SuperClub comes complete with 22 players(including 8 players only available in the SuperClub game), superb quality pitch for floor or table-top play, 2 goals, 2 keeper rods and base clips, 2 measuring sticks and 3 balls.

Setting up ready to play

Set up the goals on the location points on the goal line at each end of the pitch using the velcro attachments.

You can add all the MicroStars in your collection to the players supplied with the game provided you and your opponent agree on the base colour each of you will play with. The base colour is how you know who is in your team and who's playing against you. You each put your Goalkeeper into the base with the rod attached and clip it in (see picture below). Then, put this rod with the Keeper in through the slot in the back of the net.

Next you need to decide the positions of each player ready for kick-off and set each player up in your chosen positions. You should already have decided upon what your formation and playing strategy will be eg. 4-4-2 , 4-3-3 etc. All players from the same team must be in their own half of the pitch for Kick Off.

To give yourself the best chance of victory it is important that you master the ball control techniques . Just like the real game, practice is the only way to improve. Remember MicroStars SuperClub Football is all about ball control and team work.

ARE YOU READY TO PLAY?

Ball control techniques - In MicroStars SuperClub Football there are four basic ball control skills you need to master. Any other technique used to move the ball is not allowed. You can only use one hand to control the player and the ball. In addition the MicroStars may only be picked up and controlled by the head . Picking the player up by the body or the base to kick the ball is not allowed and is a foul (see below)

The Swing Technique - The basic kicking action where the player is moved through the air bringing the base in contact with the middle of the ball and pushing it forward. This is the best technique for close control and tight inter-passing and one-two's. Also used for powerful shooting.

The Flick Technique - Use this technique to lift the ball over opponents, chip the keeper or shoot for the top corner. Place the base of the player behind the bottom of the ball and lift the base up and through the ball. Less control than the swing technique but ideal for free kicks

The Push-Down Technique - Once mastered the Push-Down Technique is highly accurate and the best method to use for long passes and long snap shots. Position the player base behind and above the ball. Then push the base down causing the ball to spin forward. The greater the angle of the base (ie the nearer the players' head is to the pitch) the greater your control over the ball. Probably the technique most used by top MicroStars SuperClub Players.

The Side-Swipe Technique - Not for the inexperienced Manager and the most difficult technique to get your MicroStars to master. The Side-Swipe involves striking across the ball with the base creating a side spin. Experienced Managers will be able to get their players to curve the ball towards another player or towards goal.

No other methods of kicking the ball are permitted. If a Manager does use a different kicking method or uses two hands, a free kick is awarded to the opponent where the Manager committed the offence.

MicroStars SuperClub Football Official Rules of Play

Passing, Dribbling and Tackling
MicroStars SuperClub Football is just like real football. So, if you know the rules of real football you are almost ready to play MicroStars Super Club Fottball!

These rules are based on what we call “Plays”. A PLAY is any single touch of the ball by the player in possession and each play begins as soon as the attacking team Manager picks up the head of the player in possession. The attacking manger must play the ball between 2 and 10 seconds of picking up the player. If he plays it earlier than 2 seconds or more than 10 seconds after picking up the player possession changes to the nearest defending player.

The Player nearest the ball from either team, at the end of each play, keeps or loses possession irrespective of which team has played the ball or which player touched the ball last. This “ NEAREST THE BALL RULE ” is the basic rule of the game. If the Managers dispute who is closest to the ball time is stopped and you must use the measuring stick to decide who is closest. If still in dispute the attacking team retains possession.

The Player in possession may dribble (ie kick the ball and keep possession) for UP TO 3 PLAYS using any of the ball control techniques. He retains possession even if the ball hits an opposing playing provided that he remains the player nearest the ball after the play . If the ball is nearer a defender the defender has made the TACKLE and gains possession of the ball.

The player dribbling MUST PASS the ball on his 3rd play . If he fails to pass he loses possession to the nearest opposition player to the ball.

Player Movement and Positional Play
Re-positioning of some players from both sides is allowed before the ball is kicked at the start of each play (which begins when the attacking Manager touches the player in possession of the ball). The play continues even if the defender is still being moved.

The attacking team may move up to 2 players in addition to the player in possession into a new position before the ball is played.

The defending team may move 1 player into a new position before the ball is played by the attacking team. If the defender being moved is not still and in position when the ball is played the defender is out of position and cannot win the tackle even if he ends up closest to the ball after the play is over.

The maximum distance any player may be moved during re-positioning in open play is no more than 6 player length s (long measuring stick).

Defenders and the goalkeepers may not be re-positioned closer to the attacking player in possession of the ball than 2 player lengths (short measuring stick)

A maximum of 4 Defenders (in addition to the goalkeeper) are allowed in their own Penalty Area at all times. If a fifth defender enters the penalty area a penalty to the attacking side is awarded.

No attacking players may enter the “6 yard box” at any time.