The Best Table Soccer Accessories

Table soccer is a well-known and well-loved pastime around the world, and it has evolved over the years. There’s now a big range of parts and accessories to suit every country’s playing style. You can accessorise and customise your foosball table to improve both how it looks and how it plays.

This guide covers the parts that come with most tables (worth understanding before you buy) and the extras worth adding afterwards.

Parts that come with most tables

Foosmen

Traditional foosmen have rounded, grippy toes for passing the ball back and forth. Foosmen come in many shapes, sizes and designs to suit your table’s style. Counterbalanced foosmen, found on better tables, stay horizontal when you let go of the rod.

Rods

The rods have a big effect on how fast the game plays. They’re often one of the most expensive parts of the table. High-quality rods are usually hollow steel, often chrome-plated, which keeps them light and fast. Telescopic rods don’t stick out the far side of the table, which makes them safer for children.

Bearings

Rod bearings sit where the rods pass through the table walls. They reduce friction so you can slide the rods in and out quickly and smoothly. Better tables use ball bearings rather than plain bushings.

Balls

Foosball balls vary in quality and playing style. They can be textured, smooth, cork or traditional plastic. Stay away from plastic balls with a shiny, slick finish. See our guide to the best foosball table balls.

Bumpers

Bumpers are usually made of black rubber or springs. They cushion the foosmen against the table wall.

Handles

The rod handle makes a big difference to your grip, control and shots. Handles are made of plastic or wood and finished with veneer, polyurethane or stain.

Accessories worth adding

Wraps

A handle wrap is an essential piece of kit for serious players. It improves your grip so you can pull off advanced shots like the snake shot and pull shot.

Foosball Liquid Silicone

Technically, silicone isn’t an accessory, but it’s essential for keeping a foosball table in the best condition. A spray or liquid silicone on the rods and bearings keeps them sliding smoothly and can significantly extend their lifespan. Avoid WD-40 and household oils, which attract dust and can damage the bearings.

Table Cover

A cover is one of the surest ways to protect your table’s value and keep it in good condition. It keeps out dust, spills and sunlight. Covers can be hard to find for some table sizes, so you may need one custom-made.

Scoring Units

It’s hard to keep track of the score in your head, so buy a scoring unit if your table doesn’t come with one.

Cup Holder

Moisture and spilled drinks can damage your table and accessories, so a cup holder is an excellent accessory for long-term durability.

Lighting

Some foosball tables come with lighting, so you can always see the ball when attacking or defending. It’s especially useful in garages and games rooms.

Pins and Pin Punch

Pins hold the foosmen and handles on the rods. You hammer them through the middle of the rod to lock them in place. A pin punch makes replacing a broken foosman or handle quick and easy.

Our starter kit

If you’re only buying a few things, start here:

1. Silicone lubricant to keep the rods smooth and protect the bearings
2. Textured tournament balls for a big improvement in control
3. Handle wraps for a better grip
4. A table cover to protect your investment

Still choosing a table? Compare the best foosball tables for every budget.