For some, learning how to dominate a match just comes naturally. It’s the players that have sharp and fast reflexes that tend to do the best and seem to take to the game almost immediately. But for the rest of us, it’s more difficult to get the hang of the game and find out which techniques work and which ones don’t. Like with most sports, you can try out different strategies that will teach you how to win in foosball, wipe the floor with your opponent, and give you an edge that can help you take on players that are more skilled. Most players will tell you that this is a game that’s more mental than physical, so a solid strategy and one that’s proven to work will be a must if you want to learn how to grow as a player and dominate any match.
Your Strategy
If you’ve just started playing foosball and you’re struggling to win a match, then you need to reassess the types of foosball techniques you’re using and move onto a different type of playing strategy. Once you learn foosball rules and the basics of the game, you can focus on creating a strategy of your own, one that vibes with your playing style and gives you the tools you need to overcome any opponent. Learning how to anticipate your opponent’s moves will be just as important as learning how to serve or how to increase your speed. The fact that this is such a strategic game is one of the reasons most players find it so addicting, but not all strategies will work for every player, which is why you need to experiment with different playing styles to find a playing strategy that works best for you.
Passing
A skilled player will make a pass from one bar to the next without even thinking about it, but learning how to pass as a beginner is probably one of the most challenging aspects of the sport. Not only do you have to pass the ball from one bar to the next but you also have to keep an eye on your opponent and try to anticipate what moves they’re going to make next and how you can get past their offense to sink a goal. It may sound easy to some, but for the newbie, passing the ball can be a challenge since it’s often the easiest way they can lose the ball to their opponent.
Learning how to pass correctly and smoothly is an important part of any player’s strategy since it gives you more offensive opportunities and increases your chances of sinking a goal. You will never develop as a player if you’re only relying on five bar shots. It’s all about foosball ball control here. Knowing how to make a pass from the five bar to the three bar in a game where control is crucial will go a long way toward your development as a player. Additionally, it will be much easier for you to make a goal by shooting from the three bar since there’s going to be one less defensive bar to deal with and the distance is much shorter, so blocking will be much harder for your opponent.
The Single Shot
Choose a shot to specialize in such as the snake shot or the pull shot. Both of these are considered the fastest shot options and they will give you the most opportunities to score on opponents. If you practice learning a specific shot you can easily master it and use it as your go-to shot when you’re up against a challenging opponent.
Staying On Top of Defense
Working on your defensive skills is crucial. Keep track of the ball wherever it is on the table, regardless of whether it’s in your possession or the opponent. Beginners tend to get distracted and fail to realize that many balls can easily be blocked by simply keeping an eye on it as it moves around the table. At this time your players should also be in constant motion. So, if a ball is traveling over to the right side of the table, the men on the right should be in constant motion in order to block any potential shots. Remember, being vigilant will be very important and can allow you to easily prevent a goal as long as you stay on your toes, keep your men moving, and your eye on the ball.
Ball Control
Learning foosball ball control will be critical and many players agree that mastering this skill is even more important than learning how to pass or block. Of course, pinning and capturing the ball will take plenty of practice, so it’s definitely one of those strategies that you’ll learn over time. But once you have it down, you can easily handle any shot that comes your way.
Switch Up Your Style
Do you normally play offense and your partner plays defense? Switching it up from time to time can help you develop as a player and can also be crucial when it comes to beating a team you’ve never played before. You should start off a game based on where you think you’ll have your best shot at beating the opposing team. If you notice at any point that there’s a huge mismatch against another player on the opposing team, then switch positions with your teammate in order to throw the other team off.
Stop Spinning
Spinning the rod seems to be a mistake only new players make. But not only is spinning the rod considered illegal in the game of foosball, but it can also hinder your attempts to improve as a player. Most players will spin the rod in order to break their opponent’s concentration or to disrupt their rhythm. Others will spin the rod thinking it’s a good way to gain some power with their serves, but in reality, it can cause you to lose control of your men and can ruin your pass or shot.
Focus on Using Your Goalie the Right Way
Learning how to use your goalie properly can be difficult for new and skilled players. Most players will manage their goalie using their weak hand, but this can be their downfall since short reaction times and sharp reflexes are required. But if you know how to utilize the goalie properly, it can be considered a strength and not a weakness. If you want to win a foosball match, then you’ll need to learn how to control your goalie using one hand while managing the ball outfield simultaneously.
Learn From Your Opponents
If you’re not taking on players that are more skilled and experienced than you, then you’re doing yourself a disservice. Why? Because if you continue to take on players that you know you can easily beat, how can you expect to grow as a player? In order to get better at foosball, you need to constantly challenge yourself. Take on the best players you can find and use your new strategies. Doing so will pay off eventually. While losing can be difficult for most players, getting beaten by the best can teach you more about strategy and can help you to refine your skills and adjust your playing style. You can even go so far as to ask a particularly tough opponent some pointers on how to improve your serves and techniques.
Practicing Like the Pros
You’re probably tired of hearing about it, but the only way you can truly become a better player and win more games is by practicing regularly and on the best foosball table, one that’s regulation size. A pro player will dedicate an hour or more a day to practicing. It’s the only way you’re going to get better and learn from your mistakes, and it will be the best time to try out any new strategies. If you don’t have much time to dedicate to practice, at least try for two to three hours a week. If your goal is to enter a tournament at the start of the next season, then you’ll need to devote more time to developing your skills and dedicate at least an hour a day to practicing. If you’re new to the sport, then I recommend practicing with a more experienced player who can give you pointers and correct your techniques, teach you how to pass and shoot, and so you can have someone to play against so you can brush up on your offense and defense.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to win in foosball is all about creating a unique strategy that works for you and your playing style. It’s important to create a well-rounded strategy that will allow you to take on more challenging players. Winning will also be about learning how to lose and learning from those losses in order to become a better player and refine your strategy, shooting style, and offense and defensive skills. Remember, this game is mostly mental, so creating a strategy that works for you will be everything.
