Table Football is a game that dates back to the late 19th century although the game that we may recognise would probably date to the early 1920’s.  This is a game that is known by several names including “Footsy” and “Baby-foot” among many others.  Frequently played in clubs, bars, pubs and even many schools, smaller “table top” versions of the game can be bought for players at home.  The International Table Soccer Federation (ITSF) promotes table football across the world, and whilst it does not organise any tournaments itself, it does ensure that the soccer tables used in international competitions, meet recognised requirements.

Asides from the table top games the variation in the types and styles of table football, is pretty broad.  Little “micro” tables are available that are only 80 centimetres in length but still as sturdy and as well built as the full size games.  At the other extreme, a table football game was made in Berlin for eleven players per team that was seven metres in length.  The average game table is more likely to be between 4 and 5 feet in length.  The balls used in the game which may be made from a variety of materials including wood, cork, marble and metal, affects the speed and control of the game . It is a fun game for everybody and those that have mastered skills in the past might find they still have them. For those who have never played before, it just takes practice to learn the best techniques. The combination of the ball texture and the “player” texture (good quality players would be made from aluminium), may ultimately affect the skill of the human player.