Mini foosball tables are mostly for kids. Although marketed as fun for all ages, foosball isn’t ideal for adults as a mini tabletop game.

There’s a big difference in the force generated by kids operating the rods compared to adults. Most of these tables aren’t stable enough to endure intense hits and bumps.

But why should you buy one of these then?

If you really want to play foosball at home, the alternative would be to buy a full-sized version of your favorite pastime activity.

Yet mini foosball tables are easy to assemble and much easier to set up and store in a small home.

They can be put on top of flat surface and enjoyed in any room in the house, at any time.

Just make sure that you don’t treat them as you would the foosball tables at a bar or arcade.

With that in mind, the best mini foosball tables are great for kids with ergonomic features, easy portability and enough sturdiness and quality to resemble a real game of foos.

Let’s take a look at a few of our favorites.

Best Mini Foosball Table Product Reviews

Top picks:

Sport Squad FX40

The Sport Squad FX40 is one of the longest mini foosball tables designed for kids and teens.

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It’s 40” long and 20” wide. And, because this is a tabletop model, it will also elevate 8” once placed on the playing surface.

The components are high-end. The rods are chrome-plated and feature ergonomic grips made out of black rubber. Not only does this make it easier for kids to play, but it also allows more experienced players to showcase their skills.

The playing surface is MDF and this mini table comes with rubber-padded legs. This is a really nice feature since you won’t have to worry about damaging your own table. There’s also a simple-to-use sliding score system.

But, perhaps the most interesting feature is the 3-goalie system which makes the game a lot more beginner-friendly.

Pros

• Tabletop ready
• 3-goalie system
• Extra–long 40” table
• Rubber-padded legs for added surface protection
• Ergonomic handles

Cons

• Assembly is a little complicated (up to an hour in some cases)

Mainstreet Classics 36” Tabletop Foosball Table

As fun as foosball may be, getting a full-sized table is rarely a viable option. So what makes this tabletop model a solid choice? Maybe it’s the realism of the field and the lively players.

Mainstreet Classics 36-Inch Table Top...

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Or maybe it’s the light weight for the size, which allows for great portability. The Mainstreet Classics Mini Foosball Table is almost 37” long and 20” wide. It sits 11” up from the playing surface.

This mini foosball table is best suited for kids and teens. Don’t be fooled by the light weight though. The joints are solid and this table is reinforced in all the right places, so you’ll be able to operate the rods with higher force than many mini foosball tables.

If you value realistic play on a tabletop setup, you’ll appreciate the single goalie system. However, you may not like the fact that there’s no scorekeeping feature in place.

Pros

• Ergonomic grip
• Solid structure and quality construction
• Realistic team configuration

Cons

• Expensive
• No scorekeeping feature

Giantex 27” Tabletop Foosball Table

This 27” Giantex is a tabletop foosball game of below average size, but it doesn’t mean it’s not as durable or stable as the competition.

Giantex 27" Foosball Table, Easily Assemble Wooden...

$55.99

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The four legs have rubber padding and the entire table is made of strong plywood. The steel rods have ergonomic handles but no rubber padding that can improve the grip.

Still, at this price range the structure is quite sturdy and easy on the eyes too. There are three rows of three players for each team which means that you get to play with three goalies.

The score keeping system is manual and goes from 0 to 9. The dimensions are 27” X 15” X 9” (LWH). The foosball field is, of course, a bit smaller than this. But not too small to take out the fun.

Pros

• Affordable mini table
• Scorekeeping system in place
• Rubber leg padding for extra surface protection

Cons

• Field may be too small for teens and adults

T&S 27” Tabletop Foosball Game

The T&S tabletop mini foosball game is about 27” long and 20” wide. For the size, the table is a bit heavier due to the use of higher-quality wood.

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As you would expect, the table sits on four legs but it’s not suitable for just any support surface immediately after assembly.

The legs don’t have rubber padding at the bottom so you might risk scratching a wooden table with them. Of course, you can also add padding to the table.

Luckily the assembly takes little to no time which is an improvement over some of its direct competitors.

Each team has three rows with three players each.

The rods have standard plastic handles that aren’t too amazing even though they come with clear grooves for improved control.

Pros

• Sliding score system
• Detailed players
• Solid construction for a smaller mini table

Cons

• No rubber padding to protect surfaces

Tips on Selecting the Right Tabletop Foosball Table

The size of a mini foosball table isn’t too important, as long as it’s a tabletop model. However, you may want to consider the weight. If it’s too heavy, it can be harder to move and more likely to scratch the surface under it.

Good handles are also required. While rubber is not mandatory, it does help fight moisture on the hands so it’s better suited for high usage tables.

Another thing you should consider is the actual playing style and team configuration.

Not everyone likes using the 3-goalie system (technically one goalie as the other two are in defender uniforms), even though it’s very popular these days.

If you want a bit of a challenge, go with the classic design.

Normally you shouldn’t encounter problems during assembly, but you may find yourself spending anywhere between 10 minutes and 45 minutes to set up one of these tabletop games.

Still, much less time than a full size table.

(Learn more about different foosball table dimensions.)

As with most home leisure games, generally you will get what you pay for. Most of the time, the price will be reflected in build quality or the number of extra features like replacement balls and a built-in scorekeeping system.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a way to bring foosball into your home without committing to a full size table, and you want something for the kids too, a tabletop foosball design may be the prefect addition.

You now know what to look for in a mini foosball table – a high quality build that is portable, realistic, and kid friendly.

Do you own one of these? Let us know what you think.

The post How to Find the Best Mini Foosball Table appeared first on Bar Games 101.

Here we’ll take a look at the dimensions and suitable room sizes for different foosball tables.

Starting with the regulation table size, we’ll work our way down to tabletop foosball dimensions.

Hopefully this guide will help you choose the right table for whatever space you have.

Note: The dimensions for each table are as assembled

Full Size Regulation Foosball Table Dimensions

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A regulation foosball table has the following dimensions:

56 Inches (Length) x 30 Inches (Width) x 36 Inches (Height)

Many foosball tables are available with these exact dimensions, or very close.

Popular examples are the Tornado full size tables and the Warrior.

These are tournament level tables, so the standard dimensions are required.

Rods

The width does not include the rods, which can add 12 – 18 inches to the total width when extended.

We recommend checking the manufacturer’s specifications for the actual rod length for your table, as this will affect the total width.

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For example, tornado replacement rods come in sets of 4, with the longest being the 2-man rod measuring at 48.375 inches. This would add about 18 inches to the width.

Weight

Full size tables vary in weight. Some tables weigh less than 100 lbs, while others like the Tornado T3000 weigh close to 400 lbs.

This does not affect the table dimensions, but should be a consideration for assembly and overall sturdiness.

Now that you have a basis for regulation foosball table dimensions, it’s time to consider the appropriate room size.

Best Room Size for a Regulation Foosball Table

First, let’s consider the width of the table.

Foosball Room Size: Width

As mentioned, a standard table is 30 inches wide when assembled.

You will need at least an extra 3 to 4 feet on each side to provide enough of space for the rods and players.

That means the room width for our foosball table should be at least 9 ½ feet (3 ½ feet on each side plus 30 inch table width).

Length

The length of a regulation size foosball table is 56 inches. You’ll also want extra room to move around the ends of the table and retrieve balls if applicable.

You therefore need to add a couple feet to each end when considering the table dimensions.  With this extra length, our total foosball room length should be at least 9 feet.

So, the minimum room size for a regulation foosball table is approximately 9 x 9 ½ feet.

To put things in perspective, this is about the same space requirement as the minimum room size for a bedroom with a double bed.

I would even add a foot or two in case you have other objects near the table, or are playing foosball in a busy area of the house or bar.

You may also want to give the players a little extra space to get in better positions for more power.

If you don’t have the adequate room size for a regulation foosball table, fear not.

There are several other table sizes available from high quality foosball brands. These are not regulation size tables, but still well constructed and good enough for competitive play and long term use.

Let’s take a look at some other foosball dimensions and corresponding room sizes for smaller tables.

The 52″ Foosball Table

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Several foosball table manufacturers offer the 52” option.

One popular example is the American Legend Charger 52”.

This table, along with similar tables in the 52” category, has the following dimensions:

52 Inches (Length) x 20 Inches (Width) x 28 Inches (Height)

The room size for this foosball table can therefore be smaller than for a regulation table.

For example, now if you had a space of at least 8 x 8 feet you should have enough room to play on this table. It would also allow for a little extra room compared to a regulation table even if your space was slightly bigger.

At 28 inches high, this table is also shorter than a regulation table, making it more suitable for younger players in some cases.

The 48″ Foosball Table

KICK Conquest 48″ Foosball Table (Brown)

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Another foosball table option that is popular for smaller spaces, such as apartments, is the 48” table.

Kick Foosball, for example, offers several tables in this category. Just take a look at the Kick Conquest.

