Top 5 Best FoosBall Tables

[Updated February 2024] Heavy-duty FoosBall tables dominate the list of must-have accessories for fun activities. This is because of their ubiquitous nature which creates a thrilling experience. In most local pubs, community centers, and student centers and you will see these tables in use.

For 100 years or even longer, table football or Foosball have been in use in various hangout joints. There is adequate anecdotal evidence which points to this assertion. But, the patent dates 1923 for Britain. And 1927 for the U.S.

The game has advanced to the world cup and world championships which were first hosted in the 1970s. It’s alleged that International Table Soccer Federation members want the game in the Olympics.

History of Foosball Tables

Evidence shows that back in the 1890s there were patents available in Europe. But the official record dates the origin to October 14th, 1921. This is when Harold Searles Thorton made the application for his patent no 205,991. The application was later on approved on the 1st of November 1923.

You know that football’s popularity in Europe inspired Harold’s invention. He did a great job of coming up with a football replica that people could enjoy while indoors. What you might not be aware of is the story behind the vision. It’s alleged that matches which were laying on the box inspired the vision of this game. You can spot this in the rods used in foosball, they resemble matches spread across the top of the matchbox.

Fast forward to around 1950’s the game made its way to the U.S. thanks to Lawrence Patterson. In the 1970s that’s when the game reached the pinnacle of its popularity. During this period, you could come across the game in many hangout joints. 

The game actually has a sports body that takes care of the promotion and organization of the sport. The International Table Soccer Federation founded in 2002 in France. This body regulates international competitions. It established the game alongside two other organizations. General Association of International Sports Federation (GAISF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

As the digital revolution takes a foothold, Foosball has lost popularity. This is due to the introduction of video games. Some popularity has faded away compared to what was the case in the past. But Foosball still thrives amongst certain communities and groups.

FoosBall Techniques

Mastering Foosball requires an understanding of best practices and techniques. This is because they come in handy while playing. Advanced players develop their skills by practicing various techniques to achieve desired outcomes.

A player can have a high-end foosball table but this is not enough. They need to master these techniques for them to optimize the play. In life, most things are new. We find situations where we have to practice certain skills and techniques. Even to achieve a little competence. The same applies to rookie players who are trying to learn these techniques.

We have broken down the techniques below so that you can apply them in your next play.

Catch or Stop Technique

The catch technique gives you ball control and also maximizes ball possessions. Learning this technique should not be hard. To achieve a proper catch make sure you tilt the bar to prevent the ball from bouncing off. The tilt should be an angle of 35-40 degrees.

The physics behind the catch technique is how to stop the momentum of the ball. Off course you don’t want your ball rolling back to the opponent. In other instances, you need to swing back around on the other side to prevent a rollback. Weigh up the tilt angle based on the momentum of the ball and you will achieve a proper catch.

Timing Technique

Make sure you are unpredictable. This gives you an upper hand against the opponent you are playing with. Before you make a shot change the timing, this plays out well if you are playing the same opponent.

Example:

Wait for 6 seconds after making the shot then the next time wait for 3 seconds. Some players call this, “Keeping your opponent honest” technique.

Defense Technique

This technique involves varying the patterns and movements that you make while playing. When playing against advanced players you should alternate your patterns and moves. This leaves the opponent distracted from the high-level of unpredictability you display.

How To Play FoosBall

The foosball table has 8 rods that can push, pull, and turn while handling the ball. It’s not as straightforward as it sounds, there are other facts that need consideration.

Think of foosball as a sport and you will be on the right path that leads to mastery. Playing this sport as a professional requires the development of certain skills. These skills are both mental and physical. This takes time depending on the effort expended.

Some players have honed their skills to unimaginable levels. Such that they will leave you astounded. Attend a competitive tournament and you will attest to the truth of the above statement.

Like any other sport, there are tools required to play this game. Top of the list of what you need is a foosball table. Owning one allows you to practice until you master the sport. But before you buy, you need to understand the various features.

Master one shot

Identify one shot that you’d like to perfect and master. You can try pull shots or snake shots, either way, don’t try to master many foosball shots.

