DESCRIPTION OF PLAY

The game revolves around the use of the black outlined areas on the pitch.  These are player zones,  they indicate generally speaking, the area in which each individual team member operates during the match.  Defenders and midfielders occupying strategically marked positions in their zones.  Players will however often be moved from their zones during play, ie. Corners, Free-Kicks, Support play, 'Sweeper' etc. They should be returned to their zones afterwards in order that they can then be deemed to be marking any opponent in that zone. There are occasions in play whereby a man in a zone can ‘TACKLE’ an opponent in the zone for possession of the ball (but he must first be within the zone to do it ) A sense of discipline and defensive organisation in play is a must.

Control of the ball is very easy but, as in any game with a ball, some players will always be better than others. The game will become very quick once the basics are mastered.  Unlike Subbuteo,  where the essential skill is in getting your man to the ball, which many people find difficult to do, here a player is simply picked up and placed by the ball. It is what you do with the ball when you’ve got it that counts.   The skill here lies in the accuracy of the pass to the man, with just the right ‘weight’ on the ball so that it stops in a position in a zone suitable for the continuation of the move.  Always ‘think’ a move ahead.   A true footballer will understand what is meant by that.

The basic principle of the game is very simple,

(1) Hit your man with the ball so that, (2) It stops within a zone in which you have a man.  That man is then moved to the ball,  assuming  possession,  and must be the next  to play the ball, ( placing the emphasis on teamwork, and passing,  rather than individualism.)  The ball being played swiftly from man to man,  and zone to zone, until you are in a position suitable for a shot at goal.  Which can be done without warning your opponent.  (3) Possession is lost when the ball stops outside a zone, or when the ball last touches an opponent and remains in play .  The nearest opponent to the ball moves on to it and plays it from there then is replaced in his zone.  

Those three disciplines govern  90% of the gameplay.  How simple is that?

When shooting at goal, Corners Free-kicks etc, the ball can easily be raised by using the angled rear edge of the player’s base, and flicking the ball into the air. Goals may also be scored by placing a man at an angle to the goal and deflecting the ball off the man at the goal.  A highly skilled aspect of play.

Finally, the goalkeeper. This is also an exciting and skilful part of the game, requiring quick reflexes and anticipation.  He may at first seem to be rather large in proportion to the goalframe, however bear in mind that your favourite team whoever it is, most probably has a very good man in that important position. He does not get beaten very often, (and boy!  Does  he hate that when it happens.)

Goals in top class football do not come cheaply, they have to be  worked for, the very same applies here.

It is up to you to find a way past that imposing figure in your opponent's goal, in any way you can. 

Tom Waterman, Inventor