| From Authors of the # 1 Table Soccer Book ever published! THE COMPLETE BOOK OF FOOSBALL (50,000 Copies Sold!) |
| Reviews |
Gregg “Jeep” Perrie
Past World Champion
Impressive and to-the-point knowledge that can be used to make your game better. Johnny
Lott has written the best book on foosball tactics, ever written! He brings his World
Championship experience to the pages in a way that everyone can understand and be
motivated by. Some of the topics that were highlights for me: Execution, Perfect practice,
Confidence, Passing points, Single minded focus on Execution (yes, I wrote execution twice, it’
s that important). His insight on Telegraphing is worth the price of the book all by itself. One of
my favorite quotes:"…it’s about an effort that is so strong, so based on the execution of the
task, that it denies negativity of any kind – in fact it turns negativity into positive energy against
your opponents and it makes the outcome acceptable – win or lose!" If you are a serious
fooser, and want to make that transition into the "Big Boys", you need to read this book!
Steve Murray
2002 Table Soccer Hall of Fame Inductee
After reviewing the book, it didn’t take long to see, a remarkable amount of research and
gathering of information went in to this project altogether. As a matter of fact, the book has so
much information, if you’re not careful, it could make your head spin!
The almanac gives a comprehensive look at all phases of the history and “evolution” of Table
Soccer. From the different styles of tables, the people who designed and manufactured them,
the pioneer promoters instrumental in organizing the professional tour (early days until
present), extensive tour tournament results, player bios, instructional sections and diagrams,
pro tips,… you name it, this book has it.
I think what I found most fascinating was the information taken from the old issues of “Foos-
News” and “Table Talk”. The articles, the photos, and the player memoirs are quite enjoyable.
To see photos and read about all of the old players and promoters was not only interesting to
me, it was entertaining and sometimes amusing. The “almanac” has content for younger
players to discover, and older players to reflect. It’s amazing that players from previous times
were as passionate about the game as the avid players were from my time, and as passionate
as the players of today. The book basically walks you through the proverbial “foosball time
machine”.
In closing, I would say from my perspective, this book is a winner, but I have to admit, I’m
biased because I like history. I have been around foosball long enough to appreciate most of
the content. If you are a non player just curious as to the origin and history of foosball
wondering what the attraction to the game is, or a recreational or avid player interested in
competitive foosball, or a lifetime player that loves to reminisce, the “World Table Soccer
Almanac” has it covered.
To Kathy and Johnny, and all who had a hand in creating this book, I say congrats, and thank
you. I will enjoy sharing it with my grand kids someday!
Phil Kennedy
Foosballboard.com Director, Past Professional Player
INTRODUCTION:
First I would like to thank Kathy and Johnny for this first look at their new book. Second, if you’
re looking for a negative review you can pass on this some what lengthy review. Lastly, please
understand the content in this book is way more than I could read in just the short few days in
order to get a review out to you.
FIRST IMPRESSION:
The first impression for anyone is the size of the book. Johnny on this board said it was a big
book but somehow that did not compute until I actually had the book in my hands. The book
runs some 700 pages with photos and illustrations on every page. Vintage photos mixed with
some photos I have never seen myself, Exceptional illustrations give insight to this game not
seen before in print.
As you get over the shock of the sheer size of the book you are greeted with an excellent
designed front cover with a picture of Woody Harrelson on the cover. Woody’s intro while short
does give insight that foosball does touch everyone at sometime or another.
The large book is lacking color photos and illustrations but the straight up black and white
presentation does not take away from its importance in the least. The opposite is true, the full
frontal approach of filling the book with foosball photos only adds to the value and ease with
which to enjoy the book. Indeed, like I said you spend the first hour doing nothing but flipping
through the pages and enjoying the wide expanse of the material.
CONTENT:
I have over the years tried to stress what a rich and in depth history foosball has and Kathy
and Johnny has backed me up on this statement with as complete a history of foosball as you
will ever read, the book starts off appropriately with some very early foosball facts and tables
and progresses through he evolution of the foosball table to the modern era. Wrapped around
this is a complete evolution of the sport which expands to cover about half the book. Indeed
this section alone could be a book unto itself but there’s more, way more. Kathy and Johnny
have not forgotten the European roots of foosball and includes a nice section as well as
dispersed through out the book foosball influence throughout the world. The book does have a
very “Worldly feel to it” to include facts never before revealed at least in the US.