Seek-out Skilled Players

As you perfect your skill don’t hesitate from playing against skilled opponents. This will challenge you and give you the motivation required to work on your weak areas. Furthermore, they will mentor you by sharing tips about the sport. Google search will show you hot-spots where you can hone your skills.

Learn Different Foosball strategies

As mentioned earlier, foosball is both a mental and physical game. When we talk about strategies, you have to factor in how your opponent is thinking. This puts you ahead of the curve as you play.

How To Achieve The Right Posture/Stance While playing

 It is very crucial to have the proper posture because it allows you to remain relaxed while you play. We emphasize this point because it affects your performance. Strive to have freedom of movement so that you can respond. To assume the proper stance angle the body and feet in a diagonal. Ensure the left part of your body is near the table. As you handle the foosball rod you should move the right arm.

It is a good idea to remember the differences in size between the rods so that your account for space. For instance, the offensive 3 rod and defensive 2 rods need more space because they are long. Your feet need to be in a resistance-free manner which facilitates movement.

How to Grip the Foosball Handle

Your shot accuracy, performance, and speed are very crucial. The kind of grip exerted on the foosball handle relates to this. You don’t need to grip the foosball handle too tight or too loose, you have to find the right grip. For a beginner, this might take time as it requires a little finesse and practice. To ease greatest speed and movement you need to keep the grip loose on the handle. This will reduce the resistance exerted on the handle while allowing the rod to move.

The two primary grips that you need to master are:

Traditional Shot Grip

To make a proper traditional shot grip you need to leave a small gap between the handle. This requires spacing the skin around the thumb and index finger. A good indicator of gripping too hard would be having white knuckles. The same happens when you have the skin around the thumb wrapped on handle completely.

Also, turn your wrist quick making sure the rod spins at around 180 degrees. This provides the speed required to make the shot. To increase the speed of your shot you can always shoot an open-handed shot. In this case, you roll the handle on your wrist.

Open Handed Foosball Grip

Tilt the man forward until his toe pins the center of the foosball on the table. While in this position alternate from the traditional grip to open-handed grip. This grip will help you make rollover shot without much struggle.

The bottom of the hand needs to touch the handle in an open position. This will allow you to make upward movements and full rotations before making a shot. Note that contact should take place before the 360-degree turn. 

Serving in Foosball

A coin toss decides the team that serves the first ball. The same thing happens in a soccer tournament. This is a very important stage of the game. Since there are no restrictions against serving the ball to your own men. This provides an important opportunity to gain an upper hand in the sport.

To ensure fair play, the team that loses serves the next ball.

Serving Yourself

Place the ball inside the hole, do this as you pin the foosball between the thumb and index finger. The left thumb should be on the outside while the index finger should be on the inside part of the table.

Keep the foosball pinned on the hole by applying pressure with your right index finger. Then release the left hand from the ball and position it on 5 bar rod handle. After which you’ll have to roll the right index finger to the left and then let it roll to the hole. Please note that you need to practice before mastering this technique. The goal is to catch the ball and maintain possession of it.

Passing The Foosball

In your quest to master the foosball sport you will find that it’s very important to learn how to pass. You need to learn how to pass from the 5 bar to the offensive 3 bar. This allows you to make the most of the serve while optimizing your chances for an offensive attack. In case you’re playing doubles you also have to perfect the pass to your teammate.

Passing from the 5 Bar to the 3 Bar

There are two popular passes that players use in tournament settings while passing from 5 bar to 3 bar. But, we need to mention that there are many techniques that players use.

Tic-Tac Pass

The main difference between the tic-tac pass and the brush pass lies in the fact that you don’t tilt the men back. All you do is pass the ball to and fro in a swift manner such that the opponent is unable to follow the movements. Perfect timing comes in handy at this point because you have to identify the right moment to pass the ball to 3 bar.

Brush pass

This pass is on bar 5 by tilting the man back such that you can brush the ball on the table as you move it side by side. From this point, you can pass it to 3 bar.

Catch – Stopping a Pass or Loose Ball

The goal is to gain control of the ball by stopping a pass or loose ball. It enables you to optimize offense while limiting the opponent’s ball possession. There are very many benefits that players derive from perfecting their catch. The idea is to prevent losing the ball to the opponent as you stop a pass or loose ball. We have also addressed some of the catching techniques you need to learn and perfect, so stay tuned.

