Foosball Basic Rules

Matches can be played one-on-one or in teams. The principle is simple: two opposing teams, each made up of 11 players attached to rods, try to score as many goals as possible against their opponent.
There are official foosball rules, used in competitions, as well as simplified rules that are more suitable for playing with friends or family.

Official Foosball Rules
The match begins with a coin toss. The team that wins the toss starts the game. After a goal, the team that conceded takes the kick-off. The ball is placed stationary at the midfield rods.
By mutual agreement, both teams may remain on the same side of the table for all three games. However, if one team asks to switch sides after a game, the change of sides is mandatory.
Each game is played to 7 points.
When playing in teams, players may switch positions after a goal has been scored or after a kick-off.
If a goal is scored directly from the kick-off, it does not count, except in the specific cases described below.
If the ball accidentally leaves the foosball table, it is put back into play by the defenders of the team that did not have possession, on the side where the ball went out.
If the ball becomes stationary on the playing surface, possession goes to the defenders.
If the ball becomes stationary in the midfield area, possession goes to the team that had the previous kick-off.
As in any sport, players may take time-outs during a foosball match. A player or team may take up to two time-outs per match, each lasting a maximum of 30 seconds. When play resumes, players may not shoot immediately.
After every kick-off or restart, both sides must be ready to play. Before putting the ball into play, the player must ask “Ready?” and wait for their direct opponent to reply “Ready!”
Controlling the midfield rods is an important part of the game. Positioned between attack and defence, the midfielders help stabilise play and are subject to specific rules.

Goals Scored by the Midfielders
Goals scored by the midfielders are only allowed in the following situations:
If the midfielders score an own goal.
If a shot from the midfielders is deflected by the opposing midfielders.
If, before entering the goal, the ball rebounds off both the goalkeeper and the defenders or midfielders.

Fouls and Prohibited Actions
A player or team that deliberately adds a point to their score will be penalised by the deduction of 1 point and a penalty shot.
A spin involving more than one full rotation of the rod before and after striking the ball will not count.
The following actions are prohibited:
Any action that could be considered an attempt to distract an opponent.
Any interference with the opponent, including hitting the table frame with the midfield or defensive rods during a shot or while controlling the ball, hitting an opponent’s rods, violent impacts, shaking or vibrating the table, etc.
Putting your hands inside the foosball table while the ball is in play.
Bending the rods.
Moving or lifting the table.

Simplified Foosball Rules
For the kick-off, the ball is thrown against the inside wall of the table. At the beginning of each game, the midfielders on both sides must touch the ball.
After every goal, the team that conceded takes the next kick-off.
If the ball becomes stuck between the two midfield rows, it is restarted by throwing it against the side wall, in the same way as for the initial kick-off.
If the ball leaves the playing area, it is returned on the side where it went out and given to the defenders, who restart play.
If a defender fails to control the ball, the opposing attacker must return it to them.
The midfielders also play an important role. When the opposing defenders restart play, the midfield rods must remain still. However, the midfielders may move if the restart is played off the side walls of the table or if the defender does not control the ball before restarting.
A goal scored by the midfielders means that the next goal is worth 2 points. If a second consecutive midfield goal is scored, the following goal is worth 3 points. If a third consecutive midfield goal is scored, the team that scored it instead receives a 2-point deduction.
A “râteau” — when a pass from the midfielders towards the forwards is deflected by the opposing midfielders — is prohibited if the attacking player does not touch the ball.

Special Foosball Shots and Rules
A lob is worth 2 points.
A “pêche” consists of taking a shot and then retrieving the ball from inside the goal before it drops.
A “gamelle” occurs when the ball enters the goal and immediately comes back out onto the playing surface. It is worth 1 point, followed by a normal restart at midfield.
A “reprise” is a first-time shot in which a player shoots towards the opponent’s goal without first controlling the ball. Depending on the rules agreed upon before the match, this technique may or may not be allowed.
“Pissettes” — shots taken by the outside forwards — are allowed from both sides.
First-time shots (“reprises”) are allowed in both doubles and singles. In singles, when a ball put into play at midfield is controlled by the forwards — for example, deflected between two players, cushioned behind a player or trapped — it may be shot immediately without waiting for the opponent.
Spins (“roulettes”) are allowed provided that the rod does not make more than one full rotation before and after striking the ball.