“Table football” or foosball balls are the name related to game which is based on soccer. Other name like footzy, bar football or table soccer is also given to this game. It is known as “kicker” in German, “Patti' in Pakistan and “metagol” in Argentina.

Patented in UK in the year 1923 this game gained popularity all over the world. This is one of the famous fun games at school, workplace, recreation clubs, bars and pubs. Official competition is also held by different national organizations with set rules and regulations. Big time competition started in the mid 40's and 50's in Europe. International level competitions are conducted in United States now days. The basic regulatory body of this game is ITSF.

The game consist of table (which can be of variable size), ball, figures attached to rotating rods which are used to kick the ball. The design is given as the look of soccer field with different colors for the mounted figures. This particularly makes the game more interesting. The figures can be made by wood, metal, plastic or carbon –fiber. There are four rows of foosman on one side of the team thus making of team comprising of eleven players. The size of typical table is 120 cms long and 61 cms wide. More than 8 ft space is given on the sides for the international matches for the player to give their best.

The rules of the game are very simple. The ball is placed in the centre of the table by the hand. It can also be pushed on the side by the hole to start. A toss by coin decides the initial serving. Like the game of football the ball in this game is supposed to be kicked by the mounted figures on rotating rods in the goal of the opposite team. Shots like ‘360 degrees” or ‘spinning” are very popular. The team which scores the predefined number of goals which can vary from 5 to 11 is the winner.

Foosball balls can be played by two people and also by four people and is termed singles or doubles respectively. Informally three of four players per side are also very common.

Different names given to the foosball tables is “bonzini', “tornado”, tecball”, etc. the tables can be differentiated on the basis of their construction. Sometimes the corner is made into a slope and one goalie is used, or as in tornado the slope is removed and 3 goalies are used. Similarly foosball balls can be made of wood, plastic, metal and marble. This changes the speed of the ball and the controls the ‘grip' between the mounted figures, ball and the playing surface. Many films has been produced and directed on this game. Television channels have used this game in many shows. This game is very popular in all over the world.