Catching Techniques and Tips

To get a proper catch to tilt the bar at an angle. This will provide enough cushion for the ball to prevent it from bouncing off to your opponent. To be accurate, aim at an angle of 35-40 degrees.

The simplest way to gauge the angle is to make sure the ball does not fit underneath the man. Actually, while he is in a tilted position. You will find it hard to catch a pass if your men are standing up and down. Sometimes you have to swing your men back to prevent the ball from bouncing off.

Bonus Catching Tip

This catch technique comes into play when you are wall passing from bar 5 to 3 bar. The goal is to absorb the impact of the ball by pinning the ball against the wall.

The above techniques will come in handy while you are playing an opponent. But the practice comes in handy. Even as you use this technique you need to remember that you don’t need a pass for you to catch. if you deploy this catch techniques you will catch shots and loose balls.

Strategies To Overcome Opponent

Strategies are very important in sports. If given due consideration it often improves your odds. Playing to win calls for a sound strategy because this game is both mental and physical. As a beginner, you need to put in the effort required to learn the basics of the sport.

There is more to it than speed, skill comes in handy when you are playing to win. For instance, timing the opponent is key. The game calls for the application of various strategies. All which will help you optimize the defense and offense.

Serving Yourself

This strategy is very crucial because in every point the game has to kick-off with a serve. Remember that serving yourself is legal so you are at liberty to do it. Go for it and optimize your chances for a great offense. This strategy requires that you perfect your ball control and passing skills. The strategy helps you gain control of the ball immediately after the served.

Add a little spin on the ball as it drops into the hole. After doing this well, the ball should roll to the bar rod. As time goes by you will perfect the serve and get to a point where you can catch the ball from the serve.

5 Bar to 3 Bar Pass

This strategy gives you the opportunity to launch an offensive attack. It also boosts your chances to score. Developing catching and passing skills is crucial. This is because the sport depends on ball possession.

You have to learn how to pass from the 5 bar to the 3 bar before you can play against professionals. Remember that scoring from the 3 bar is much easier since there is 1 less defense bar. Also, the distance to the goal is short and you also have many shooting options.

One Shot Strategy

Aim at becoming an expert in one shot. If you study most professionals you will realize that they have perfected one shot. For the most player, it’s the snake or pulls shot. Which-ever kind of shot you find most desirable go for it. A jack of all trade approach to this will not do.

The idea behind the one-shot strategy is that you save up on time whenever you are turning over the ball to make a shot. It is very important to consider the value of making high-level shots. It increases your chances to win.

Follow The Foosball Strategy

Always follow the ball as it moves around the table. This puts you in a position where your players are in motion. As you get started in this game make sure that your opponent does not distract you. By following the ball many shots are in control. if the ball moves right then your men should also move.

Wrist Flick Strategy

This strategy involves shooting with an open hand. The idea is to make a fast shot which will boost your chances of scoring. Take it easy and keep the grip loose on the handle, this will ease movements as you intend to make them.

The way to hold the handle is to leave some space between the handle and your palm. Then turn your wrist and the rod will spin about 180 degrees. Note that turning the wrist quarter way will not provide adequate speed.

Defense Strategy

If you perfect your defense you will increase your chances of winning. This is because defense wins, not everyone agrees with this but it’s true. A good defender alternates the techniques mentioned above while changing the formations.

Maintaining Ball Control

You cannot afford to lose a ball because that puts you at a disadvantage. It also increases your opponent’s chances to score once you lose the opportunity. The techniques we mentioned above on how to pass and catch will come in handy as you using this strategy.

Choose between defense or offense

First, we need to mention that there is no right or wrong answer to this question. The ideal approach is to play against your opponents. If there is a huge gap in scores you can switch up positions. You can decide with the opponent on the best approach to use.

