In order to win in foosball, you’re going to need to score points. Against a talented opponent, though, scoring goals is far easier said than done.
If you can hit the ball with a lot of power, though, you stand a much better chance of being able to get it in the goal. That’s why we’ve written this brief guide about how to hit the ball hard in foosball.
Use some of the tips in this guide, and you’ll find that people who play against you will have a harder time blocking your shots.
Why Hit the Ball Hard?
Why should you try to hit the ball hard? Think about it – a ball rolling leisurely towards your opponent’s goal is much easier to stop.
A ball that shoots across the playing surface lightning-fast, on the other hand, is much harder to deal with. The more powerfully you hit the ball, the less time the other player has to respond.
Read Also: How to Do a Pullshot in Foosball
How to Hit the Ball Hard in Foosball
Make sure your equipment is up to par.
Your equipment is important. Your table, foosball balls, and wraps are all tools with which you’ll take your shots. Don’t let these things hold you back.
On top of choosing a quality table to practice on, you’ll want to ensure the rods are well-lubricated. They’ll be able to move much more smoothly so you can take harder shots.
Consider using wraps on the handles, too. Wraps make it easier for you to grip the handles, so your hands won’t slip in the heat of the moment.
Of course, you’ll need a good table. If you’re not sure where to begin, you can try checking out our list of the best Kick foosball tables.
Practice different stances.
Your hands aren’t the only things that matter in foosball. The way you hold your whole body matters, because certain postures allow you to hit the ball with more power.
Using an open stance is typically best. This means your feet are positioned diagonally to the table, with your left foot in front of the right one.
Point your left toes in a 45-degree angle towards the table, while your right toes are completely perpendicular to the table. This stance will help you hit the ball in more comfort.
The alternative is a closed stance. In a closed stance, your legs are much closer together and your toes rest perpendicular and near to the side of the table.
Closed stances are better for control, and work well with playing defense. An open stance is better for taking shots.
Hold the handle properly.
Now let’s discuss hand placement. Just like your stance, holding the rod properly is crucial to firing with more power.
Don’t grip the handle too tightly. This is a mistake that many beginners make, thinking that a tight grip means they’ll be able to hit harder.
It’s actually the opposite. If you hold the handle too tightly, you have less flexibility in your movements.
You’ll use a closed grip, with the outside of your palm (the side your pinkie is on) resting against the handle. Your last three fingers should be wrapped around the handle, and when you turn your wrist, the pressure will be all on the pinkie side of your palm.
Read Also: How Hard to Hit the Ball in Foosball
Learn to do the wrist flick.
When it comes to power, it’s all in the wrist, not your fingers. Once you’re holding the handle properly, turn your wrist sharply down.
Don’t turn it too far. You don’t want to tilt your foosmen back a lot, because you’ll lose out on power. If they’re resting parallel to the table’s surface, you’ll know you’ve gone too far on the backswing.
Watch the below video to see the wrist flick in action.
Wrap Up
Hitting the ball with as much power as possible will be one skill that makes you a formidable opponent. Remember, the movement is all in your wrist.
But that’s not the only thing that matters. Don’t forget to use a solid stance and to practice on quality equipment. With time, you’ll find that your shots rocket almost unstoppably across the table.