Wrapped on the heels of this is a complete section on tables and equipment and terminology
to fit your particular slice of foosball from what we Americans call foosball to footsball, futball,
Babyfoot, etc. this section of the book covers it all in detail
A very nice section on the FOOSBALL HALL OF FAME that Johnny created in 1986 and now
maintained by Jim Stevens and Brunswick. Included is a fitting tribute to Jim Wiswell in which
Johnny dedicates the HOF to Jim and his memory.
Another stand alone book section is I guess something Johnny has wanted to get off his chest
for a long time. I speak of”The Inner Game of Foosball”. I did a review of this in another post.
Johnny has researched this thoroughly and breaks it down in what he calls the trinity of
winning. Skill: the first pillar. Physical Conditioning: the second pillar Mental Preparation: the
third pillar. Combined it makes a good read for the seasoned pro and critical read for the rest of
us.
One of the more entertaining sections is what Kathy calls ‘Foosball In Pop Culture’ and covers
how foosball has grown from an arcade game to touch just about every aspect of our culture
from movies, television, and now the internet. Not to forget the heritage of Johnny and Kathy’s
first book ‘The Complete Book Of Foosball” Johnny dedicates a rather lengthy section on the
basics through advanced techniques on how to play the game of foosball. Very hard for anyone
to read this pro through rookie and not find a new or forgotten technique for playing
professional foosball.
A section that I think will be very popular and that is as complete of a results section for all the
major tour events for the last thirty years laid out in detail that anyone could possibly wish for if
they ever played this game. This section alone is worth the price of admission if you are a
foosball history buff like me.
Lastly, something very unexpected when I first saw them gathering the information on The
Foosball Board and I speak of a complete obit section detailing the life and death struggle of
dedicated foosers all over the world. This section if any spells out in very real terms just what
our little game has meant to so many over such a long period and expanse of time. Very hard
to read this section without choking back a tear if you have played this game for very long.
GENERAL IMPRESSIONS:
Again the size but more than that I think this book comes from two very dedicated lifelong
foosball players who have poured their heart into this book. In the 80’s “The Complete Book Of
Foosball” I think was rightly or wrongly written for the masses but this book is clearly written
for you the foosball player who has felt the competitive twitch of when driving to the tournament
can’t get there fast enough and get on the table. I don’t know that everyone will read this cover
to cover word for word but I know this you will spend many, many hours enjoying this book.
At this time I want to thank Kathy and Johnny with my deepest gratitude for publishing this
book because they have from page 1 to page 700 tried to include everyone who has ever
played this game for even a whisper of a moment and if you have been omitted its because at
some point Johnny and Kathy had to end this Tour D’ Force of foosball and figure out an end
page
Phil Kennedy
Foosballboard.com Director, Past Professional Player
"Impressive and to-the-point knowledge that can be used to make your game better".
Absolutely!
Johnny was gracious enough to send me an advance look at his Tour 'de Force on foosball and
indeed it could be called the "Inner Game Of Foosball". Well worth the price of the book.
Somewhat lengthy, but yet surprisingly concise at laying out the basic fundamentals. The
entire book is full of important winning keys (that all Pro Masters past and present have in
common) that many are not to willing to discuss or put in such detailed form as Johnny has.
Johnny lays it out as as “The Trinity Of Winning” in a three part tour not really meant or
designed for the beginner. Indeed. I would think you would need to be well into competitive
foosball to gain full advantage. Johnny starts off with the first Pillar as the mechanics,
execution, and strategy of the game. Laying out not only the forward position but the goalie as
well. Such interesting items as percentage read, passing tips, count system, and some
advanced tips that even well seasoned pros could use.
Moving on his second Pillar Johnny discusses Physical Conditioning, like lifting weights and
building the body up, through a well balanced diet. Indeed, Johnny lays out specific diets that
seem to works best for an intense weekend of foosball matches. He breaks it down so far as
to separate out men from women in their dietary foosball competitive needs.
Johnny saves the third Pillar for the best: as he calls it, the Mental preparation -The Inner
Game. I very much enjoyed this section because Johnny’s forte has always been the mental
side of simply dueling it out with his opponents. He has left nothing to the imagination and
reveals to anyone, (including those who may lacking in skill and mechanics) how to more than
make up for it with mental conditioning. Johnny explains how to handle the pressure and find
the zone almost at will. He creates (for the first time that I aware of) how to simply use various
aspects of the mental game as your weapons. Stuff like intelligence, instincts, knowledge,
emotion, aggressiveness, etc. Very impressive and very, very much worth a detailed reading.
He ties all this together with a simple statement…
“There is no better method to improve your table soccer skills than to participate in
competition. Whether playing in a small local tournaments or participating in leagues or
regional events”
Good job Johnny, very impressive!