The Best Foosball Tables

Quick Comparison Table

Tornado port Foosball Table	Garlando G-500 Indoor Foosball Table	Carrom Signature 55 Inch FoosBall Table	Kettler Cavalier 58 Inch Outdoor FoosBall Table	Hathaway Playoff Soccer Table, 4 Feet
Made of 1” MDF	Made of 1” MDF	Made of 1” MDF	Made of Resin with glass playfield	Made of 1/2” MDF
Weighs 205 lbs	Weighs 165 lbs	Weighs 177 lbs	Weighs 132 lbs	Weighs 51 lbs

 1. Tornado Sport Foosball Table

The Tornado Sport Foosball Table has everything that you need for a fun and engaging game. In addition to this flagship product, the American FoosBall brand name also comes at a staggering price of extra $1000 for the company’s deluxe 3000 table.

Table Details and Features:

The sidewalls and play surface of this table are made using one-inch thick composite (MDF) material. The material is more durable compared to solid wood but is more expensive. The material can withstand dents, temperature, and humidity changes The table features mahogany melamine finish, black and yellow men, a traditional green play surface. The American-style table can be modified to the European-style although you will have to buy an optional kit.

The rods on this table are made from 0.125” hollow steel, this guarantees a high-end quality. I also ensure that the rods are light and easy to handle. This is the same reason why the tournament rods are hollow. The table has great adjustability. Players can adjust the height of the table legs to ensure compatibility with their height.

Setting up the table requires two to three people since the table weighs 200 pounds plus. The heavyweight is also a good thing because once you are set-up the table it will remain stable.

Details of the Tornado Sport Foosball Table
Material	Made of 1” MDF
Finish	Mahogany melamine
Rods	Hollow steel
Style	American
Height Levelers	Yes
Product Dimensions:	56 x 30 x 36 inches
Weight Shipping Weight:	205 pounds 230 pounds
Warranty	One year

 

 2. Garlando G-500 Indoor Foosball Table

The Garlando is the premier number one name in Europe. The difference between this table is the one goalie back rods, side panels, and sloped corners. Since this is a European-style table.

The other obvious difference with this table is the playing surface which is made from green plastic laminate. The table has a great look with an acquired taste.

The hollow rods in this table are of a high-end quality since they are made from cold-drawn steel which is plated using chromium to prevent rusting. The bushings also have a nylon casing which gives it a great look.

Like most tables in Europe, this one has telescopic rods which don’t stick out of the sides. The sidewalls are made using the 1” thick MDF. The table has black powder-varnished legs, however, there is no way to adjust the table’s height. The handles are not very comfortable.

 

Details of the Garlando G-500 Indoor Foosball Table
Material	Made of 1” MDF
Finish	Butcher block
Rods	Hollow steel, telescopic
Style	European
Height Levelers	No
Product Dimensions:	56 x 30 x 35 inches
Weight Shipping Weight:	165 pounds
Warranty	Three years

 

 3. Carrom Signature 55 Inch FoosBall Table

This model comes with many options that cannot be found on other tables in this category. The price difference between this model and the Garlando ranges between $50 and $200. IN terms of construction details, this model is not as high-end.

The table is made using the 1” MDF material, it’s full-sized and comes with hollow steel rods. The model is made in America and should last long. The table does not have the elegant and classic looks but it’s not that bad either. It comes in different variants:

• Aegean green
• Moroccan red
• Burr oak finishes

Some of these color choices can increase the cost of the table.

Features

The table has two sets of players that are painted. The table has a conversion kit for those who want to use the European style. Evening out the table is easy because it comes with levelers. It also comes with counterbalanced men.

 

Details of the Carrom Signature 55 Inch Foosball Table
Material	Made of 1” MDF
Finish	Three choices
Rods	Hollow steel
Style	American with the included European conversion kit
Height Levelers	Yes
Product Dimensions:	55 x 29 x 36 inches
Weight Shipping Weight:	177 pounds 178.6 pounds
Warranty	One year

  

In as much as we look into brand names, you can go for the Carrom over the other brands. The table is standard yet it comes with most of the things you need.

 

 4. Kettler Cavalier 58 Inch Outdoor Foosball Table

This table is non-standard but best of its type. This premium model goes for a price of $1000. The table is European-styled and manufactured in Italy. This full-size table is made from waterproof laminates and resins with a chromium plating. The play surface is made from glass. Players are counterbalanced and molded on the steel rods with levelers on the four sides of the steel legs.

