Abstract: A playing piece for table soccer or a similar game wherein the playing piece is positioned for rotational movement about a horizontal axis as well as linear movement along the axis a predetermined distance above the table playing surface and is utilized by appropriate movement to control the movement of a ball or similar object across the table surface toward the opponent's goal. The playing piece includes relatively vertical planar side surfaces to allow lateral passage of the ball from one playing piece or position to another as well as configurated and tapered front and back surfaces on the foot joined by a uniformly curved bottom portion which permits the piece to be used to stop or pin the ball and then propel it in a rapid fashion towards the opponent's goal.

Abstract: A tamper-proof ball dispensing mechanism for use in conjunction with game tables or the like. A supply of balls is held in a position remote from the player and a predetermined number of balls are dispensed by a mechanism which both measures the number of balls and dispenses them while simultaneously preventing dispensing of other balls and preventing operator interference with the dispensing mechanism. The balls are guided into a single line in a retaining, dispensing mechanism which is actuated by a coin operated plunger. The plunger pivots the dispensing/measuring device allowing the balls to fall through a tortuous path to a position where they may be removed by the player while temporarily preventing further removal from the storage area.