Here, the foosball table dimensions are:

48 Inches (Length) x 24 Inches (Width) x 31 Inches (Height)

Note that the Conquest is not as long as the 52” option, but it offers more width and height. This makes for a sturdy and grown-up friendly table that will fit in a tight space.

Your room size or playing area in this case could be as small as 6 feet x 8 feet.

If you need something even smaller than a 48” foosball table, you can always check out tabletop foosball options. These tables are great, portable options for players of all ages.

You just need to find the right surface and create some space for some surprisingly fun foosball action.

Tabletop Foosball Dimensions

Tabletop foosball tables, also known as ‘mini’ tables, can be great alternatives to full size tables when you have limited space, want something that is portable, and/or want a fun foosball table the kids can use.

Typical foosball table dimensions for tabletop versions are:

40 Inches (Length) x 20 Inches (Width) x 10 Inches (Height)

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As you can see, the length and width are not that far from the dimensions of popular non-regulation standing tables.

Many players are surprised at the quality of play on these tables. You may be playing on your knees, but otherwise these tables feel pretty realistic.

The difference is that you can place this table on any stable surface and just start playing. A coffee table usually does the trick.

One example is the Sport Squad Tabletop Foosball Table.

This is a well-made table that is only 8 inches high! It’s a small, slick foosball table that you can plop down anywhere.

And you can even take a table like this on vacation or over to your buddy’s house.

————

While a regulation size table is the ideal option, not everybody has the space or the budget for the full size table.

That’s why we wanted to include foosball dimensions of smaller, popular and budget-friendly tables that may work better in tighter spaces.

In the end you just need to find the right table that will tick the boxes of quality and budget while fitting in whatever space you have available.

Hopefully this guide will help.

The post Foosball Table Dimensions and Room Size: A Primer appeared first on Bar Games 101.

You might even have a foosball table in your home game room right now.

But have you ever really learned anything about the sport beyond how to play it?

Luckily our friends at Kick Foosball Tables have compiled a list of some facts about foosball that you might not have heard before today.

Who knows, you might be able bust out some of facts on trivia night.

1. The ball can move at speeds up to 35 mph!

Some of the highest ranked foosball tournament players have managed to hit the ball at speeds as high as 35 mph during game play.

While most hobbyists will never be able to crack speeds that high, it’s crazy to think about it moving so fast.

Need to generate more power in your foosball game? Check out this post.

2. No one really knows who invented the game.

In 1923, Harold Searles Thornton got the first patent for the game, but there are many claims that the game had been around since at least the 1880’s.

Plus, two other inventors claim that they are the sole originators of the game – Spaniard Alexandre de Finesterre says he patented it but the paperwork was lost and the French inventor Lucien Rosengart says that he made up the game to entertain the grandkids.

Despite the varying claims, it is Thornton who ultimately gets the credit due to the valid patent.

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3. The most expensive foosball table ever for sale was the “11-The Beautiful Game” table for 85,000 Euros.

This table was first created in 2008 for the Milan Furniture Fair, and then put into limited production in 2011.

This onyx and chrome luxury foosball table was originally available at a cost of 48,500 Euros and sold as hand-numbered limited edition pieces.

You can actually still buy one of these, but the price has increased to a whopping 85,000 Euros!

4. The longest game of foosball to ever take place took 61 hours and 17 minutes.

In the Guinness Book of World Records, you will find an entry for the longest doubles foosball game.

From August 29^th, 2012 through September 1^st, 2012, a team of four Austrians (Alexander Kuen, Manuel Larcher, Bernd Neururer and Dietmar Neururer) achieved this record-breaking feat.

Learn more about foosball rules.

5. An American soldier brought the game to the United States.

After being stationed in Germany in the 1960’s, military man Lawrence Patterson decided to import coin-operated foosball tables to the United States.

He’d fallen in love with the game while stationed in Europe, and this was the easiest way for him to continue playing (plus make a little money).

In the mid 1960’s, Patterson went on to start some of the first foosball tournaments in the United States.

6. The first foosball tournament in the United States took place in 1972.

Though the game had been popular in Europe for a while, it wasn’t until 1972 that Lee Peppard gave the USA their first players tournament. It took place in Missoula, Montana at Eight Ball Billiards.

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7. Pac-Man caused the decline in foosball’s popularity.

After the highest ever tournament prize in 1978 (a million dollars!), the popularity of the game began to wane.

This is blamed on the corresponding surge in popularity of video games like Pac-Man.

While these fun facts won’t help you get better at defensive plays, they do give you some cool conversation starters.

KICK Monarch 48" Brown Folding Foosball Table (Brown)

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The post 7 Cool Foosball Facts You Probably Didn’t Know Before Now appeared first on Bar Games 101.

It takes time, practice and patience to become a good foosball player.

But you can spend countless hours just hammering the ball on the table or playing games with your buddies without making real progress.

The trick is to adopt a focused and structured foosball practice strategy.

How to Practice Foosball Like a Pro

Here are several foosball practice tips based on the advice of the pros and serious players.

Just looking for some basic tips to get better at foosball? Check out these 21 foosball tips that will improve your game.

1. Practice 5-bar Passes

The 5-bar is where the real magic happens. You should spend as much time as possible learning how to keep possession of the ball by passing among your 5-bar players.

The best foosball players can pass back and forth, skipping over players and keeping horizontal control of the ball until they decide to advance the ball via a shot or forward pass to their 3-men.

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When you practice the side to side passes with your 5-bar, imagine that you’re are trying to confuse the defense. Take your time and be patient, even when practicing alone.

These delays and extended periods of possession are when defensive gaps are exposed.

You can pass back and forth, skipping over two or three players horizontally, until you slip it forward to your offensive players via a lane pass or wall pass.

Also, work on passes back to your defensive players from the 5-bar. This opens up the field and can give you more options for long shots or passes forward.

You can also practice the various wall passes that are very effective in games. These are things the pros work on to make sure they can keep possession and advance the ball smoothly when necessary.

Check out some of these 5-bar moves for inspiration.

2. Master 5-bar hacks

Once you have the passing and possession under control, try to work on combinations where you pass side-to-side and then shoot towards goal from the 5-bar with a snap of the wrist.

Shooting from the 5-bar is called a “hack”.

These 5-bar hacks can be very effective and hard to defend against if done smoothly and quickly.

With this type of advanced maneuver, it’s all about passing, control and repetition during practice.

Check out this video for a demonstration on how to hack from the 5-bar.

3. Keep the opposing players in position

Whether you’re working on 5-bar wall passes or lane passes, you should try to keep the opposing players in realistic defensive positions.

When practicing your shots or forward passes, keep the players on the opposite side angled down and rearrange their positions periodically.

Don’t just leave the bottoms elevated so you can pass and shoot with ease. Try to make it as difficult as possible when practicing.

For example, play as if the defender is anticipating your wall pass. This way you can practice quick changes in direction from a wall to a lane pass.

Try this on both sides of the table and work around the defenders.

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4. Practice Long Pull Shots with Your 2-Man

Some of the best foosball players can dominate games by scoring with their 2-man. These backfield shots can be very hard to defend against because there is so much space to monitor between the shot and the goal.

Your defender is trying to judge whether you will pass, and if so, where. Meanwhile, you’re aiming for the goal.

To make this work, try to practice long pull shots with your 2-man defender. When setting up for these shots, prepare your 5-bar and 3-man offensive players by keeping them up when shooting. You will need to do this quickly and methodically during a game.

Keep practicing these pull shots until you have a smooth, unpredictable and powerful delivery.

5. Practice 3-Man Shots Repeatedly

Don’t forget about your deadly 3-bar offense either. This is where most of your goals will come from. So practice shooting and scoring as much as possible.

The shots you can practice include quick back and forth passes into flick shots, pull shots, push shots, and more. Again, try to practice with control and patience before shooting. Be unpredictable.

However, at first, the key is to do each one repeatedly; slowly at first, then build up speed and power as your control increases.

Also make sure to place the 2-bar players and goalie in realistic defensive blocking positions.  Make it harder to score on yourself. This will pay off in an actual game.

Just look what you can achieve with a 3-bar dead ball shot.

Shoot at angles and aim for corners.

When practicing from the 3-bar, don’t just take straight forward shots through gaps. Learn how to use angles and shoot at corners.

As in soccer, shots that target the far corners are much more effective and harder to defend against.

Try to practice angle shots to the right and left side of the goal from stalled positions. Then work on these shots after a passing combination.

6. Practice Ball Control

Better ball control is often what distinguishes the pros from amateur foosball players. This is because improved ball control leads to longer periods of possession and more scoring opportunities.

Front and Back Pins

One of the best ways to improve your ball control is by practicing front and back pins.

For instance, you often need to stretch your player to stop a ball that’s getting ahead of your player, or drifting behind the player.

