ESPN Foosball Table

ESPN foosball tables are in great demand among fans of ESPN, a popular American sports television network. Established in 1979, ESPN plays an important role in American sports culture and covers some of the biggest aspects of sports in the US. It covers a wide range of sports telecasts and sports-related news. Some companies that manufacture different types of foosball tables have partnered with ESPN and have come up with foosball tables that have the ESPN logo in them.

So, if you are an avid fan of ESPN and you are into foosball, you might love the idea of investing in a reliable ESPN foosball table. So, read this article as I share some tips on how to find the right ESPN foosball table.

ESPN Foosball Table Reviews

To save you time in having to search for the best foosball tables for ESPN fans, I will provide you with a list of my favorites. I’ve included a short review as well so you’ll know which one is the right table for you.

 

ESPN Arcade 54″ Foosball Table

5stars
Arcade 54 inch
First on my list is the ESPN Arcade Foosball Table, which is very popular among ESPN fans. And while you might think that this table is intended only for professionals in a tournament, well you better think again. This foosball table is also perfect for beginners and amateurs. In fact, you can have this in your home to play with your little ones on weekends! The ESPN Arcade Foosball Table is a 54-inch foosball table with a stylish combination of black and white shades. Thus, it will look great in any space in your home, such as in the game room, living room, basement, etc. I’m truly impressed with the overall construction of this table. It’s made from high-quality materials that I’m pretty sure will last for a long time.

This ESPN fooseball table comes with robotic players that you can easily control using stainless steel rods that are coated with chrome. These players are counterbalanced, which enhances the overall gameplay experience. You’ll be able to set up this table in any flooring surface, whether it’s on a carpeted floor, ceramic floor, hardwood floor, and more. It also comes equipped with leg levelers so you can enjoy your game in a straight surface.

Pros

  • Bead scorer
  • Comes with leg levelers
  • Counterbalanced players

Cons

  • End ball return
  • Low quality

ESPN 56” Arcade Foosball Table

5stars
Arcade 56 inch
The ESPN 56” Arcade Foosball Table is highly recommended for those who are looking for a professional ESPN foosball table. It’s specifically designed for the more serious players so it’s not really advisable for beginners or kids. Of course, teens will have a blast playing in this table as well. I love how stable this foosball table is, so you won’t worry about toppling it down no matter how tough the competition will turn out. This foosball table is equipped with multiple panels and comes with adjustable leg levelers as well. The cabinet is made from MDF material and has a laminated PVC finish that provides a smooth playing surface. Furthermore, controlling the ball is pretty easy, thanks to the Chrome-plated steel rods that are equipped with ergonomic handles.

As for the scoring system, this table features the traditional scoring system in a foosball table. So, whenever you earn a score, the goal will automatically move the bead.

Pros

  • Comes with leg levelers
  • Robotic style players
  • Stable construction

Cons

  • End ball return
  • Not that recommended for kids

ESPN Soccer Table

5stars
Arcade 54 inch Set Balls
If you’re in need of a foosball table that can be used by both adults and kids, the ESPN Soccer Foosball Table Balls Set is what I would recommend. It’s the perfect game table to use when bonding with family and friends. It has patented robotic style players that can be assembled easily without the need to use any tools. The steel rods are chrome plated and come with high-quality ball bearings, offering a more authentic gaming experience.

This foosball table also comes with leg levelers so you can set it up in any flooring surface without worrying about unleveled grounds. Featuring a traditional scoring system, you’ll be able to easily keep track of your score as you enjoy your game. With this foosball table set, you will have all the accessories that you need for a more enjoyable foosball game!

Pros

  • Durable and high-quality construction
  • Comes with 4″ leg levelers
  • No tools required for assembly
  • Will only take less than 15 minutes to assemble

Cons

  • None

What You Should Know About Foosball

white and blue
Before you start shopping for ESPN soccer tables, it may be worth educating yourself about the game of foosball. This game originated in Germany and dates back to World War II. It was during the 1960s when the game became very popular and started spreading to Europe and some other countries. So, what is foosball? It’s just like a soccer game except that it’s played on a table. This game requires players to hit the tiny soccer ball using rods until it reaches the goal post of his opponent and makes a goal.

Foosball offers one-of-a-kind entertainment to fans of soccer. This indoor game is easy to play and can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. You’ll also find foosball tables that are specifically made for professional players who compete on tournaments.

A Short Buying Guide

field from above and men
You’ll find tons of options when shopping for foosball tables. But you need to make sure you are buying the right table that’s suitable for your needs and budget. Here are the most important things to consider when buying an ESPN foosball table.

  • Size

When shopping for foosball tables, you’ll have to think about the space of the room where you intend to place the table. If you’re lucky enough to have a spacious room, then go ahead and choose the full-size models. But make sure you also allocate some space for the players to be able to comfortably move around as they concentrate on their game.

