Footballec rules

Understood in 60 seconds.

Here you will find the full Footballec rules — compact, clear and close to the original way of playing.

11 players per team
Each figure is played individually
2 Ă— 5 minutes recommended
Understand the game Back to home
Footballec is currently in its prelaunch phase on Gamefound. View on Gamefound · We still discuss custom versions directly with you.
How do you play with the figure?

Three moves. One game.

No classic foosball table. No rods. The figure plays the ball through push, strike and a controlled throw-in.

Understood in 60 seconds.

Push from above
Move 01

Push

The lower edge of the figure presses on the ball from above. This brings the ball into play in a controlled and precise way.

Strike with the figure
Move 02

Strike

The ball is played with the lower edge of the figure from about 2–4 cm above the surface at an angle of roughly 45°. That is how passes and finishes are created.

Throw-in in Footballec
Move 03

Throw-in

Flicking is not the normal way to play. It is only allowed for throw-ins and helps to bring the ball back into play cleanly.

Video guide

Footballec explained in play

Before moving into the detailed rules, you can see the whole flow here — from setup to the first moves.

Before kick-off

Setup before kick-off

Before kick-off, the figures are spread across the whole playing surface. The formation is free and can be adjusted to your style of play.

Before the game

Typical systems include 4:3:3, 4:4:2 or 4:1:3:2. The starting formation can be chosen freely — what matters is how you prepare space, passing lanes and finishing.

Example formation before kick-off
Example formation

The diagram shows one possible starting formation. The setup remains flexible and can be chosen freely before kick-off.

Complete rules

Additional rules

The key rules at a glance.

Number of players

Footballec is designed primarily for two players. It can also be played by four, if each player takes the figures on their own half of the pitch.

Match duration

We recommend two halves of five minutes each.

Setup

Before kick-off, the figures are distributed freely across the field. Typical systems are 4:3:3, 4:4:2 or 4:1:3:2. Centre-backs can form a small “wall” as a pair.

Distance in defence

The defending figure may be moved in front of the ball, but only up to the distance of one lying figure – in other words 2.5 cm.

Moving the figures

When the ball is in play, the closest player may be moved for the action, plus one outfield figure and the goalkeeper. If the ball is out of play or the game restarts after a goal, multiple figures may be moved.

Attacking position

A figure of the ball-carrying team may not be moved behind the last defender. This does not apply if the attacking figure is closer to the ball.

Throw-in

Throw-ins are not thrown. The ball is brought back into play by flicking it in, and the figure taking the throw-in returns afterwards to its original position.

Corner

Corners are played normally. Optionally, you can agree that after five corners a penalty follows.

Foul

A foul occurs when an opposing figure is knocked over during play by a body part or by clothing.

Ball between two figures

If the ball lies exactly between two figures, it is thrown in again at the last position between them. The figure the ball ends up closer to continues play.

Penalty

For a penalty, the goalkeeper must be on the goal line. It may lie down or lean against the goal structure. If the penalty is not converted, the action ends and the defending player restarts play.

Goal rule

A goal does not count if it is shot directly from your own half. It does count if the shot comes from the attacking half and the ball is then deflected on the defending team’s half.

Pass and shot

A figure may pass or shoot, but may not push the ball along in front of itself. If the first attempt fails and the ball remains closer to the same figure, it may play again. If the second attempt also fails, the opponent takes over from the ball’s current position.

Important: Normal play with the figure means push or strike — not flicking. Flicking is only allowed for the throw-in. These three ways of playing form the basis of the whole game.
Experience Footballec

A game for all generations

Whether in a child's room, with friends or during a relaxed games afternoon, Footballec brings people back to one table.

Footballec at the table
Footballec Set