget is like.

Let’s start off by going over the common types of materials these tables are made out of and which materials are used for top-of-the-line tables. These are:

• Particleboard
• Pressed wood
• Wood composite
• All-wood

Particleboard

Particleboard is the most common material used and it’s made out of wood that’s taken from sawdust, chips, and wood shavings. These materials are then mixed with a strong resin and pressed into a shape. This type of material isn’t considered very sturdy and the screws and joints tend to loosen quickly with play. However, this type of material can help to cut down on a table’s weight by as much as seventy pounds.

Tables made out of particleboard will also have much thinner walls. The thickness of the walls on a foosball table can say a lot in terms of how long the table will last and whether or not it can handle rough use.

Pressed Wood

Pressed wood is often used to make a variety of game tables and it tends to vary in quality, however, for foosball table designs, it tends to work very well. While it’s similar to particle board it doesn’t have a veneer and it’s bonded and shaped using pressure and heat, which makes it much stronger in comparison.

Wood Composite

Composite materials are also often used because of their resistance to humidity and moisture. Wood composites consist of thermoplastics such as PVC and wood fiber. This type of wood is less likely to warp over the years and it’s tough enough to provide the type of durability you need in a foosball table. When you purchase a table that’s made out of this material, be sure to check that the playfield and walls are a minimum of one inch thick. Anything lower than one inch will make the table more susceptible to warping and bending.

All-Wood

Models that are made out of solid wood can handle it all. But the biggest drawback to this type of material is the fact that they’re more prone to contracting and expanding due to humidity or changes in temperatures. Because of this, if you purchase a table that’s made out of solid wood, you should place it in a room that’s climate-controlled.

Foosball Tables Types

When you’re shopping around, you’ll notice that there are also a variety of different types to choose from. Knowing which type will work in your home, based on who will use the table, how much space you have, and what your budget looks like, can help you pinpoint which style of table will be a great fit.

Standard

A standard-sized foosball table is a type that most people are familiar with. This is a full-sized table that’s designed to stay in a permanent place in the home. These tables are very heavy, so moving them is difficult. Lower-priced models may be made out of a combination of particleboard and MDF, which will cut down on their weight, but you still won’t find a table of this size under one hundred pounds. Most of these tables are made out of high-quality materials and components that are designed to last for decades.

If you’re on a tight budget, then you’ll want to pay close attention to the size of the table. Many lower-priced models are not full-size, which will be a deal-breaker for those who are looking for a true arcade foosball experience.

Tabletop

These smaller models are highly portable, lightweight, and perfect for people on a budget who are looking for a model that can be stored away at the end of the day. The smaller shape also makes these tables a perfect choice for kids. With tabletops models, you’ll need to place them on a level, sturdy playing surface. While they can be placed on the floor during use, this can hinder a player’s speed. Many parents will choose this option for kids since it’s an affordable way to keep the kids entertained. Additionally, many parents don’t want to invest in a higher-priced full-sized model until they’re certain that their children will not quickly lose interest.

Combo Tables

If you’re shopping for a new game table specifically for the kids, then a good multi-game table may be a better fit, since these tables consist of two to five different games in one table. Many of these tables will come equipped with a foosball attachment, which will rest on top of the table’s base. This type of table will usually come with foosball, pool, air hockey, and football. However, these tables aren’t usually a great choice for adults since they’re made out of cheaper materials and often feature a shorter design that will be perfect for younger children.

Foosball Table Brands

With the rise in popularity of foosball tables, there’s no shortage of new brands popping up and producing their own line of top-of-the-line tables and accessories. Below, I’ve compiled a list of some of the leading manufacturers, however, this is not an extensive list and it’s one that doesn’t include smaller, newer brands such as Sport Squad or Rally and Roar. This isn’t indicative of the quality of the tables both companies produce, instead, I opted to only include the most well-known brands in the industry, and both Rally and Roar and Sport Squad are relatively new to the foosball world.

Best Choice Products

This company has been in business for decades and is known for its wide variety of gaming table product lines. Their product line is very diverse and includes tennis tables, air hockey tables, and of course, foosball tables.

Warrior Soccer Tables

Warrior is another leading brand and they’re known for their tables that are solidly built and easy to assemble. Their foosball tables are made out of high-quality materials and have a reputation for lasting, even with heavy-duty use, so this is a company you’ll want to turn to if you’re looking for a pro-quality model.

Hathaway

This company is owned by a larger company called Blue Wave Products, which is a company that specializes in sauna and pool supplies. The Hathaway division is one of the leading manufacturers of gaming tables and they produce multi-game tables, foosball tables, and air hockey tables. This company often produces models that are feature-packed, so you’ll want to choose a Hathaway table if you’re looking for a model that comes loaded with plenty of bells and whistles.

Carrom

Carron is a smaller company that’s owned by Regent Sports, a company that’s been in business for over one hundred years. This company produces pool tables, bubble air hockey tables, traditional hockey tables, and foosball tables.

