TIPP-KICK Rules – how to Play the Classic tabletop football game

What is TIPP-KICK

TIPP-KICK is the original tabletop football (table soccer) game with over 100 years of tradition in Germany. Played by 2 to 4 players, each team controls one field player (“kicker”) and one goalkeeper.

The gameplay is simple but highly tactical: Press the red button on the player’s head to kick the ball, while the goalkeeper dives left and right using the buttons on the goal box. Whoever scores more goals, wins! It's the perfect for football fans, families, and competitive players alike. 

A unique turn-based system

What makes TIPP-KICK so exciting is how turns work: Each player selects a ball color (black or white) at the start of the match. Only the player whose color is visible on top of the ball is allowed to take the next shot. Will you risk your luck and try for a better shooting position? Or will you take your shot directly? Skill, planning, reflexes and a touch of luck - TIPP-KICK requires it all! 

TIPP-KICK Rules – Quick Overview

• Teams: 2 teams, each with 1 kicker + 1 goalkeeper
• Ball color: Each player chooses a ball color (black or white). During play, the color visible on top (from a bird’s-eye view) determines whose turn it is
• Playing time: Standard match = 2 × 5 minutes (sides and ball colors are switched at halftime)
• Goal: A goal counts when the ball completely crosses the goal line
• Defense / Wall: A defensive wall may be set up. A minimum distance of two player lengths (15.6 cm) from the ball must be maintained; exceptions apply in certain areas (penalty box boundary)

Full Overview

Mechanics

The TIPP-KICK player kicks the ball at the push of the red button on the head.

• TIP 1: Vary the distance between ball and player to shoot higher or lower.
• TIP 2: Use both hands! For the best shot, hold the player at the green weight with one hand, and press the button with the other.

The goalkeeper jumps into the left or right corner, depending on whether you press the left or the right button on the blue box of the keeper.

• TIP 1: if there is a ball for the opponent in the penalty box and you can reach it with the keeper, you can push it out of the danger zone! 
• TIP 2: the Star-Keeper can even jump forward, by using the grey lever! 

General Gameplay Rules.

• A player may only kick the ball when their ball color is on top.
• Pushing the ball is not allowed.
• Shots on goal are permitted from anywhere. (exceptions: no direct goals from kick-off, throw-in, and goal kick).

Kick-off Rules

The ball is tossed at the start of the game; the visible color on top of the ball determines which player begins. Kick-off is right in middle of the pitch in the center circle and the ball must leave the circle completely for every kick-off otherwise a free kick is awarded to the opponent. 

Defending

The defender may set up a “wall” (by placing or laying down a player), but a minimum distance must be observed (2 player lengths = 15.6 cm).

Exception - penalty box boundary: The wall may always be placed on the penalty area line, even if the ball is closer than two player lengths.Once the ball touches the penalty area line or is inside the penalty area though, no wall may be set up.

Corner, Throw-in (Kick-in) & Goal Kick

Goal kick:

If a player shoots the ball past the goal line without the defender touching it, a goal kick is awarded.

The defender takes the goal kick from the 5-meter area, and the ball must completely leave the penalty area (otherwise a free kick is awarded).

Example:

• Player 1 shoots just wide of the goal → Player 2 gets a goal kick.

Throw-in (called “kick-in” in TIPP-KICK):

If the ball crosses the sideline, play resumes from the point where it left the field.

The opponent of the player who last touched the ball takes the kick-in (same as in football/soccer).

Examples:

• Player 1 shoots, hits Player 2’s figure, and the ball goes out → Player 1 gets the kick-in
• Player 1 shoots and the ball goes directly out → Player 2 gets the kick-in

Corner kick:

If the ball crosses the goal line after last being touched by the defender.

Taken from the corner arc.

Examples:

• Player 2 shoots, Player 1’s goalkeeper saves, ball goes out → corner
• Player 2 shoots, ball deflects off Player 1’s figure and goes out → corner

Penalty Kick and Free Kick

Penalty (11-meter kick):

Awarded for certain rule violations inside the penalty area.

The ball is placed on the penalty spot (white mark in the box).

The opposing goalkeeper must stand vertically on the goal line and may not move before the shot is taken.

A penalty is awarded if:

• The defender touches the ball with clothing or body inside the penalty area
• The defender plays the ball using the opponent’s color inside the penalty area
• The defender’s kicker stands inside the penalty area (instead of on the line, which is allowed) and touches the ball

Free kick:

Awarded for rule violations outside the penalty area, taken from the spot of the infringement.

The defending team must keep a distance of three player lengths (instead of two).

A free kick is awarded if:

• The defender touches the ball with clothing or body outside the penalty area
• A player plays the ball using the opponent’s color or pushes it
• The ball is not properly played out of the penalty area or center circle at kick-off or goal kick

Complete Rules (Download)

The full official PDF with all details, illustrations, and examples can be downloaded here:

TIPP-KICK Rules