This is when you need to ‘pin’ the ball firmly with your player’s feet on top of the ball.

To begin, just practice moving the ball back and forth with each player using front pins and back pins.

Here’s a tutorial on how to do a front pin to get started.

Circles

Another pro practice technique is to create space around the ball.

What I mean by this is, while moving the ball from side-to-side, you can distract your opponent by hovering around the ball.

To practice this technique, try moving the players in circles around the ball as you pass. This is also a good way to practice patience and control. And it also confuses the opponent when done correctly.

Check out this video for a demonstration of foosball practice drills to master circling technique.

7. Practice with a Strategy: Be Unpredictable

You should always practice with a game strategy in mind. As mentioned, each routine should be carried out as if you were in an actual game.

There should be patience and intention in each move, pass and shot.

Before shooting on goal, for example, always pass back and forth a few times and set yourself up before taking the shot or executing a quick pass.

Remember: Your goal is to practice being unpredictable.

This is possibly your greatest weapon in competitive foosball. And it’s something the best foosball players have mastered.

You never know when their shot is coming, or whether they have a passing combination in mind that will lead to an easy goal.

If you just practice shooting the same shots over and over, or the same passing combo routines, it will lead to a more predictable and less dynamic game.

Watch this video for a good example of this approach to foosball practice.

The post How to Practice Foosball Like a Pro: 7 Drills to Elevate Your Game appeared first on Bar Games 101.

The first time you see an advanced foosball player in action, you may be in awe of how fast they shoot the ball.

The ball rips off their player in the blink of an eye.

It’s like magic. How do they do this?

In your quest to emulate these skills, you might try to fire off some quick pull or push shots when practicing or playing against an opponent.

But a blindingly quick flick of the wrist is useless against a good player if it isn’t executed with power.

That’s because a good player can read these shots and get their defender or goalie in place with plenty of time to block your measly attempt.

What’s more impressive about watching an advanced foosball player, then, is how much power and force they generate with those quick movements.

So even if the goalie or 2-man is anticipating their release, the ball moves with such speed and force that they can’t get there in time to block it.

Don’t get me wrong. There are other foosball techniques, such as basic push/pull shots and ball control, that are helpful and worth practicing for better offense.

But to drastically improve your foosball offense, one of the key aspects you must work on is power generation.

Looking for a new foosball table? Check out the best foosball tables for every budget

Practice the 5 fundamental power generating techniques described below and you’ll be on your way to a much more effective offense in foosball.

1) Use an Open Stance

You have two basic options for your foosball stance: an open or closed stance.

They are both useful and serve different purposes. That’s why it’s a good idea to change your stance throughout the game.

The closed stance is when you stand with your feet about 12 inches apart and perpendicular to the table. Both toes are about 6 inches from the table.

This type of stance is best for controlling the ball. You should move into a closed stance when defending or passing among your players. But it’s not ideal for generating power.

Use an Open Stance to Generate Power

An open stance is when your feet are spread out diagonally, with the left foot forward and the right leg back. The left foot should be angled about 45° toward the table.

The right foot can be pointed forward, perpendicular to the table.

But the details of foot placement and angles are less important. Your goal at this point is to learn how an open stance can help you generate more power.

Some players put more weight on their left leg in the open stance. When lining up for a power shot, they shift back to the right leg. Their weight and strength shifts forward to the left leg when executing the shot.

In general, using an open stance helps boost power by adding leverage and strength from your core and legs.

2) The Closed Grip Power Shot

Like your stance, your foosball grip should change throughout the game.

Sometimes a tighter grip makes sense. This is mainly when you need to control the ball. But if it’s too tight, you will not be able to generate much power for a shot.

You will need to loosen that grip a little. Yet this is not the same as an open grip, discussed below.

The ideal closed grip for a power shot is like a golf grip. Your middle, ring and pinky finders are wrapped firmly around the handle. The pointer finger and thumb are loosely wrapped at the front of the handle.

Note: The thumb is not just placed along the top of the handle, but around the grip. And your knuckles are angled downward slightly.

When shooting with a loose closed grip like this, you can crank down on the handle. Most of the pressure should be along the outer edge of your palm.

If it’s your right hand with the 3-man shooting, pretend you are quickly and forcefully loosening a screw. The force comes from your wrist and tightening your grip at the end of the shot.

The closed grip power shot is best for quick power shots when you are passing among your 3-men and notice an opening.

Watch this video for a good demonstration of how to crank down with power using a closed grip shot.

3. Use the Open Grip

The best players use both closed and open grips to rip power shots. The open grip will generate the most power if done correctly.

It is harder to control the ball with an open grip. So I suggest that you practice switching from a closed grip when passing, to an open grip when preparing to shoot.

It’s good to keep the grip loose enough so it’s a fluid motion. Do this slowly at first and build up speed with practice.

In a right-handed open shot with your 3-man, you would start with the handle resting on your open palm. You “wind up” by rolling the handle in a downward motion along the palm and release the shot with a quick upward wrist flick.

You tighten your fingers at the last minute.

This is a simple but clear demonstration of how to do an open grip power shot.

4) Make Contact with the Ball

OK, the fact that your need to make contact with the ball may seem pretty obvious. My point here is that you should spend more time focused on the contact point when practicing.

You need to strike the ball at the right spot with maximum contact to get a strong shot off. This simple idea is often overlooked.

For instance, many novice foosball players spend all of their time working on speed without considering contact.

I suggest doing it the opposite way. Start by practicing very, very slow shots with either the closed grip or open handed shot.

Watch how you contact the ball each time. Are you hitting the top of the ball at the end of your rotation? Are you hitting the side of the ball? This is fine if you’re shooting advanced angles or trying to put spin on the ball. But we’re not quite there yet.

Try to finish your shot or rotation at dead center: this is the sweet spot.

Even soft and slow shots can be delivered with power when sufficient contact is made.

Now, as you build speed with each shot, the power should also increase.

5) Get a Full Rotation

Some power shots are executed quickly, as with the closed grip mentioned above. These are often done with half or less than half rotation. It takes time and practice to do this correctly.

But the official rules of foosball state that you can rotate 360 degrees before making contact. And another 360 following the shot. So why not take advantage of the full rotation?

The more rotation, the more momentum and power.

Let’s be clear: This is not the same as spinning the rod, which is illegal. You need to have full control in order to do a single rotation before and after.

You can try a full rotation shot with either the closed or open grip. But it’s very effective – and powerful – with an open grip

Try the full rotation from the start of a forward pin shot. From the top of the ball, you would rotate up and around to the contact point.

Watch the this video for a slow motion demonstration.

It starts at just under 2 minutes to show a full rotation shot. But watch the whole video if you want to learn more about how the rules apply to these types of shots. 

All of the techniques described above will help you generate more power with your foosball shot. But only if you practice.

The best foosball players practice these shots over and over. Starting slowly and building up speed and power as they master control and technique.

The post 5 Ways to Boost Your Power in Foosball appeared first on Bar Games 101.

I love it when I stumble upon a bar with a nice foosball table.

It reminds me of when, as teenagers, we would battle it out on the foosball table in my best friend’s basement for hours.

It started as just 1 v 1 matches. But the game became popular among our friends, and before we knew it, we were hosting full blown tournaments in his basement.

We became pretty good too. At least we thought we were at the time. But make no mistake: becoming an advanced foosball player takes a lot of time and practice.

Luckily, there are several basic foosball tips and techniques we can all learn to improve our game.

The following list includes 21 fundamental foosball tips and techniques that will make the game more fun, make you a better player and help you beat your next opponent.

(Looking for a new foosball table? Check out the best foosball tables for every budget.)

1) Don’t Spin!

The first item on our list isn’t really a foosball tip. It’s a rule that all players should follow, even if it’s your first time playing.

Spinning your rods is illegal in foosball (see Rule 13 of USTSA Rules of Play).

Spinning the rods can also damage the table and warp the rods. And it’s not an effective way to shoot. You’ll have a much less powerful and less accurate shot.

So, don’t spin.

Now on to some tips for better playing.

Foosball Grip & Stance

2) Relax your grip

The tendency for many new foosball players to is to hold the handle way too tightly. Especially as the pressure mounts and competition heats up, you start seeing white knuckles.

But make sure you resist the temptation to grip the handles tightly. Instead, maintain a relaxed grip.

Hold the handle with your knuckles on top and thumb loosely wrapped around the bottom.

Try to hold it firm but loose enough that there is a little space between the handle, your palm and your fingers.

A little spacing allows you to quickly adjust your grip while playing. Then it becomes easier to adapt to different types of shots and blocking maneuvers.

Bonus tip: Having a relaxed grip will also produce more power when flicking your wrist and snapping a shot.

3)  Use an open stance

New players tend to stand straight, stiff and with both feet parallel to the side of the foosball able.

But you’ll be much better off if you open your stance a little. Try to stand at a 45° angle away from the table.

