Football table rules
A symbol of the game's appropriation by its players, table football has as many rules as there are players around the world. But the general principle is always the same: inspired by football, two teams of eleven players attached to rods compete with the aim of scoring more goals than the opposing team.
WHAT'S NOT ALLOWED AT TABLE FOOTBALL :
Despite the various rules that exist throughout the world, certain gestures or actions are prohibited during a table football match.
- Putting your hands on top of or in the table when the ball is in play.
- Move the foosball table voluntarily or involuntarily to destabilise the opposing team.
- Twisting the bars, which would generally harm the maintenance of your table football.
- Any attempt to distract or embarrass opponents.
SIMPLIFIED RULES
On your own or in teams of 2, discover the official rules to help everyone enjoy the game, whether with friends or family:
Number of points
Official competitive table football matches are played to 5 points, in 3 winning games out of 5 played. In the event of a result of 2 sets to 2, the 5th set will be decisive and must be won by a difference of 2 points, with a maximum of 8 points.
Engagement
Each game begins with a commitment. In order to determine which team will have the advantage, it is customary to draw lots. A golden goal can also be decisive in determining which team has the advantage of the throw-in.
Before any throw-in or restart, it is customary to ask the opposing team ‘ready’ and wait for them to reply ‘ready’.
If a goal is scored at the kick-off by the half-backs, it is not valid unless the ball has been deflected by the opposing team's backs.
Stuck balls and balls put back into play
If the ball comes to rest between two bars, it is given to the backs of the side where it is blocked. If the ball comes to rest between the half-bars, it is given to those who were previously involved.
If a ball leaves the table, it is given to the backs (defenders) of the side that did not have the last possession of the ball.
Changes of position or team
During a team match or a tournament, it is common to want to change positions with your partner, going from defender to attacker and vice versa. Each change of position must take place at the moment of a throw-in or a time-out.
CAFÉ RULES
Since the creation of table football and its appropriation by players around the world, new rules have appeared, particularly in cafés and bistros, high places for playing table football.
Halves, pissettes, roulettes, gamelles and other rakes are terms specific to café rules. Make sure before each match that you and your opponent abide by the same rules and agree on any unofficial rules you wish to apply.
SOME EXAMPLES OF UNOFFICIAL RULES :
Half goals, for example, are not valid and give the next goal double value. Fishing is also a common practice in cafés, where players can retrieve the ball from the opposing goal once a goal has been scored. As the Cornilleau table football goals are made of stainless steel, we do not recommend this practice, which could lead to injuries or cuts. Conversely, certain practices that are permitted in competition are prohibited in the coffee rules. The pissettes, goals scored with the right full-back are not valid in cafés and yet are allowed in competition Find our glossary of specific table football terms where you can find all the technical terms relating to table football.