Buying a Table Based on Skill Level

Buying a new table is a major investment, especially if you have your heart set on a full-sized pro-quality table. But if you’re looking around for a table for the kids, or you’re new to the game, then you may want to purchase a table that’s skill-level appropriate. In general, tables can be divided into three categories:

Beginner Foosball Tables

Tables designed for kids and beginners are going to be more affordable since they’re often made out of particleboard and don’t come with many of the features that you’ll find on higher-end tables. However, if you’re not sure how quickly your child will lose interest in foosball, then a starter table is often the best choice. If your child decides to stick with a foosball table, then you can always upgrade, later down the line.

Intermediate Foosball Tables

Tables that are designed for intermediate players will cost around three to five hundred dollars, depending on what the table is made out of. For this price, you’ll find a well-built table that comes equipped with many of the same features that you’ll find on pro-quality tables, the big difference will be the materials used for the base and the playing field.

Professional Foosball Tables

If you’re shopping for a pro-quality model, then only a top-of-the-line table will do. You’ll need to find a model that’s made from high-quality materials that are durable and a model that features a playing field that’s made out of tempered glass. This type of high-end table will be tournament-level quality and will feature a well-built cabinet and solid legs. You’ll also immediately notice a difference in the quality of the rods and how smoothly they move.

Pro-quality tables should come with two abacus scoring systems on each end, eight-side mounted handles with non-slip grips, a dual-side ball return, men that are counterbalanced, and a cabinet that’s made out of the top-of-the-line materials, whether it’s solid wood, a type of pressed wood, or an aluminum laminate model. There should also be adjustable integrated leg levelers, especially if you have children in the home. Of course, with all of these important features, you can expect to pay a higher price for a pro-quality table, and in some instances, this type of table will be overkill.

How to Win

If you’re new to the game, then you may not know much about the basic foosball rules, how the game is played, or what makes it so popular with players in every age group. The objective of the game is to sink a ball into your opponent’s goal by maneuvering players that are mounted onto rods, causing them to pass and propel the ball forward, across the table into the opposition’s goal. Each table has eight rods total, with each player controlling a total of four rods.

These rods will come equipped with thick grips that will allow you to switch from rod to rod quickly. To control the players, all you have to do is flick your wrists and do your best to move the ball across the table to the opposing goal. While this may sound simple, to win, you need to know how to smoothly and quickly get past the opponent’s line of defense.

Winning at foosball is all about learning how to handle the ball, becoming comfortable with the rods, and learning how to easily control your men. If you’re playing one on one then it can seem overwhelming to go between four rods in your attempt to protect your goal and guide the ball to your opponent’s goal. However, there are some simple tricks you can try that will teach you how to control and pass the ball like a pro.

Defense

In foosball, defense is everything. If you have a good defensive strategy, then you’ll definitely have an advantage over the other player. Knowing how to correctly angle your players will have everything to do with forming a solid defense. To begin, you should set up both of the defending rods so that the players are positioned vertically. However, they should be angled slightly towards each other. Your first row of players is the goalie line.

Their feet should be placed at seven o’clock, while your second row of players should have their feet placed at five o’clock. That will cause your two rows of players to form a V shape. This setup will prevent the ball from passing under the feet of your men and will keep your defensive line nice and tight.

Staggering

You can also try staggering, which is another effective strategy that will keep your goal well-protected. A player can stagger your men in a way that allows him to maximize space. You should avoid having players on both of your defense rods aligned with each other. That way that they’re covering the same space. Instead, ensure that a player from the two-men rod doesn’t ever cross the central goal line. This prevents you from leaving one side wide open for an attack.

Once you know how to defend your goal, then you need to focus on learning how to make your attack. In order to win, you need to score a total of five goals, and to do so, you must have a strategy in place to smoothly pass the ball from row to row. There are a variety of passing techniques you can try to master, such as the tic-tac passing method and the brush pass.

With the tic tac pass, you’ll simply pass the ball between players on the same rod, from side to side. For the brush pass, you’ll brush the ball with the right or left side of the feet instead of hitting the ball head-on. This can be done by placing the ball slightly behind one of your men. When you’re ready to kick the ball you’ll move the rod away or toward you, depending on where you want the ball to go.

As you can see, there’s a lot to learn in terms of developing your skills as a player, coming up with a strategy, and simple but effective ways to pass the ball from player to player. If you’d like to learn more, then visit my in-depth guide on foosball tips and tricks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good size for a foosball table?

This really depends on what you’re looking for. Standard-sized foosball tables are usually 60 inches in length, 30 inches in width, and 36 inches high. Regulation-sized models are with the same width and height but are 56 inches long. Some other kids’ models and tabletop foosball tables are even smaller and more compact.

Are Hathaway foosball tables any good?

Hathaway is a brand that specializes in making indoor and outdoor games. They’ve been around for quite a lot of time and have top-selling models in every possible niche. Their quality is often better than average and their prices are more than good enough to consider buying them!

Final Thoughts

The best foosball tables will be made out of pressed wood or solid wood, although there are some models made out of plywood that do have a high user rating, yet they’re not quite as tough as the tables made out of the alternative materials. The model you choose should be based on several factors including your budget, how much space you have available in the home, who will be using the table, and what you’re looking for in terms of durability.

As you saw, there are many features and factors to consider before you make your choice. Whether you want a table that’s equipped with hollow or solid rods, a table that comes with leg levelers, or one that’s made from high-quality materials, you will need to browse through countless similar models. I hope this guide and my in-depth reviews have made it easier for you to find a table that can check all the boxes!