Lets simplfy things. What works, as determined by what shot wins. Pro tournaments have been won by "Set Shot Series" for a long time. The natural game is played continuously as field soccer is. Pro foosball is played more like American style football with set plays executed by the offense within a possession time limit. Build your time of possession and increase your odds of winning. Billy Sumption's "Blue Diamond Theory" of ball possession states that the ball is to be considered more valuable than the Hope Diamond, the most valuable jewel in the world if one is to win. The Theory states three permissilble things to do the ball: #1- Keep it to yourself: #2-(in Doubles) Give to your partner: #3- Put it in the vault(goal). The pro series of shots consists of various options to the long, middle and short portions of the goal. It is far more important to build time of possession than what play you select. It is more important than anything to have a good approach, to contact the side of the foot to the ball without any gap at all. Sit still and make a read on the D. Execute the appropriate play. Be alert for rebounds. The Sumption School of Foos teaches that one should learn all the basic pro series' first, then choose the one that works the best for you. This means a considerable investment of time on shots that you will likely never use to win a tournament. The main benifit is defensive understanding of your opponent which builds your time of possession. Along the way though, you will find your "Big Gun". Maybe it's the push shot from front, it works for a very few Pro players. More likely it's ( in order ) ; #1- pull shot, #2- front pin rollover, #3- pushkick, #4- pullkick, #5- push shot, #6- backpin. Start by trying each of these series' in practice by yourself to gain some experience shooting them.Gradually add them to your playlist in scrimmage and then blast a few when they least expect it in tournament play. Right now I believe the push is most at home from goalie and is the play of choice for me. I murder everyone with topspin slop because the push from back allows me to put the full force of a straight right hand punch that they have to defend or let it in. Remember that foosball is "Handle to Handle Combat" and a full contact sport. My motto is "Skunk three people" no matter who they are.