_________________
~Phil Kennedy
Past World Champion
Impressive and to-the-point knowledge that can be used to make your game better. Johnny
Lott has written the best book on foosball tactics, ever written! He brings his World
Championship experience to the pages in a way that everyone can understand and be
motivated by. Some of the topics that were highlights for me: Execution, Perfect practice,
Confidence, Passing points, Single minded focus on Execution (yes, I wrote execution twice, it’
s that important). His insight on Telegraphing is worth the price of the book all by itself. One of
my favorite quotes:"…it’s about an effort that is so strong, so based on the execution of the
task, that it denies negativity of any kind – in fact it turns negativity into positive energy against
your opponents and it makes the outcome acceptable – win or lose!" If you are a serious
fooser, and want to make that transition into the "Big Boys", you need to read this book!
Steve Murray
2002 Table Soccer Hall of Fame Inductee
After reviewing the book, it didn’t take long to see, a remarkable amount of research and
gathering of information went in to this project altogether. As a matter of fact, the book has so
much information, if you’re not careful, it could make your head spin!
The almanac gives a comprehensive look at all phases of the history and “evolution” of Table
Soccer. From the different styles of tables, the people who designed and manufactured them,
the pioneer promoters instrumental in organizing the professional tour (early days until
present), extensive tour tournament results, player bios, instructional sections and diagrams,
pro tips,… you name it, this book has it.
I think what I found most fascinating was the information taken from the old issues of “Foos-
News” and “Table Talk”. The articles, the photos, and the player memoirs are quite enjoyable.
To see photos and read about all of the old players and promoters was not only interesting to
me, it was entertaining and sometimes amusing. The “almanac” has content for younger
players to discover, and older players to reflect. It’s amazing that players from previous times
were as passionate about the game as the avid players were from my time, and as passionate
as the players of today. The book basically walks you through the proverbial “foosball time
machine”.
In closing, I would say from my perspective, this book is a winner, but I have to admit, I’m
biased because I like history. I have been around foosball long enough to appreciate most of
the content. If you are a non player just curious as to the origin and history of foosball
wondering what the attraction to the game is, or a recreational or avid player interested in
competitive foosball, or a lifetime player that loves to reminisce, the “World Table Soccer
Almanac” has it covered.
To Kathy and Johnny, and all who had a hand in creating this book, I say congrats, and thank
you. I will enjoy sharing it with my grand kids someday!
Phil Kennedy
Foosballboard.com Director, Past Professional Player
INTRODUCTION:
First I would like to thank Kathy and Johnny for this first look at their new book. Second, if you’
re looking for a negative review you can pass on this some what lengthy review. Lastly, please
understand the content in this book is way more than I could read in just the short few days in
order to get a review out to you.
FIRST IMPRESSION:
The first impression for anyone is the size of the book. Johnny on this board said it was a big
book but somehow that did not compute until I actually had the book in my hands. The book
runs some 700 pages with photos and illustrations on every page. Vintage photos mixed with
some photos I have never seen myself, Exceptional illustrations give insight to this game not
seen before in print.
As you get over the shock of the sheer size of the book you are greeted with an excellent
designed front cover with a picture of Woody Harrelson on the cover. Woody’s intro while short
does give insight that foosball does touch everyone at sometime or another.
The large book is lacking color photos and illustrations but the straight up black and white
presentation does not take away from its importance in the least. The opposite is true, the full
frontal approach of filling the book with foosball photos only adds to the value and ease with
which to enjoy the book. Indeed, like I said you spend the first hour doing nothing but flipping
through the pages and enjoying the wide expanse of the material.
CONTENT:
I have over the years tried to stress what a rich and in depth history foosball has and Kathy
and Johnny has backed me up on this statement with as complete a history of foosball as you
will ever read, the book starts off appropriately with some very early foosball facts and tables
and progresses through he evolution of the foosball table to the modern era. Wrapped around
this is a complete evolution of the sport which expands to cover about half the book. Indeed
this section alone could be a book unto itself but there’s more, way more. Kathy and Johnny
have not forgotten the European roots of foosball and includes a nice section as well as
dispersed through out the book foosball influence throughout the world. The book does have a
very “Worldly feel to it” to include facts never before revealed at least in the US.
Wrapped on the heels of this is a complete section on tables and equipment and terminology
to fit your particular slice of foosball from what we Americans call foosball to footsball, futball,
Babyfoot, etc. this section of the book covers it all in detail
A very nice section on the FOOSBALL HALL OF FAME that Johnny created in 1986 and now
maintained by Jim Stevens and Brunswick. Included is a fitting tribute to Jim Wiswell in which
Johnny dedicates the HOF to Jim and his memory.
