foosball tables

All about Heemskerk football tables

Buying a foosball table sounds simple, but the differences between models are greater than you think. A foosball table in the living room has different requirements than a foosball table in a school where hundreds of students play daily. Where will the table be placed? Who will be playing on it? And how intensively will it be used? The answers to these questions will determine which foosball table is right for you.

Open or closed playing field?

This is the first distinction you need to make when choosing a foosball table. With a foosball table with an open playing field, the balls roll out through openings after a goal or a hard shot. This is perfect for use at home or in the office, where you can easily pick up the balls.

At schools, it's different. Loose balls disappear within a week. Not because students take them on purpose, but because it happens. That's why schools are choosing ours en masse. Cover models: Of Soccer School Cover and the High Tactics CoverThese foosball tables have a completely enclosed playing field with a tempered glass panel. The balls always remain in the table and are automatically returned to the playing field after a goal. An added benefit: the glass panel significantly dampens noise. This makes a noticeable difference in a busy school cafeteria or recreation room.

Which foosball table for which situation?

Football table for schools. De Soccer School Cover and the High Tactics Cover are by far the most popular in education. Both feature a closed system with a glass panel, are built for daily, intensive use, and have a robust steel base. The High Tactic Cover is the heavier version with extra reinforcement.

Football table for companies. In the office and in the company canteen, the Heemskerk Tactic By far the most popular. This is a professional foosball table with an open playing field that is sturdy enough for everyday use, but also looks sleek enough for an office environment. Want the table to match your corporate identity? Then a printed football table an option. We print these completely in-house, from side panels to playing field borders. Even the shirts of the dolls can be supplied in your own design.

Football table for catering and recreation. De High Tactics Cover is the best choice here, with the option for a cashless payment system, coin-operated, or both. Which system is best depends on your guests. Hotels and holiday parks with many German tourists often deliberately choose coin-operated, as Germans are more likely to carry change. At locations with a primarily Dutch clientele, cashless often works better. Our advice: don't discount the coin option too quickly. Many of our hospitality clients ultimately opt for a combination of both systems, so that every guest can play immediately.

Football table for home. Which foosball table is best for you depends on the space available and how often you play. Heemskerk Bullet is a solid entry-level table football game for the family. The Heemskerk Time Out is a step up, with a heavier base that can also handle more intensive use. For those with limited space, the minisoccer a compact version that also fits in a child's room or attic.

Continuous or telescopic rods?

In the Netherlands, continuous rods are preferred for foosball tables. These rods extend from both sides of the table. They are simple, sturdy, and proven. In Italy, it's the exact opposite: there, players almost always opt for telescopic rods, which don't extend from the other side and are therefore somewhat safer in crowded spaces.

The perception in the Netherlands is that telescopic rods are more fragile. In practice, we don't see this reflected in complaints or warranty claims. It's more a matter of what you're used to. All our Heemskerk foosball tables are equipped with continuous rods, because that suits the Dutch market. Through us Roberto Sport range We also offer table football tables with telescopic rods.

Cast or screwed dolls?

A detail many buyers don't consider, but it makes all the difference in the long run with a foosball table. With cast players, the players are securely attached to the rod. They can't become loose, wobbly, or come loose due to loose screws. With screwed players, this is theoretically possible, especially with heavy use. Our Heemskerk foosball tables use cast players. This is a deliberate choice: it's simply the most durable construction for a foosball table that will last for years.

Roberto Sport: competition quality from Italy

In addition to our own Heemskerk line, we are the official distributor of Robert SportsRoberto Sport is one of only five brands worldwide whose foosball tables are approved for use in official World Foosball Championships (ITSF approval). These are the highest requirements for a foosball table. A Dutch manufacturer cannot (yet) achieve this certification. By offering Roberto Sport, we are making this competition-quality product accessible to the Dutch market. It also demonstrates the level of quality we strive for with our own models.

King Pro: professional playing with NTVB recognition

De Heemskerk King Pro is our professional competition table, recognized by the Dutch Table Football Association (NTVB)The King Pro, developed based on our long-standing collaboration with Roberto Sport, combines ITSF-level playing quality with a construction suitable for the Dutch league. For players who want to train seriously or compete at the national level, this is the foosball table.

Dimensions and space

A standard foosball table is approximately 140 cm long and 75 cm wide. With the protruding rods on both sides, the total width is about 120 cm. For a comfortable foosball table, you need a free space of at least 2,5 x 1,8 meters around the table. Do you have less space? Then the minisoccer an alternative.

