Bring Soccer to Your Minecraft Server with Pushball
Minecraft servers thrive on creative minigames, and few are as universally loved as a good game of soccer. The Pushball plugin transforms any server into a lively sports arena, letting players kick, push, and roll a physical ball across custom-built fields. Whether you want a casual kickabout or a fully automated tournament with economy support, this plugin delivers a surprisingly deep experience without complicated redstone contraptions. It is all about pure physics-based fun.
What Makes Pushball Stand Out
At its core, Pushball spawns a special block that behaves like a soccer ball. Walk up to it and it moves; push it up a hill and watch it roll back down, gaining momentum. The ball bounces off two-block-high walls, preventing it from getting stuck in corners, and you can destroy the block at any time to remove it. This simple mechanic opens the door to countless arena designs, from classic flat pitches to multi-level obstacle courses where goals sit on elevated platforms.
The plugin supports economy integration, so server owners can charge players to create balls or enter matches, and a robust permissions system lets you fine-tune who can do what. Setting up automated arenas is straightforward, and once configured, players can join matches with a single command while the plugin tracks time and scores. It is a fantastic way to add competitive, low-latency fun to any survival or minigame hub.
Core Features at a Glance
- Physics-driven ball movement: push balls uphill, let them roll downhill, and bounce off walls.
- Economy support to charge for ball creation or arena entry.
- Granular permissions for every command, from creating arenas to deleting all pushballs.
- Easy arena setup using a wand or selection commands.
- Automated match handling with start, stop, join, and time tracking.
- Customizable ball type and spawn points.
- Lightweight and simple to install, with a configuration file for tweaking.
Commands to Master the Game
Pushball uses a flexible command system where /pb, /pball, and /pushball all work interchangeably. Here are the most important ones to get started:
Ball Management
- /pb create <name> – Turns the block you are looking at into a named pushball.
- /pb delete – Removes the pushball you are looking at.
- /pb delete <name> – Deletes a specific pushball by name.
- /pb deleteAll – Removes every pushball on the server.
Arena Setup
- /pb createArena <name> – Creates an arena from your current WorldEdit-style selection.
- /pb deleteArena <name> – Deletes the named arena.
- /pb set <goal1:goal2:ball:ballspawn> <arena> – Configures goals, ball type, and spawn point.
- /pb wand – Gives you the selection wand (a stick by default).
- /pb select <1:2> – Sets selection points without a wand.
Match Control
- /pb start <arena> – Begins a match in the named arena.
- /pb stop <arena> – Ends the current match.
- /pb time <arena> – Shows remaining match time.
- /pb join <arena> – Adds you to the ongoing game.
- /pb list <balls:arenas> – Lists all pushballs or arenas.
If you are looking for a hassle-free way to get this plugin running, you can install it directly through the foxygame.net launcher. This modern launcher lets you browse and download mods right from the menu, so setting up Pushball on your server becomes a matter of a few clicks.
Building Your First Pushball Arena
Creating an arena is intuitive and follows a simple four-step process. You will need operator permissions (or the appropriate permission nodes) for most setup commands.
1. Select the Arena Area
Grab the selection wand with /pb wand (a stick by default, changeable in the config). Left-click the first corner and right-click the second corner of your desired arena. The selection automatically spans from bedrock to the world height limit, so you only need to define the horizontal boundaries. If you prefer not to use the wand, look at a block and type /pb select 1 for point one, then /pb select 2 for point two.
2. Create the Arena
With the selection ready, run /pb createArena <name>. Pick a memorable name because you will use it for all subsequent arena commands. The arena is now registered and ready for configuration.
3. Set Goals, Ball, and Spawn Point
Goals are the most creative part. Select each goal region using the same wand technique; note that goal selections do not extend vertically, so you can place them at any height. Use /pb set goal1 <arena> and /pb set goal2 <arena> to assign them. Next, stand where you want the ball to appear after a score and type /pb set ballspawn <arena>. Finally, if you want a custom ball block (instead of the default white wool), look at an existing pushball and use /pb set ball <arena>.
4. Start the Match
Everything is set. Launch the game with /pb start <arena>, then players can join via /pb join <arena>. Use /pb stop <arena> to end it early, or let the timer run its course.
Permissions Breakdown
Pushball’s permission system is thorough, allowing server admins to delegate responsibilities safely. Below is a condensed reference. Remember: never include colons in the actual permission nodes — the colons here are only for readability.
- pushball.* – Grants all Pushball commands.
- pushball.create.ball – Allows creating a pushball (default: true).
- pushball.create.arena – Allows creating an arena (default: op).
- pushball.wand – Gives access to the selection wand (default: op).
- pushball.join – Lets players join a match (default: true).
- pushball.start / pushball.stop – Control match flow (default: op).
- pushball.set.goal / set.ball / set.ballspawn – Configure arena elements (default: op).
- pushball.delete.own – Delete own pushballs (default: true).
- pushball.delete.all – Delete all pushballs (default: op).
- pushball.paybypass – Bypass economy costs (default: op).
- pushball.info.own / info.other – View player info (own: true, other: true).
You can mix and match these to create a tiered system where trusted players build arenas while everyone else simply plays. The plugin also respects a pushball.ride permission, though riding pushballs is currently obsolete.
Why Pushball Deserves a Spot on Your Server
Pushball turns the simple act of nudging a block into a competitive, laugh-out-loud team sport. The physics feel responsive, the arena setup is quick, and the permission depth means it scales from a small friend group to a large public network. The ability to design vertical goals, use economy incentives, and automate entire tournaments makes it far more than a novelty. Whether you build a traditional soccer field or a chaotic pinball-inspired course, Pushball delivers endless replayability. Give it a try, and watch your community come together for some block-pushing glory.