Part of the Next Level Foosball training tutorials. Download the coursework (Excel format) with links to all the videos here: Excel 2007, 2010 versions: dl.dropbox.com... Excel 1995-2003 versions: dl.dropbox.com...
I wrap my finger around the metal rod as well, but just be careful if you slam the rod far side or anything like that, because you can bang the crap out of your finger.. I do it all the time ._.