Delivery and assembly

We deliver every foosball table free of charge throughout the Netherlands and Flanders. For most models, you can choose to assemble them yourself (delivery time 2 to 5 business days) or have them assembled by our own driver (delivery time 2 to 10 business days). If we assemble them for you, the foosball table will be delivered to you fully ready to play.

Frequently asked questions about foosball tables

How much space do you need for a football table?

Allow for at least 3 meters of free space, both long and 2,5 meters wide. The table itself is typically 140 x 75 cm, but you'll need at least 60 cm extra on both long sides for the rods that extend outward while you're playing. Continuous rods extend more than telescopic rods, so keep that in mind. On the short sides (where you stand), 50 cm is sufficient. Learn more about space calculations for foosball tables.

Should I choose continuous rods or telescopic rods?

Continuous rods run through the entire table and extend out from the sides. This is the standard for professional tables and provides the best feel and control. Telescopic rods retract into themselves and don't protrude. This is safer in environments with children and useful if the table is close to a wall. The downside is that telescopic rods feel slightly less responsive during quick shots. For home use and schools, we generally recommend telescopic. For offices, hospitality venues, and serious players, continuous rods are the better choice. Learn more about rod types.

What is the difference between cast and screwed dolls?

With cast puppets, the puppet is attached to the rod as a single unit. This is the strongest construction and standard for our professional tables. The puppet cannot come loose, even after years of intensive use. With screwed puppets, the puppet is attached to the rod with a screw. This allows for individual puppets to be replaced if one becomes damaged, but the screw can loosen over time with intensive use. For home use, the difference is minimal. For schools, restaurants, and offices where play takes place daily, we recommend cast puppets.

What does a glass plate do on a foosball table?

A glass cover transforms the foosball table into a standing table or conference table when not in use. The glass cover sits on top of the table, creating a flat surface for drinks, laptops, or snacks. This is especially popular in businesses and the hospitality industry, where the table needs to serve multiple functions. Our tables with "Cover" in the name, such as the Soccer School Cover and the High TacTic Cover, are supplied as standard with a tempered glass cover plate.

Can a foosball table be placed outside?

Only if it is a specific outdoor model. Our outdoor football tables They have a weather-resistant base and playing surface that can withstand rain and frost. Putting a standard indoor foosball table outside isn't an option: the MDF playing surface swells with moisture, and the poles rust. Also, keep in mind that even with outdoor tables, playing comfort decreases significantly in the rain. A canopy is always recommended.

Which foosball table is best for the office?

It depends on the use and space. The Soccer School is our most popular table for offices due to its sturdy construction and low maintenance. For offices where the table also needs to serve as a standing table, the Soccer School Cover of High TacTic Cover with a glass plate a better choice. Many companies also opt for a printed football table with your own logo. Companies like Tony's Chocolonely, Mentos, and Thuisbezorgd have already done so. More about foosball tables for companies.

What is a cashless payment system on a foosball table?

A cashless system replaces the traditional coin toss. Instead of coins, players pay with a card or tag to start a match. This is especially interesting for restaurants, campgrounds, and recreation areas where you want to generate revenue from the table without having to manage cash. High TacTic Cover is prepared for a standard cashless payment systemThe system can also be ordered separately for existing tables with coin operation.

Can the foosball table be printed with my own logo?

Yes. Almost all Heemskerk foosball tables are available with a custom print on the side panels and playing field. You can also table football shirts Have your own design printed. We do the printing in-house, allowing us to fully control the quality. A printed foosball table is popular as a promotional gift, as an eye-catching piece in the office, or at events. View the options for printed football tables.

Can the football table be delivered assembled?

Yes. For most tables, you can choose to have our own delivery service assemble them. Our driver will then deliver the table ready to play to your desired location. The delivery time for assembly is 2 to 10 business days, depending on your location. Self-assembly takes 2 to 5 business days. A foosball table is difficult to move yourself due to its weight (many models weigh 70 to 100+ kg), so the assembly service is especially recommended for foosball tables. More about assembly and delivery.

What are the official rules of table football?

In official table football, you play up to 5 goals (or up to 7 in some competitions). Spinning (spinning the pole 360 ​​degrees) is not permitted. After a goal, the opponent kicks off from the center. The ball may not be held still for longer than 10 to 15 seconds in the same row. At Heemskerk, we collaborate with Dutch Table Football Association (NTVB), and our King Pro is the official NTVB competition model. Read the full rules of table football.