  • Players Age

If you’re going to purchase a foosball table for commercial use, such as in a bar, you probably will not pay that much attention to the age of the person who will be playing in it. But if you are shopping for ESPN foosball tables for home use, then age is an important aspect to consider. If you need to share the table with your little ones, then consider the age of your kids. In this case, it is best to look for a foosball table that can be used by both adults and kids.

  • Materials

Foosball tables are made from different types of materials. If you want to get the best value for your money, you should invest in foosball tables that are made from high-quality materials. The materials used for the rods are also something you need to consider. Most people would prefer steel rods since they are cheaper compared to hollow bars. Regardless of the material used for the rods, it’s important that you choose something that will not easily come off as you play.

  • Price

The overall cost of the foosball table is also a big factor for many, especially those who are on a limited budget. When shopping for the best foosball tables to buy, you shouldn’t put emphasis on finding the most affordable model on the market. Instead, look for high-quality foosball tables that you can afford.

Tabletop vs. Full-Size

mini table
You’ll come across two types of foosball tables in the market – tabletop and full-size foosball tables. Traditionalists would understandably go for the full-size ones, but each table type actually comes with benefits. What’s great about the tabletop foosball is that you’ll be able to carry it with you anywhere and it can work well for those with small spaces in their home. If you live in a small apartment, then this can work for you. This foosball table can also be stored easily since it usually has a compact design. Above all, it appeals to budget shoppers since it usually comes with an affordable price tag of around $50 or less.

Full-size foosball tables are ideal for those who have plenty of spaces in their house since they usually come in a large size. With this table, you can fully enjoy your foosball game with friends. But expect to spend more money on these tables, with the cheapest costing around $150. You’ll also find higher-end models costing $500 and more. These foosball tables might come with a higher price tag, but they are guaranteed to last for a lifetime. Thus, they can make for a great investment.

Main Rules of Foosball

blue vs black
The main objective in the game of foosball is to push your ball towards the opponent’s goalpost, while also defending your post so your opponent won’t be able to score a goal. Just like the game of soccer, the player that has the highest number of goals will be the winner.

  • Playing Balls

There will be 9 small balls for you to play in the game. Before you begin, make sure you’ve got all the balls accounted for. Players will be using their hands to control and move the rod in order to push the balls towards the goal post of their opponent. Controlling the rod is very important in this game.

  • Playing the Game

To play the game, serve the ball from any end you choose to. It’s possible to play up to 9 games since you’ll have 9 balls all in all. If none of the team reaches the ball in order to make a goal, it will be considered a “dead ball”. No one should touch the ball at the playing surface at any part of the game. In the event of a dead ball, the players must wait for up to 15 seconds before touching. If the shot reaches your opponent’s goalpost, then that will count towards your score.

  • Score

In order for a goal to be counted as a legal score, the Foosball player should have touched it before it goes into the opponent’s goal post. You should be able to perform up to 5 goals for you to be declared the winner. But take note that these rules will only apply to non-professional games between friends and family. For professional games and tournaments, different rules will apply.

Tips and Tricks on How to Play Foosball

relax in office
Just like with any game, there are certain strategies that one must follow in order to win. It’s easy to beat your opponents if you learn the basics. However, you should focus on proper timing. It’s important that you’re able to do your shot at the right time. This is actually what makes the game even more interesting and exciting to play. Here are some strategies to help you beat your opponents and enjoy the game even more.

  • Make a Shot Strategy

You need to learn how to make a proper foosball shot strategy. This will usually require performing accurate shots on offense. Aim to make snake shots or pull shots since these will let you earn the fastest score.

  • Try Snake Shots

To perform snake shots, you should trap the ball using the foot of the foosball player and the table surface before you move the ball sideways and make a shoot. Try to use your wrist when turning the rod.

  • Experiment with Pull Shots

To do a pull shot, the near winger or far winger player in a 3-bar should pass the ball towards the center forward or into the middle forward in order to make a shot.

  • Be Defensive as Well

Remember that the game is not only about scoring a goal but also about defense. You should be able to defend your goal post so as not to give your opponents a chance to score a goal.

  • Control the Ball

If you end up losing control of the foosball, you’ll also lose the opportunity to make a goal. Therefore, you should learn the proper way to pass and catch the foosball. Always keep in mind the proper defense can help you win the game.

Conclusion

Of all the ESPN foosball tables that I featured in this review, my favorite is the ESPN Arcade Foosball Table. Aside from looking stylish, this table’s overall construction is truly impressive. It’s made from high-quality materials that are guaranteed to last for a long time. Plus, the robotic players are easy to control with the help of the chrome-plated rods. So, if you’re on the hunt for the best ESPN foosball tables on the market, this model is definitely worth checking out.