Another stand alone book section is I guess something Johnny has wanted to get off his chest
for a long time. I speak of”The Inner Game of Foosball”. I did a review of this in another post.
Johnny has researched this thoroughly and breaks it down in what he calls the trinity of
winning. Skill: the first pillar. Physical Conditioning: the second pillar Mental Preparation: the
third pillar. Combined it makes a good read for the seasoned pro and critical read for the rest of
us.
One of the more entertaining sections is what Kathy calls ‘Foosball In Pop Culture’ and covers
how foosball has grown from an arcade game to touch just about every aspect of our culture
from movies, television, and now the internet. Not to forget the heritage of Johnny and Kathy’s
first book ‘The Complete Book Of Foosball” Johnny dedicates a rather lengthy section on the
basics through advanced techniques on how to play the game of foosball. Very hard for anyone
to read this pro through rookie and not find a new or forgotten technique for playing
professional foosball.
A section that I think will be very popular and that is as complete of a results section for all the
major tour events for the last thirty years laid out in detail that anyone could possibly wish for if
they ever played this game. This section alone is worth the price of admission if you are a
foosball history buff like me.
Lastly, something very unexpected when I first saw them gathering the information on The
Foosball Board and I speak of a complete obit section detailing the life and death struggle of
dedicated foosers all over the world. This section if any spells out in very real terms just what
our little game has meant to so many over such a long period and expanse of time. Very hard
to read this section without choking back a tear if you have played this game for very long.
GENERAL IMPRESSIONS:
Again the size but more than that I think this book comes from two very dedicated lifelong
foosball players who have poured their heart into this book. In the 80’s “The Complete Book Of
Foosball” I think was rightly or wrongly written for the masses but this book is clearly written
for you the foosball player who has felt the competitive twitch of when driving to the tournament
can’t get there fast enough and get on the table. I don’t know that everyone will read this cover
to cover word for word but I know this you will spend many, many hours enjoying this book.
At this time I want to thank Kathy and Johnny with my deepest gratitude for publishing this
book because they have from page 1 to page 700 tried to include everyone who has ever
played this game for even a whisper of a moment and if you have been omitted its because at
some point Johnny and Kathy had to end this Tour D’ Force of foosball and figure out an end
page
Phil Kennedy
Foosballboard.com Director, Past Professional Player
"Impressive and to-the-point knowledge that can be used to make your game better".
Absolutely!
Johnny was gracious enough to send me an advance look at his Tour 'de Force on foosball and
indeed it could be called the "Inner Game Of Foosball". Well worth the price of the book.
Somewhat lengthy, but yet surprisingly concise at laying out the basic fundamentals. The
entire book is full of important winning keys (that all Pro Masters past and present have in
common) that many are not to willing to discuss or put in such detailed form as Johnny has.
Johnny lays it out as as “The Trinity Of Winning” in a three part tour not really meant or
designed for the beginner. Indeed. I would think you would need to be well into competitive
foosball to gain full advantage. Johnny starts off with the first Pillar as the mechanics,
execution, and strategy of the game. Laying out not only the forward position but the goalie as
well. Such interesting items as percentage read, passing tips, count system, and some
advanced tips that even well seasoned pros could use.
Moving on his second Pillar Johnny discusses Physical Conditioning, like lifting weights and
building the body up, through a well balanced diet. Indeed, Johnny lays out specific diets that
seem to works best for an intense weekend of foosball matches. He breaks it down so far as
to separate out men from women in their dietary foosball competitive needs.
Johnny saves the third Pillar for the best: as he calls it, the Mental preparation -The Inner
Game. I very much enjoyed this section because Johnny’s forte has always been the mental
side of simply dueling it out with his opponents. He has left nothing to the imagination and
reveals to anyone, (including those who may lacking in skill and mechanics) how to more than
make up for it with mental conditioning. Johnny explains how to handle the pressure and find
the zone almost at will. He creates (for the first time that I aware of) how to simply use various
aspects of the mental game as your weapons. Stuff like intelligence, instincts, knowledge,
emotion, aggressiveness, etc. Very impressive and very, very much worth a detailed reading.
He ties all this together with a simple statement…
“There is no better method to improve your table soccer skills than to participate in
competition. Whether playing in a small local tournaments or participating in leagues or
regional events”
Good job Johnny, very impressive!
_________________
~Phil Kennedy