An open stance will free up your right arm, allowing you to move quickly and generate more power.

Serving the Foos

4) Serve yourself (serving cup method)

The first serve in a foosball game should be a fair serve. This means the ball is served down the middle of the field without preference to either side.

But, after a goal is scored, the serving team can try to serve the ball to themselves.

If your table has a serving cup, there is an easy way to do this.

First, place the ball on the top left edge of the serving cup.

Then, release the ball slowly so it spirals along the right side and down the cup.

When it drops, it should roll right towards your 5-man rod.

5) Serve with backspin

If you don’t have a serving cup, you can try to use the more advanced back-spin serving method.

To apply backspin on the serve, place your thumb on the left side of the ball.

Push down on the ball as you push it to the right side and through the hole.

If properly applied, the ball should stop and roll backwards towards your five rod when it hits the surface.

Strategy & Control

6) Pin the ball

Pinning the ball is a great way to gain ball control while planning your next move.

As the ball approaches your player, angle him back slightly.

You can then “catch” the ball and trap the ball beneath your player.

This can be done as a front pin or back pin, depending on which direction the ball is coming from.

From a pinned position, you can either execute a pass or, for more advanced players, a pin shot.

Check out this tutorial on how to execute the front pin with a powerful shot.

7) Watch your opponent’s men (offense)

It’s natural to focus squarely on your own players when trying to move the ball among them to line up a pass or shot.

But here’s a small but important foosball tip: try to pay closer attention to your opponent’s men.

This will allow you to spot brief gaps in their formation.

Once you have a gap, it creates a path to advance the ball forward. And if there’s a clear path to the goal, take a shot.

8) Keep your forward players angled and ready

Your three-man rod is your true offense, so you should try to advance the ball towards them and retain control as much as possible.

However, if they are positioned too straight, a pass will just bounce off them and your opponent will take possession.

If the they are angled forward, they are in a much better position to receive and hold the ball. So, keep them in this position as much as possible.

Once you have possession and control, you can assess your next move.

Passing the Ball

9) Try a wall pass

Passing is the key to a well-executed offense in foosball. It keeps your opponent guessing and allows you to methodically move the ball forward to better scoring positions.

One of the easiest and most effective techniques to pass the ball forward is the wall pass. This is a great way to pass the ball forward to your three-man rod.

(Want to try your skills out on a smaller table? Check out some of the best mini foosball tables for younger players.)

First, control the ball on the inside edge of your number 2 five-man.

Position a three-man forward against the wall. Then slide the ball to the wall with your five-man and quickly slip it through to your forward.

Watch this tutorial to see the wall pass in action.

10) Use the lane

A lane pass is like the wall pass, but it prevents your opponent from just planting his five-man against the wall to block it. Here, you slide the ball from the inside edge of your player but find a slot before the wall.

Have your forward positioned about two ball widths from the wall to receive the pass.

11) Wall bounce pass

If you’re getting too comfortable – and predictable – with the wall pass, try redirecting the ball with a bounce.

Make your opponent think you’re going to pass it up the wall again, but instead bounce it back in the other direction back to your number 2 five-man, and quickly pass the ball through to your forward.

As with the lane pass, the forward should be positioned about two ball widths from the wall.

12) Redirect your passes

Similar to the wall bounce pass, you can try to throw your opponent off by quickly switching direction.

For example, pretend to begin a wall pass by sliding the ball in the wall’s direction, but quickly shift to your outside edge and pass to your middle five-man. Now you should have a gap to slot the ball forward to your middle three-man.

13) Pass from the defense

Here’s one of our favorite foosball tips. Many beginners try to slam the ball forward from the defense as much as possible.

While shooting from the back can be very effective, you should also try to move the ball forward with short, calculated passes.

Using a wall pass, lane pass or bounce pass is a good way to advance the ball from your two-men to your five rod.

(Learn about different foosball table dimensions.)

Then you can try to use a similar method to reach your forwards. This way you are methodically moving up the field and retaining control.

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14) Dribble with your goalie

This is a way to create some space if your opponent is constantly blocking your shots or passes from the defensive end.

Pass the ball back and forth between your two-man defense and your goalie. As you pass, slide along the back line and wait for lane to open-up. Once a lane is open, try to quickly slide the ball forward to your five-man rod.

Just be careful not to score an own goal here.

Shooting & Scoring Foosball Tips

15) Master just one shot

You’ll notice that advanced foosball players use a lot of shooting techniques to score. And you may be tempted to try some of these during your game.

But a more effective approach is to find a single shot technique that works for you and stick with it.

For example, when a hole opens up in the goal, your shots should be quick and precise. If you spend too much time trying to line up a special shot, you will miss these chances. If a short push shot works for you, then stick with it. The objective is to score goals.

16) Use the push shot

Speaking of push shots, this is a very simple but effective way to score. With a push shot, you want to position the ball at your player’s outer edge. If it’s a three-man forward, position him at the close edge of the goal. Then push the player towards the other side, and as soon as you see an opening, shoot.

Here’s a good demonstration of the push shot.

17) Use the pull Shot

The pull shot is very similar to the push shot. This time, line your forward up at the far end of the goal. With the ball on the player’s inside edge, pull the rod towards you.

Once a hole opens up, release your shot with a quick flick of the wrist.

If you see a hole before you start to pull, just shoot right away. You might catch our opponent by surprise.

Here’s the pull shot in action.

Playing Defense

18) Keep your goalie and defense in sync

When playing defense, your goalie and the two-man rod should be played as a single unit.  You can use them in tandem to close gaps and cut off angles.

For example, if your opponent is trying to shoot down the middle, you can close his path by keeping the goalie and middle two-man close together. There should be less than a ball’s width between them.

If your opponent is trying to shoot from the side, you can widen the space between the goal and the two-man to cut of his angle.

Also, if you keep their feet pointed towards each other, you can reduce the space between the rods that a ball can travel through when shot at an angle.

19) Be a shot blocker

Use your two-man rod to block shots. Even as you’re using the goalie and the two-man rod as a single unit, two-main rods main purpose is to prevent your opponent from getting a shot off in the first place.

One way to do this is the race method: every time your opponent is about to shoot, you slide your two-man directly in front of them and block the shot.

Be careful not to get faked out though. Keep your eye on the ball rather than following the rods or other body movements.

20) Shoot from the defense

Even though we already mentioned the importance of passing from the defense, the two-man defense can also be a great place to shoot from.

These shots are hard to read and can be very effective. Just wait to see a straight path to the goal and fire.

Also, make sure you don’t block yourself with your own five-man or three-man. Rotate these players up and out of the way (or make sure your teammate does) when you’re planning a shot.

If your opponent is playing good defense and cutting off your path to the goal, try using a bank shot. You can send the ball at an angle by striking it off center.

These are harder to defend, and once you find the right placement on the wall for a bank path to the goal, you can develop a pretty unstoppable shot.

21) Put all your players to work

Your forwards are your first line of defense. If your opponent is trying to score from the backfield, make sure your three-man rod is trying to block them first.

You can also position your other rods to cut off easy pathways.

For instance, position your two-man rod to block a middle shot on goal.

Position your goalie to block one side of the goal.

Position a five-man against the wall to block a bank shot.

And use your three-man to actively block a straight shot from the defense.

Of course, these positions will need to be reconfigured and tweaked depending on your opponent’s moves and shooting preferences.

——

Hopefully these foosball tips will help you learn how to play the game, and even gain a competitive advantage when playing at your friends house or out at the bar. As you play more often, these strategies will become second nature. 

The post 21 Foosball Tips & Techniques to Improve Your Game appeared first on Bar Games 101.

And, time and time again, we come back to the Warrior Professional Foosball Table as one of the best overall pieces of affordable gaming equipment on the market.

A high-quality foosball table doesn’t have to cost $1K or more. The Warrior Foosball Table is an affordable, stable, and pro-quality foosball table that is ideal for both amateur players and professionals.

There are many reasons to take a second look at the Warrior Pro, including a fast assembly time, added stability, convenient delivery options, and smart safety features.

Anyone looking to invest in a new foosball table may want to consider a Warrior!

Read on to learn more. 

What is the Warrior Foosball Table?

The Warrior Professional Foosball Table is an officially recognized foosball table designed to meet the needs of professional players without breaking the bank.

Weighing in at just over 200 lbs, it’s sturdy enough to be used by all types and sizes and players.

The table features counterbalanced foosball men, rod guards, a classic soccer design, and easy to assemble pieces. There are also integrated leg levelers to ensure that the table remains consistently level, even if placed on a slightly uneven surface.

The table is hose-free, using gravity and an angled underboard for quick ball return.

Safe for players of all ages, budget-friendly, and playable in 25 minutes (from box to complete installation), the Warrior Foosball Table is an enjoyable option for everyone.

