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Game Set Up
To start you need; 2
teams, two nets, a ball, and a playing surface. A typical game set up is shown
below. The formation is your choice, experiment to find the formation that best
suits your style of play!
The diagram below shows
the field of play and uses many terms referred to in the rules that follow.
Other than the 'shooting line' the pitch reflects the one used in the game of
soccer.
The Pitch
Flicking Technique
It is very important that you understand how to flick the
players correctly. Failure to use the proper technique for flicking the players
has caused many an argument between friends! The players are designed to swerve,
spin, and kick the ball according to your skill.
To play the game you have to master the
Subbuteo "flick to kick" method.
Set up your player with a ball directly in front of him. Place the first and
second finger of your playing hand behind the base of the player. Press down
gently on the playing surface with your "flicking finger" and flick your finger
at the player so that the player hits or "kicks" the ball. Your finger should
never touch the ball. The harder you press your finger down when you flick, the
harder you will hit the ball. Please note: THE THUMB MAY NOT BE USED IN YOUR
FLICK AT ALL, but it can be used to brace your hand on the table (see picture).
It is a finger flick only.
With practice you will be able to flick players on the side of the base to
make the player curve toward the ball. With the newer style Subbuteo players
(post 1995) the bases are flatter and this allows for the players to "glide"
accurately across the playing surface, and also to chip or loft the ball on
shots. The newer players however do not curve as easily as the earlier figures.
PLAYING TIP: In the picture you can see a recommended position of the hand
when flicking. Whenever possible it is best to have the base of the hand firmly
on the playing table. This gives a good foundation for accurate flicking. Good
players often recommend that the thumb and 2nd finger be firmly placed on the
table whenever possible.
Introduction to the Rules
The object of the game is to retain possession of the ball until a goal is
scored. Like all sports, the player with the most goals wins the game! All games
are two halves of fifteen minutes, with players changing ends at half time.
Figures must be flicked cleanly using only the fingernail of either middle or
index finger.
To score the ball must first be fully over the shooting line (the line that
divides the halfway line and the goal-line).
Possession can be given away by:
a) Missing the ball
b) Hitting the ball onto an opponent's figure
c) Hitting the ball out of play
d) Conceding a free kick (by hitting any figure before the ball)
e) Touching any figure by accident (players can agree to ignore this rule)
For every attacking shot the defenders can have one blocking flick. This
blocking flick must not touch any figure or the ball otherwise the attacker can
opt to have it replaced to its original position. The attacker does not have to
wait for the defender's blocking flick.
The attacker can only have a maximum three touches of the ball with one figure
in succession. After the third flick the ball must touch or be touched by
another figure before the attacker can use this figure again in the same
possession.
Visit the FISTF site for the complete rules,
including rules on corners, throw ins, and restarts. Or get them by clicking the
link below -
FISTF Rules - pdf file
Thanks go to Dave Baxter,
Filipe Vilas Boas & Paul Eyes for the words and images on this page. |
