Despite the fact that there aren’t many variations of 11 man football, 7v7 football has many different ways to play. Branching from flag football all the way to professional arena football, it extends through a bunch of different age and skill levels. In this article, I will explain the three types of 7v7 football that I understand best, as well as other, less common methods of play.
Passing Only 7v7 Football
In passing only 7v7 football, as the name explains, is based around the forward pass as the only way to advance the ball. It is usually two hand touch football, and this style has been increasing in popularity during the 2000’s. The center is ineligible, so the offense has 5 eligible players and a QB. The center merely counts a seventh man because 7v7 sounds so much better than 6v7. High schools, College teams, and even NFL teams, utilize this method to improve their passing game and it certainly is a great way to improve without a pass rush. Even without a pass rush, there is a rule of 4-5 seconds depending on where it is being played, to get the ball out of the QBs hand.
7v7 Flag Football
This variation is usually run by local flag football leagues, and generally for kids in middle and high school just looking to have a good time and isn’t usually taken as seriously. The center is eligible, making it truly a 7v7 football game. You must pull the flag instead of tagging the ball carrier. There are different blitzing rules depending on the league. It is usually pass only, except I have seen different leagues allowing rushing.
Arena Football/Condensed Fields
The most serious, and official Arena Football leagues tend to use 8 men, there are leagues such as the FCF (Fan Controlled Football) that use 7 men. There is full contact, and there is a run game. Another league that runs a similar variation is the A7FL (American 7s Football League). They have a longer field at 100 yards long, but condensed to 37 yards wide. They play full contact football, but, with no pads which is an interesting combination. It is almost a combination of 80 percent American football and 20 percent rugby because the ball that they use is also thicker.
I covered all the variations and different combinations of 7v7 football that I have seen/ played in. There are most likely many more. But a league near you most likely uses the first 2 versions, because very few play tackle 7v7 football. Use this information to find what league is right for you!