Main Features

Several unique and practical features make the Warrior Foosball Table stand out from the crowd; from the grass-green playfield to the improved leg stands, this table has quite a lot going on for it.

Budget Friendly + High Performance

Most professional foosball tables cost at least $1,000, and often much more. But the Warrior Foosball Table falls below the $1K price range, making it one of the most affordable – yet professional – options on the market today.

You can buy this table (factory direct) for $649.00. They also offer a three year extended warranty for $39.99. 

The Warrior Foosball Table costs about half the price of a competing, commercial level model. Weighing approximately 200 lbs, it’s not going to budge an inch, even during the most intense games. Anyone can play some aggressive foosball matches with this reasonably priced option.

Counterbalanced Foosball Men

There’s almost nothing worse than playing with cheap, flimsy foosball men. The rods don’t seem to whirl quite right without the right team of plastic or wooden guys, which is why it’s crucial to check the material and design of a foosball table’s tiny foosball men.

The best material to use with modern, plasticized tables is ABS Plastic, as it doesn’t tend to shatter or break even after long-term impact. Not only are the Warrior Foosball Table foosball men made of tough, sturdy plastic, but they are also counterbalanced.

This added weight ensures greater player control in addition to harder, more substantial shots. The added accuracy also doesn’t hurt, and gripping is a cinch when you’ve got counterbalanced foosball men under your control. The only foreseeable drawback is that the added weight can make play slightly slower.

Overall, it’s a smart, attractive feature of the Warrior Foosball Table that isn’t often found in budget-friendly models.

Rod Guards for Added Protection

Foosball tables can potentially do an enormous amount of damage to walls, furniture, and human bodies. While engrossed in an epic game, it can be easy to forget how close you are to others, and a steel rod could quickly and easily jut out from the table, injuring someone or something.

But, the Warrior Foosball Table features protective ABS plastic rod guards that make it one of the safest models out there. The solid steel rods can do a lot of damage when unprotected, so it’s nice to see a little forethought.

Quick and Easy Assembly

While other models may take ages to set up, or even require professional assembly, the Warrior Foosball Table takes only about half an hour and one tool to be ready for play.

However, like any full size piece of gaming equipment, it’s best if you have at least two people to assemble the table, which is something to keep in mind.

Note: Despite the quicker than average assembly time the actual time may vary depending on skill-level, tools, and having a little help. The assembly time range, accordingly, can be from 25 min to a max of 3 hours. 

But, they have an assembly tutorial video that will make set-up quick and easy. So, just watch the video and follow the instructions and you’ll be playing foosball matches in no time.

Leg Levelers for Improved Balance

Once the playing field has been dropped into place, users can adjust the legs of the Warrior Foosball Table to maximize table balance and evenness.

The feet are capable of swiveling in nearly any direction while maintaining an upright steel connection to the legs so that even a bumpy surface can turn into the perfect play area.

The sturdy rubber feet can also lock into place, so that users can feel confident in the table’s stability.

The legs also raise and lower to meet the height needs of the players, ensuring that even young foosball enthusiasts can enjoy the Warrior Foosball Table.

Hose-Free Ball Return System

A ball return system that relies on tubes can easily malfunction if the hoses fall out of place, or if the wrong ball is used with the table. But the Warrior Foosball Table features a hose-free ball return that uses weight and gravity to guide the ball to the return slot effortlessly.

This system also helps to increase overall table weight, resulting in a sturdier product and smoother games.

Tournament Ready

Warrior Table Soccer Pro Foosball Table 2020 Model 56 Inch Black

$899.00

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The Warrior Foosball Table conforms to both USTSF and ITSF regulations, ensuring that it can be used for official championship games. The table comes with two Warrior Tournament balls that are the official size and weight, with added texture for easier gripping. 

Unlike other manufacturers, who typical use a tumbling process to manufacture the balls, Warrio uses a unique centerline grinding process and specialty urethane compound to produce a ball with superior grip and speed.

Pros and serious players endorse the table and accessories (including the balls) for its consistency, precise control and long-term durability.

And, here at Bar Games 101, we recommend as a top buy in our list of the best foosball tables for any budget.

Yes, there are commercial quality tables with high-price tags and bullet-proof construction (i.e. the Tornado T-3000), but for the money, you can’t beat the Warrior Pro.

Customize for Your Company or Cause

Unlike many foosball table manufacturers, Warrior has the ability to customize a table for their customers. This could mean changing the colors of the foosmen, adding a company logo or sponsorship, making the table single or multi-player, add LED lights, and more. 

Summary

• Counterbalanced foosball men for better accuracy, power, and gripping.
• Intuitive, hose-free ball return system ensures balls never get stuck.
• High grip and speed urethane balls made with unique centerless grinding technology.
• Reasonably easy at-home assembly (just watch the video; takes approximately 25 minutes).
• A budget-friendly option for serious players.
• Improved balance with adjustable legs and swivel feet.
• The hard plastic rod guards save walls, objects, and loved ones from accidental injury.
• It can be used in official matches.
• You can customize the table to change the branding, color or configuration

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out some of the commonly asked questions about Warrior Foosball.

Are the Rods Hollow or Solid?

The 14mm steel rods included with the Warrior Foosball Table are solid. This gives them more weight, allowing them to provide more powerful shots and handle more easily than hollow rods.

How Large Should the Play Area Be?

The play area in which the Warrior Foosball Table is placed should be at least 6ft long and 8ft wide, and clear of all obstacles or debris, for maximum safety and playability. Review our guide to foosball dimensions and room size to learn more.

Is the Goalie a Single Man?

Yes. Unlike other foosball tables, the Warrior Foosball Table features single-man goalies rather than three-person goalies. Using a single-man or one-person goalie increases the overall challenge of the game, in addition to adhering to strict official tournament guidelines and rules.

Is the Playfield Laminated?

Yes, the playfield of the Warrior Foosball Table is laminated. It is stylized in the fashion of a lush, green soccer field, completed by two white goalie boxes and a Warrior Professional Foosball Table crest in the center.

What Are the Dimensions of the Playfield?

The actual dimensions of the playfield are 46.5 inches long by 27 inches wide, as per official regulations and rules.

What Are the Dimensions of the Assembled Table?

Once assembled, the Warrior Foosball Table is 55 inches long, 30 inches wide, and 36 inches tall. Of course, because the height of the table is adjustable, these measurements are bound to change according to player preference.

Can the Warrior Foosball Table Be Used Outside?

Yes, the Warrior Foosball Table can be used outside in fair weather. However, it should not be left in rain, snow, or extreme weather for any amount of time. Moisture and damage from the elements may potentially warp the playfield of the Warrior Foosball Table, in addition to rusting necessary aspects such as the solid steel rods.

If a buyer intends to use this table outside, it is vital that they also plan to cover, maintain, and care for it properly to avoid unnecessary damage.

Can You Play a Foosball Championship With This Table?

Absolutely, yes. The Warrior Foosball Table is built to specific and exacting standards, ensuring that it complies with the International Table Soccer Foundation and the United States Table Soccer Foundation requirements.

Also, the Warrior Foosball Table comes with two Warrior Tournament balls. These two balls are official tournament weight and size. They are also textured, providing an improved grip for superior play. Each Warrior ball is created via a centerline grinding process, which differs significantly from the traditional tumbling process.

Our Verdict

Though the Warrior Foosball Table is not without its flaws (although it’s hard to think of one now that they improved the ball return system), it is still an excellent option for foosball players on a tight budget. Not only can it be used for official tournaments, but it offers some valuable features that can’t be found in comparable models.

The rod guards add extra protection, the legs and feet help keep the table stable, the hose-free ball return system eliminates hose-related hangups, and the whole thing can be assembled in very little time, from the comfort of home. For all of these reasons, we think the Warrior Foosball is an excellent, low-budget option for foosball enthusiasts of all ages.

The post The Warrior Foosball Table Review (Hint: It’s One of Our Favorites) appeared first on Bar Games 101.

We’ve adapted these rules from the official USTSA rules. The official rules of foosball are intended for tournament play, so they can seem a little complex and strict for the majority of players.

Feel free to use these instead, but you can always refer to the official rules for clarification.

9 Foosball Rules You Should Know

1. Starting the Match

• First game: Flip a coin. The team that wins the coin toss gets to choose between serving first or picking the side of table they want.
• Subsequent games: Switch sides after each game. The team that lost the last game serves.

2. Serving the Ball

• After the first serve, the team last scored upon serves the ball.
• Before serving, it’s good etiquette to tap the ball on the server side of the table to signify that play is about to begin. Wait until all players are grasping the rods to serve.
• The player who serves can influence the roll of the ball (i.e. spin it), and position it where they want before serving it, by placing a hand within the play area.
• Once the ball is in play, the server cannot have any part of either hand in the playing area.
• No player can touch or strike the ball until it has touched the play field.
• You cannot score on the serve by serving it directly into a goal; however, if the served ball ricochets off a player and enters the goal, it counts.