This table is not the hail grail in its category but its good enough. For instance, the handles can be made more comfortable and bigger. Since the table was designed for outdoor use it should have an elegant look for that purpose. This would be a great choice for people who need waterproof Foosball tables that can withstand the weather.

 

Details of the Kettler Cavalier 58 Inch Outdoor Foosball Table
Material	Resin composite w/ glass playfield
Finish	Bright blue
Rods	Steel, telescopic
Style	European
Height Levelers	Yes
Product Dimensions:	58 x 35 x 46 inches
Weight Shipping Weight:	132 pounds 190 pounds
Warranty	Three years

 

5. Hathaway Playoff Soccer Table, 4 Feet

The Hathaway Playoff Soccer Table is ideal for small players. The table is also less expensive compared to other models. It can withstand a serious battering from kids and teenagers.

The table is American styled and light-weight since it is made from ½” fiberboard. Using this table is easy with some fairly fast play action. The steel rods have rubber handles which play quite well. However, you need to keep in mind that this table is not standard. So some of the handles might not hold up in a tournament setting.

In terms of size, the table is around two-thirds of the standard. It would be ideal for use in playrooms and students centers. Since you are only paying $125 for this table, don’t expect the many extras. In other words, it’s not a tournament style table. It would be ideal for family and friends to play and not for tournaments.

 

Details of the Hathaway Playoff Soccer Table, 4 Feet
Material	Made of 1/2” MDF
Finish	Metallic gray
Rods	Steel
Style	American
Height Levelers	No
Product Dimensions:	49 x 11 x 28 inches
Weight Shipping Weight:	51 pounds 53.4 pounds
Warranty	90 days

 

Bonus: Kick Foosball Table

The first thing you’ll notice on KICK Legend 55″ Foosball Table is the warm chestnut color and ebony legs. The table is made from mixed hardwood and medium-density fiberboard. This complements the tables look while introducing a touch of splendor. It weighs 143 Lbs so two people can handle its weight. The men are counterbalanced so it’s very easy to dribble. It has precise player control and play balance to allow easy dribbling and fast play. The players on this table come in Red & Blue and you can configure the goalie design to be 1 or 3 players, depending on your preference.

Details of the KICK Foosball Table Legend, 55 in
Material	Mixed hardwood and medium-density fiberboard
Finish	Abacus scoring, 2 Kick premium balls
Rods	Semi-solid chrome plated rods with non-slip handles
Style	American
Height Levelers	Yes 5 leg levelers
Product Dimensions:	55″ L X 31″ W X 35″ H
Weight Shipping Weight:	143 pounds 145 pounds
Warranty	Unlimited Lifetime Warranty

 Features

• Playing Field Dimension: 46″ L X 27″ W
• Premium Bearings
• 1/2″ Thick Playing Field
• Sturdy 5″ Leg Levelers With Rubber Bottom to Ensure Flat Surface
• Convenient Ball Return on Each End of the Table
• Slide Scoring Mounted On Each End of Table
• 1-Goalie Design or 3-Goalie Design
• 1-Goalie Kit Including Corner Ramps and Rod Stoppers
• 8 No-Slip Grip Black Handles 
• 2 Imperial KICK Foosballs and 2 Soccer Style Foosballs
• 13 Red and 13 Blue Counterbalanced Foosball Men
• 8 No-Slip Black Handles and Safety Caps
• Lifetime Warranty

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s only right that we have a recap of the various features that you need to look out for in a Foosball table.

Determine if it’s professional or home model. There are home models, commercial or professional versions of the table. So you have to know which one will work best for you. Goalie rod or handle. You need to determine the locations of players and the locations. By having more goalies it means you’ll have more defense capability.

Look-out for adjustable legs. They come in handy when you are adjusting the table’s height. This legs can also be used to change the angle of the table. The same applies when you have smaller players, you will adjust the table accordingly. Consider the table’s weight. A table that weighs around 120 to 150 pounds is ideal. However, there are some which are less than this. The heavy models are usually durable. By considering the above factors you will make a better decision while purchasing.