Best Ways to Play the Pull Shot in Foosball

Introduction

The pull shot is perhaps the greatest scoring technique in foosball, but like all things good, it’s mastered by few. All it needs is a little understanding of the intricacies of its execution.

With the correct grip, adequate wrist movement and proper understanding of the foosball table, anyone can master the pull shot. Just how to do that is explained in detail below.

Perfecting the Pull Shot

The pull shot is a technique where you deftly pull the rod towards yourself and move the ball, but only in one swift, flowing motion. This is one of the most effective methods of scoring in foosball, but it is a skill not shared by many: Most end up with a spray shot, while many others are unknowingly making little mistakes that totally destroy execution.

What can you do to make your pull shot the best technique you have up your sleeve? Here are a few points:

• Positioning the center man correctly at the beginning.
• Gripping the handles correctly.
• Turning the rod more.
• Learning different styles of defense.
• Getting a foosball table that works for you.

Set it up Right

How you start the pull shot determines how good it will be. Aim to position the ball as closely as possible to the inside of your middle offensive player for maximum control.

It is also advisable to start with the player in a straight up and down position. Any backward tilt at the beginning will increase your chances of doing a spray shot instead, which is a shot released at a diagonal angle.

Another reason pull shots become spray shots is the tendency of some people to tilt their player backward. The backward tilt also slows down your lateral movement, decreasing the accuracy of your shot.

Watch your Grip

Holding on too tightly to the foosball table handle is a recipe for disaster. A looser grip enhances speed by reducing the effect of resistance. It also makes it easier to move into action when need be because of increased mobility.

You should not be gripping so hard that you find yourself using a lot of energy and your entire body just to turn the rod. A rule of thumb is to leave some space between the handle and your palm.

Turn the Rod

With a grip that is too tight, mobility is greatly reduced; therefore, most people only end up turning their wrist through an angle of forty-five degrees. This is too small to get a good pull shot or execute any other technique in foosball. Try twisting your wrist so that the rod moves through one hundred and eighty degrees instead. This increases mobility and limits resistance. This combined with speed will greatly enhance your accuracy.

Learn the Different Styles of Defense

Another useful tactic is to learn the different ways your opponent may block your shot. The best way to do this is to make sure you play against as many opponents in foosball as possible. In this way, you get to see that some will leave the straight shot open more often while others will simply move their players back and forth. By observing these patterns, you can learn when best to time your shot.

This regular practice will train you on how to analyze opponents fast and understand how best to win a game in the shortest time possible.

Executing the Pull Shot

The goal is approximately five point eight widths of the actual foosball table. This means that we could say there are about five independent positions where you can aim your pull shot towards. However, there are two defensive players guarding two of these positions at any given time. Therefore, you need to keep in mind that you are actually only trying to get your pull shot to take up the position of either of the three.

Get the Best Possible Foosball Table

A good foosball table will help reduce your frustrations. Ensure that you purchase a foosball table built from a reputable manufacturer. The rods should be smooth enough to limit friction and the players should be firmly secured onto them.

Also, getting one convenient for your lifestyle will make it easier to access and thus easier to practice your pull shot. Thus, considering options, such as the folding foosball table if you are a little short of space, or an outdoor foosball table, is important.

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