3. Ball in Play

• Once a ball is put into play it shall remain in play until the ball is hit off the table, a dead ball is declared, time out is called, or a point is scored.
• A ball entering a goal counts a point.
• A ball that enters a goal but bounces back out to the play field is still a point.
• When a ball is in play, no player may reach into the play area, even if they do not touch the ball, unless they have permission from the opposing team.

4. No Spinning!

• A spin is when you rotate a figure more than 360 degrees before or after making contact with the ball.
• In calculating the 360 degrees, you do not add the degrees spun before to the degrees after striking the ball (i.e. 2 half spins don’t make a whole spin).
• If you spin and:
  • Score a goal: no point scored and the ball is put back in play by the goalie.
  • Strike the ball but no goal: the opposing team can either continue play from that spot or choose to re-serve the ball.
• If you spin without contacting the ball, just keep playing.
• But if you spin and knock the ball backwards into your own goal, it counts as a point for the opposing team.

5. No Jarring!

• Jarring is considered to be a forceful slam of the rods against the wall of the foosball table.
• Jarring also includes lifting, sliding or moving the table in any way.
• If you are called for jarring, the opposing team has the option of continuing play from the current position, playing from the point of infraction, or re-serving the ball.

6. Switching Positions

• Once the game has started, you may only switch positions with your teammate between points or during a “time-out” (see USTSA rule 7 for more information about time-outs).
• You cannot switch positions while the ball is in play.
• You can switch positions in between games.

7. Dead Ball

• A ball is dead when it’s no longer in motion (completely stops) and is not within reach by any player.
• If it’s still spinning, it’s not a dead ball.
• If the ball is dead between two opposing rods, the ball shall be re-served by the team that last served.
• If the ball is dead between the goalie and the 2-man rod, it should be placed within reach of the nearest player.

8. Out of Play

• If the ball hits a top rail and lands in the table area, or comes off the table area completely, it’s considered out of play.
• A ball that’s in the air, but still within the play area, is still in play.
• The out of play ball must be re-served by the team that served last.

9. 5-Bar Rules (Simplified/Modified)

• A pinned ball must touch at least two other players before advancing to the 3-man rod. (This applies to a ball pinned against the playing surface or wall).
• But a pinned ball can be shot on goal by the 5-man. A shot must enter the goal, be blocked by the goalie, or hit the back wall.
• You must pass the ball from the 5 rod to the 3 rod within ten seconds, directly after a serve.
• After the initial serve, players are allowed 15 seconds to pass from the 5 bar.
• See Rule 21 for full rule and official tournament details

Download a copy of the rules

Also, you can always modify these foosball rules and make your own house rules to govern games played at your home or establishment.

Learn more fun facts about foosball and review our tips to improve your game.

The post Essential Foosball Rules for a Friendly Match appeared first on Bar Games 101.

Foosball is one of the best bar games for singles or doubles competition. And it’s even more fun to play at home. 

We talk a lot about the game of foosball on this site, including how to play foosball, how to practice, and what the rules are.

Now, if you’re ready to bring this game in to your home, we’ll discuss how to find the right table.

If you want to find the best foosball table for your game room or apartment, there are several options available today.

In this post, we’ll highlight our picks for the best entry-level tables that are great for beginner players and families, then work our way up to the elite tournament table category for hard-core players.

We also review the most important foosball table features you should consider when buying a new table.

Short on time? Here are our favorite tables in each category:

IMAGE	PRODUCT
	Best Entry-Level Warrior Professional Foosball Table Tournament Quality at Excellent Value Solid and sturdy table Split bearings enable fast and powerful shots	VIEW ON AMAZON →
	Best Outdoor Foosball Table Garlando G-500 Sturdy and smooth table for family use and outdoor play Foosmen molded to anti-corrosion rod Durable and suitable for long term outdoor use	VIEW ON AMAZON →
	Best All Arounder Tornado Sport Foosball Table Solid, durable, all around high-quality foosball table Smooth play Trusted and proven foosball table brand	VIEW ON AMAZON →
	Best Commercial and Pro Option Tornado Tournament T-3000 Integrated adjustable leg levelers Thick aluminum laminate commercial grade cabinet Heavy duty rubber bumpers and more	VIEW ON AMAZON →

This is kind of a long guide, so feel free to use the following table of contents to navigate to a product or section within the article:

Best Entry Level Foosball Tables (Less Than $800)

The Warrior Pro

Best Foosball Table for the $$$

The Warrior Pro is one of the best foosball tables for players who want a tournament level table at an entry-level price.

Warrior is one of the top names in foosball and is endorsed for tournament play by the International Table Soccer Federation (ITSF).

The Warrior Pro has a very solid base with the feel of a commercial table. This table also includes rod guards to protect toddlers from injury.

The aesthetics are basic, and possibly less appealing compared to the Kick Legend (below).

Yet many players will appreciate its basic appearance as a trade-off for its solid construction.

The Warrior Pro is designed for quick assembly and fast and smooth play. And it’s even suitable for advanced play and commercial use. It also has a side/center ball return, which is a great feature when playing 1-v-1 or practicing on your own.

Plus, the players are counterweighted (also great for 1-v-1 play) and the table includes adjustable leg levelers.

This table also has a single goalie set up.

While some players prefer the 3-man goalie option, plenty of the best foosball tables use the one-man goalie rod.

Plus, the sloped corners offset the lack of additional goalie-men by keeping the ball in play.

Overall the Warrior Pro will satisfy the needs of most players. And it will withstand hours upon hours of competitive play.

In my opinion, the Pro is the best foosball table at this price point.

Overview of Table Specs:

Weight: 205 lbs assembled
Cabinet: MDF (black PVC laminate leg and side panels)
Playfield:  White HPL inner walls, green PVC laminate with black striping and a 3-color WTS Logo
Rods: Solid chrome plated steel rods
Ball Return: Center/side ball return
Goalie Configuration: One Goalie
Counterbalanced Foosmen: Yes
Handles: Durable synthetic rubber (red and black)
Leg Levelers: Yes (5” diameter, adjustable with rubber feet and swivel design for different surfaces)

Kick Legend

Best Entry-level Foosball Table with High End Looks

The Kick Legend is a solid 55” entry level option with an elegant look.

If you’re looking to add a foosball table to round out your game room but don’t anticipate very heavy usage or lots of competitive play, this is a good option.

Serious foosball players may want the enhanced stability and durability that you get with more base weight and heavy duty materials.

Yet Kick Legend’s main strength in its appearance. This is a very nice looking table. And, for the most part, it is sturdy, solid and stays level.

It also has counterbalanced men and adjustable leg levelers.

Overview of Table Specs:

Weight: 143 lbs
Cabinet: MDF
Rods: Semi solid; stainless steel
Ball Return: Both ends of the table
Goalie Configuration: 1 or 3 men
Counterbalanced Foosmen: Yes
Handles: No slip rubber black rubber grip
Leg Levelers: Yes (5” adjustable)

Eastpoint Ellington

Best Budget-Friendly Foosball Table for Light Family Use

The Eastpoint Ellington is one of the best foosball tables if you are looking to add a budget-friendly, decorative game table to your apartment space or rec-room.

First, the Ellington is an attractive and stylish foosball table.

If you have a couple hundred bucks to spend, limited space and want to add a nice-looking game table, this is a great option.

And the Ellington is plenty stable for occasional use and light play.

This table also features stainless steel rods with comfortable black rubber handles and unique bead style manual scoring.

Yet if you are a serious player or anticipate frequent use and competitive play, the Ellington might not hold up.

At just under 100 lbs., it is a bit lighter than other recreational foosball tables. Also, the players are not counterbalanced.

With lighter foosmen to begin with, the lack of counterweights may frustrate die-hard players who enjoy playing 1-v-1 or taking practice shots.

Nevertheless, this is still one of the best foosball tables for the price.

Overview of Table Specs:

Weight: 99 lbs
Cabinet: Laminate / MDF
Rods: Semi solid; stainless steel
Ball Return: Both ends of the table
Goalie Configuration: 3 foosmen
Counterbalanced Foosmen: No
Handles: Black rubber
Leg Levelers: Not built-in adjustable (but shim pack included)

Top Picks for Indoor/Outdoor Use

Garlando G-500 Weatherproof Indoor/Outdoor

The Garlando G-500 Weatherproof is one of the best foosball tables for family use and competitive play, whether in the basement or outside on the patio.

This table features smooth and safe telescoping rods that are protected from the elements by an anti-corrosion chromium plating.

And the primary material for this table is waterproof marine plywood coated with heavy duty plastic laminate.

This table will hold up to significant outdoor use, making the G-500 a great option for a patio or poolside foosball table that the kids can play for hours on end.

Pros

• Sturdy and smooth table for family use and outdoor play
• Weather resistant marine plywood and plastic laminate coating makes it durable and suitable for long term outdoor use
• Foosmen molded to anti-corrosion rod
• Easy assembly

Cons

• Handles are smaller than expected
• Some players are not fully counterbalanced
• Not as attractive as other tables with wood finishes

Specs

Weight: 150 lbs
Cabinet: Marine plywood coated in water resistant plastic laminate (field surface too)
Rods: Stainless steel with anti-rust chromium plating
Ball Return: Both ends of the table
Goalie Configuration: 1 Goalie (can be 360° rotating figure or not).
Counterbalanced Foosmen: Yes (although some reviews noted that only the goalie and defense seem to be counterbalanced)
Handles: Black rubber
Vinyl Table Cover: Included
Leg Levelers: Yes

Kettler Weatherproof Indoor/Outdoor Foosball

A close second the Garlando, the Kettler Weatherproof indoor/outdoor foosball table is a durable and attractive Italian made table with unique elements for extended outdoor use.

This table features heavy duty steel rods with anti-rust coatings and molded-on players for added durability.

The playing surface is made of glass – making it both weather resistant and fast.

The Kettler Weatherproof also has sloped sides and corners to reduce dead spots. With a single goalie set up, this comes in very handy.

The Kettler includes a cover for outdoor storage. This is one of the best foosball tables is best for families looking to for a game table that can be played in the basement, game room or out on the patio in warmer months.

Overview of Table Specs:

Weight: 132 lbs
Cabinet: Laminates and weatherproof resins
Rods: Stainless steel with anti-rust chromium plating
Ball Return: Both ends of the table
Goalie Configuration: 1 Goalie
Counterbalanced Foosmen: Yes
Handles: Silver rubber
Cover included
Leg Levelers: Yes (sturdy adjustable built in levelers)

Best Mid to High End Foosball Tables

Tornado Sport

Best All-Around Foosball Table

Manufactured in Texas, Tornado is the go-to foosball brand for serious foosball players.

The Tornado Sport is their entry-level foosball table designed for casual to serious foosball players.

I still consider it a high-end table though, and for most players this table will be more than adequate.

This a well-constructed, heavy and durable table that will withstand the years of abuse inflicted by countless games of foosball.

One thing I love about the Tornado Sport is its classic appearance.

For example, the 1” thick sidewalls are finished with a dark jewel mahogany. Combined with the iconic green melamine playfield, this is a very attractive and classic look for a home use foosball table.

The Sport also features a three-man goalie set up, as well as a revamped player foot designed for more precise shooting and passing.

Like all Tornado tables, the Sport also plays smoothly.

The smooth feel comes from some nicely constructed rods, made from .125 hollow steel, combined with rod bumpers and Tornado’s patented rubber balls.

The Sport does have a couple shortcomings, though. First, the players are not counterbalanced.

If you are a serious player or if you play a lot of one-on-one foosball, the lack of counterbalanced players might be hard to overlook.

Second, the legs do not include integrated adjustable levers. The table does come with shim levers, however, so this is more of a convenience factor.

Bottom line: The Tornado Sport hits the sweet spot of a reasonably priced, high quality, well-constructed table that’s pme of the best foosball tablesd for entry-level to advanced and competitive players.

Specs:

Weight: 205 lbs (56″)
Cabinet: Mahogony melamine finish
Handles: Sure Grip plastic black
Ball Return: Ends of table
Legs: Adjustable leg levelers (not built-in; shims)
Goalie Configuration: Three men 

The Tornado Foosball Table Line-Up

If you’re a serious player with a bigger budget or just looking for a higher-end table that will be put through the ringer or even used in a commercial environment, you might want to look at the next step(s) up in the Tornado line:

• The Classic
• The Elite
• The Worthington

With each of these tables, you get the same high-quality characteristics of all Tornado tables (durable construction, smooth and precise playing, classic design and appearance) plus certain upgrades in materials, performance and design.

For example, the Tornado Classic has a single side ball return, natural wood handles, built-in adjustable leg levelers and lightly thicker side walls.

And then there’s the T-3000, which we’ll discuss below.

Rene Pierre Club

Best Foosball Table with European Style

Rene Pierre is a French foosball table manufacturer known for their handmade foosball tables that combine elegant aesthetics and fluid play.

The Rene Pierre Club model features a beautiful beech wood cabinet and a reinforced solid table base.

The Club is a heavy and stable foosball table with enhanced safety features like telescoping rods with ergonomic handle grips.

The corners of this table are slightly tilted. This is a helpful feature to keep play moving, especially with its single goalie set-up.

The Club has some unique European design features.

For example, there is the stylish light birch cabinet with rounded corners. The interior sides are also birch. Even the abacus scoring units show attention to detail and craftsmanship.

If you’re in the market for a high-end table with style, the Rene Pierre Club is certainly worth a look.

Table Specs:

Weight: 170 lbs
Cabinet: Natural Beech Wood
Rods: Chrome plated steel, telescoping
Ball Return: Center/Dual side
Goalie Configuration: Single goalie
Counterbalanced men: need to verify
Handles: Ergonomic or traditional rounded, rubber
Leg Levelers: No

The Best Commercial Grade / Tournament Quality Foosball Table

Tornado T-3000

If you’re looking for maximum durability, tournament quality stability and craftmanship, here it is.

The Tornado T-3000 is the gold standard for serious foosball play.

The T-3000 is made for commercial environments. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have one in your home: The T-3000 comes in coin and non-coin operated versions.

This table weighs a whopping 355 lbs. It will withstand frequent aggressive play for years.

Of course, the T-3000 also has all the bells and whistles you would expect from one of the very best foosball tables:

• Integrated adjustable leg levelers
• Abacus scoring units
• 8-side molded non-slip handle grips
• Thick aluminum laminate commercial grade cabinet
• Patented counterbalanced players
• Dual side ball return
• Heavy duty rubber bumpers and more.

We don’t all need a commercial grade table like the T-3000.

But if you’re serious about foosball and want something that will last, this is the one the pros use and the one we recommend.

How to Find the Best Foosball Table For You

What are the essential things to consider when looking for the best foosball tables?

Aside from price, there are a few other factors to consider when searching for the best foosball tables.

For example, there are different materials of construction for the cabinet, playing field, rods and more.

There are also other features to know about that may impact your decision among foosball tables within your budget category.

For instance, do you need counterbalanced players? What about ball return?

We’ll take a quick look at some of these factors so you can make a well-informed decision when purchasing a new foosball table.

Foosball Tables: Materials of Construction

Cabinet Materials

Many of the best foosball tables in this list are made from MDF, which stands for Medium Density Fiberboard.

MDF is a very common composite material used in the production of furniture, cabinetry, sports equipment and many more home and recreational products.

This an economical material that can be layered with a variety of natural looking veneers and coatings to create custom finishes and styles.

Overall, MDF is a durable material that will be adequate for most foosball table owners.

Using MDF to construct the foosball cabinet allows manufacturers to add in other special features and make a high-quality table for a reasonable price.

Yet, the main downside with MDF is that it can chip easily and is harder to repair and lighter than solid wood.

I’m sure we’ve all seen this in less expensive furniture and consumer products. That’s why the very best foosball tables are usually made with solid wood or even steel in some cases.

Using solid wood and support materials means you’ll have a heavier table with added stability and durability. Of course, this also comes with a much higher price tag.

Thus, many foosball table buyers opt for quality MDF composite construction (meaning at least 1” thick sidewall) with a durable coating or natural wood veneer finish for added protection. 

Final note: If you’re on the lookout for a cheaper table, be wary of particle board construction.

This type of construction can absorb moisture and warp easily, making it much less durable over the long run. 

Size

Depending on your available space, you want to make sure the table is the correct size. So, you should pay attention to the room size first, and then look at tables that will fit in the space.

For starters, a regulation foosball table has the following dimensions: 56 Inches (Length) x 30 Inches (Width) x 36 Inches (Height). When you take into account the extra room for rod extension and players, plus just some comfortable breathing room, the general advice is that the room should be at least 9 x 9 ½ feet.

There are other popular table sizes that are smaller and work better in tighter spaces, including 52″ and 48″ tables. 

Check out our post on foosball table dimensions and room size for a deeper dive.

The Foosball Table Playing Surface

You’ll notice that most foosball tables have either a melamine or laminate playing surface.

More specifically, budget friendly foosball tables typically have a melamine playing surface.

Melamine is basically a plastic material that is backed by a pressboard panel, resulting in a smooth and fast playing surface.

A laminate surface, on the other hand, is usually found on higher-end tables.

A laminate finish over solid wood makes an even faster playing surface compared to melamine. Using a laminate surface also allows manufacturers to embed the field markings into the surface rather than using decals or painting.

Yes, overall, laminate is a little more durable than cheaper surface materials. And it’s just a nicer look than decals or paint that ultimately fades or chips on the surface.

But honestly, most of us will not notice a major difference in play quality. 

Foosball Rods

Quality foosball rods are made of steel. Pretty straightforward.

But some tables have solid steel rods and others have hollow steel rods.

Solid steel foosball rods are typically used on entry-level to mid-range foosball tables.

They are durable, fast enough for most of us, and will hold up to years of abuse.

Hollow rods are used on higher-end foosball tables.

With hollow steel rods, you get sufficient durability combined with a lighter weight for faster and more powerful shots.

Key Foosball Table Features

Along with materials, there are a few important features to consider when looking for a new foosball table.

Some are more important than others. It helps to have a basic understanding of the important ones, as mentioned below.

Counter-Weighted (aka Counterbalanced) Foosmen

When reading foosball table descriptions and reviews for the best foosball tables you will often see these terms: Counter-weighted or counterbalanced players. It may or may not be a deciding factor for you.

Either way, here’s a basic explanation of what this means:

A counter-weighted foosman has a steel-weighted head. The foot is also weighted. This means the weight of the head counterbalances the weight of the foot.

Since they are weighted equally, you can set the player parallel to the field and clear room for shots and passes.

I find this especially useful when playing 1-v-1 foosball matches.

Most high-end tables and many mid-range foosball tables include counterweighted players. But some don’t. They have non-counterweighted players. And for many of us, this is not a big deal deal.

Basically, all this means is that a non-counterweighted foosman does not have the weighted head.

So, his feet will rotate back down when left unattended. When you’re setting up backfield shots or passes, or playing foosball and practicing your power shots on your own, this can get annoying. 

Yet, even with non-weighted players, there is still usually a delay before the player rotates downward. And with higher quality resin constructed foosmen, this happens slowly. Usually with plenty of time to set up and execute your shot or pass.

This is the key: If they are cheaper plastic players with a larger variation in weight between the head and foot, the swing down will happen quickly with little or no time to set up your men.

So, don’t let the fact that the table may or may not have counter-weighted “weigh” too heavily on your decision. Instead, focus on the overall construction of the foosmen, as that will be more important over the long run.

Leg Levelers

Leveling your foosball table is important. In fact, it’s really important: Your floor may be uneven, but the playing field should not be.

That’s why all foosball tables should come with some type of leg leveler. And the most common options are integrated adjustable leg levelers or flat legs with shims.

Most of the best foosball tables include integrated adjustable leg levelers.

This means you can adjust the table height in each corner by unscrewing or screwing the foot leveler at the bottom of the leg. It makes it really easy to adjust the table and make slight tweaks to account for an irregular floor surface.

This is a very handy feature, as even the slightest tilt can ruin a game of foosball.

And you may need to make several tweaks to find the optimal level surface. Again, adjustable leg levelers make this really easy.

If you don’t have built-in levelers, the alternative is using shims to level the flat legs.

This works fine in most cases. It’s just a little more work and the leveling is not quite as precise.

If you have a nice flat and level surface, this is a feature that might not be as important to you.

But finding a table with quality adjustable leg levelers is a nice bonus if you’re not sure. It’s also very useful with indoor/outdoor tables, as outdoor surfaces are less likely to be perfectly level to begin with.

Telescoping Foosball Rods

You’ll see telescopic rods as a safety feature on many of the best foosball tables designed for family-friendly use.

This is because standard steel rods, whether solid or hollow, will extend through the opposite side of the foosball cabinet.

This can be dangerous if you are sliding the rods in and out and have young children near the table.

Telescoping rods are designed to slide within the rod casing so they do not slide outside of the cabinet.

Again, if you have young children, this will be a very nice safety feature.

Alternatively, some tables have rod guards to protect against injury. They are not quite as effective, as the rod will still protrude through the other side. But the ends will be softer and more protective than standard steel rods.

Ball Return

Foosball tables come with three types of ball return: end return, side return or dual side return.

Ball return is mostly a convenience factor. But it’s an important one for many players.

That’s why most high-end and commercial foosball tables have dual side return at the center of the table. This means the ball will automatically roll to the correct side after a goal is scored.

Entry-level and mid-range tables usually have ball returns at the ends of the table. This just means the ball collect at either end of the table after a goal is scored.

Ball return at the end of the table is not that big of a deal for most of us. It just means you actually have to reach around the end of the table to grab the ball.

Sure, this can be kind of annoying if you’re playing against yourself. And some tables have poorly designed ball collections where the ball drops out of the table after a goal.

But even worse is when a side return is not designed properly and the ball actually gets stuck inside the table.

Then you need to lift the table to send the ball to the side return. Fortunately, this is usually not an issue with quality tables or commercial units.

——— 

That concludes are guide to the best foosball tables for almost any budget.

We’ve revisit this post from time to time, just to make sure these picks still hold true. And they do.

Of course, there are many game room products out there, so while we feel confident the tables in this article will make any new owner happy and ready for some serious foos, we always encourage you to do your research and read the reviews. 

Have a table you think we should feature in this article? Let us know right here.

The post Find the Best Foosball Table for Any Budget (Our Top Picks) appeared first on Bar Games 101.

First, you can improve your skills and technique and gain a whole new appreciation for the technical side of table soccer. 

Or you can increase your foosball shooting power to the point that you can pretty much score at will and assert your supreme dominance over your opponents. 

But if you simply want to make the game look a lot cooler, you can always try out an LED foosball table with cascading lights and built-in audio. 

People love to add LED accents to all sorts of items, including boats, furniture, 3D printers and much more, so why not foosball tables?

In our opinion, a high-quality foosball table doesn’t really need more flare to enhance the game.

The best foosball tables prioritize durability and craftsmanship over anything, especially bells and whistles. 

But, if it brings more people to the game and becomes a showpiece in your bar or game room, why not try something different? 

Why would you want an LED Foosball Table?

Play in the Dark

First, you can play foosball in the dark.

Not only does the interior of the table light-up, but with a table like the Atomic Azure LED foosball table, made by Escalade Sports, the ball actually glows too.

The Azure comes with a separate charging station for the ball.

And, in case you were wondering, the goal boxes also light up.

So pretty much every aspect of the game has an LED accent to it when you play on the Atomic Azure. 

The LED lighting is also energy efficient and emits minimal heat.

Digital Scoring

These tables also feature automated LED digital scoring. Yes, say goodbye to the days of abacus scoring units if playing in the dark.

In Game Music and Cascading Lights

The Atomic Azure also has in game music to add to the excitement.

The music can provide a soundtrack to your most intense games of foosball, while the cascading lights will add some additional drama.

8-Person Games

Warrior foosball designed a special 8-person LED foosball table that’s perfect for special occasions and parties.

This is the same high-quality Warrior table that’s made longer to accommodate 8 players, and it’s enhanced with LED light strips for playing in the dark.

Warrior also makes a standard 4-person LED enhanced foosball table. It’s still a Warrior Pro, so you can’t go wrong with this one.

Both are perfect as rentals or as the coolest foosball table you could possibly own. 

Is LED the way to go?

If you want to add “flare” to your foosball table, then yes, LED is definitely one way to go.

Owners of these tables love the enhancement that LED brings to the game. Plus, these are still sturdy and high-quality tables built in accordance with official foosball dimensions. 

As we mentioned, foosball doesn’t really need anything extra. It’s one of the most fun and physically active bar games there is.

And it takes a lot of practice to get good at foosball. 

But these tables sure look cool.

Rent or Own an LED Table

I think one of the best options would be to rent an LED table for a party.

For example, this company rents out a battery powered LED table for customers in the Long Island and New York City area.

And here’s another company to check out for rentals.

Or, if you’re a bar owner, an LED foosball table would be a great way to attract foosball enthusiasts to your establishment, as well as younger patrons that are new to the game. 

If you do decide to purchase an LED table, you pretty much have two options: the Atomic Azure or the Warrior Pro.

Both are great tables.

The Azure is less expensive and, frankly, not on the same level as a Warrior table.

However, it would be more than adequate for most foosball players.

Plus, the Azure is all about LED, so you get many more accents (as mentioned above) including the glowing ball, digital scoreboard, in-game music, cascading lights, and more. 

The Warrior LED table is simply the same industry-standard Warrior table with the addition of an LED light bar.

It is more expensive, but the table is a beast. 

Warrior Table Soccer Professional Foosball Table, LED Enhanced

$1,599.00

Buy Now on Amazon Affiliate link / commissions earned (read disclosure)

On Sale

Atomic Azure LED Light Up Foosball Table, 55"

$599.99 −$101.00 $498.99

Buy Now on Amazon Affiliate link / commissions earned (read disclosure)

What do you think of these tables? Have you tried one out? Let us know!

We’re always on the hunt for new takes on some of our favorite bar games.

The post LED Foosball Tables: Light Up Your Game! appeared first on Bar Games 101.