Are you looking to set up a 6-a-side football pitch for your local team or community? Understanding the correct dimensions is crucial for creating a properly regulated playing space. For standard 6-a-side football, the recommended pitch dimensions are approximately 40 yards (36.6m) in length and 30 yards (27.4m) in width, though dimensions can vary slightly depending on available space and age groups.
Many grassroots clubs and recreational venues opt for the 40 x 20 metres size, which is perfectly suitable for both 6v6 and 7v7 formats. This provides ample space for players to develop their skills while ensuring the game remains compact enough for meaningful engagement throughout the match.
The pitch size plays a significant role in the flow and intensity of the game. Smaller dimensions make for a faster-paced match with more scoring opportunities, which is ideal for developing technical abilities and quick decision-making in younger players or those looking for a more action-packed version of the beautiful game than traditional 11-a-side soccer.
Official Pitch Dimensions and Markings
Understanding the correct dimensions and markings for a 6-aside football pitch is essential for proper game setup and fair play. These standardised specifications ensure consistency across competitions while providing appropriate space for the reduced number of players.
Overall Pitch Size
The Football Association (FA) recommends specific dimensions for 6-aside football pitches. Standard 6v6 pitches should measure approximately 40-50 metres in length and 30-35 metres in width. This provides sufficient space for players while maintaining a compact playing area suitable for the smaller team size.
The pitch must be rectangular in shape with clearly defined boundaries. The playing surface may consist of natural grass, artificial turf, or specialised small-sided game surfaces depending on the facility and competition requirements.
For youth players, dimensions may be slightly reduced, with pitches measuring closer to 40 metres by 30 metres to accommodate their physical development and skill level.
Goal Area and Penalty Area
The goal area in 6-aside football is proportionally smaller than in 11-a-side matches. Standard goals measure 3.66 metres wide by 1.83 metres high (12ft × 6ft), though some competitions may use slightly larger 4.88 metres × 1.83 metres (16ft × 6ft) goals.
The penalty area typically extends 6-9 metres from the goal line across the width of the pitch. This reduced size reflects the smaller overall pitch dimensions while still providing adequate space for defensive organisation.
The penalty spot is positioned centrally, usually 7 metres from the goal line. This distance balances the challenge for both penalty takers and goalkeepers in the smaller format of the game.
Markings and Player Zones
Pitch markings for 6-aside football follow similar principles to the full-sized game but are adapted for the smaller playing area. The following markings are essential:
- Touchlines: The longer boundary lines
- Goal Lines: The shorter boundary lines
- Halfway Line: Dividing the pitch equally
- Centre Circle: Typically 3 metres in radius
- Corner Arcs: Usually 1 metre in radius
Some formats include retreat lines positioned 3 metres from each goal line. These help facilitate building play from the back by requiring opponents to remain behind this line during certain restarts.
Player positioning zones are less formally defined than in 11-a-side football, but the pitch naturally divides into defensive, midfield and attacking thirds. This encourages players to develop positional awareness while allowing the fluid movement characteristic of small-sided soccer.
Rules and Regulations for the Pitch
Setting up a proper 6-aside football pitch requires adherence to specific dimensions and rules established by governing bodies. The pitch layout affects gameplay significantly, with restrictions on goalkeeper movement, set piece procedures, and boundary regulations all contributing to the overall flow of the match.
Goalkeeper Rules
Goalkeepers in 6-aside football operate under distinct restrictions compared to the 11-a-side game. They typically cannot leave their designated area, which extends 9 metres from the goal line in most competition formats.
Handling rules state that goalkeepers must release the ball within 6 seconds after gaining possession. This ensures fast-paced play continues throughout the match.
The goalkeeper cannot receive a deliberate back-pass with their hands from a teammate. If this occurs, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick from where the infringement took place.
When distributing the ball, goalkeepers must use throw-outs rather than kick-outs in many 6v6 formats. This promotes controlled build-up play and technical development.
Penalties and Free Kicks
Penalty kicks in 6-aside football are taken from a spot 7 metres from the goal line, significantly closer than the 11-metre distance in full-sized matches. All players except the penalty taker must remain behind the ball until it is kicked.
Free kicks follow a simplified procedure where opponents must retreat 3 metres from the ball. This distance is reduced from the standard 9.15 metres in regulation football matches to accommodate the smaller pitch dimensions.
The referee must signal for the free kick to be taken, and quick free kicks are often permitted when advantageous to the attacking team.
Both direct and indirect free kicks exist in small-sided football, with the same infringement categories as the full-sized game determining which type is awarded.
Sidelines and Goal Lines
The touchlines and goal lines must be clearly marked with appropriate line markings of 8-12cm width. Cones may supplement these lines in grassroots settings but should not replace proper markings for competitive matches.
When the ball crosses the sideline, a kick-in replaces the traditional throw-in used in standard soccer. The player taking the kick-in cannot score directly from this restart.
Goal kicks (or goalkeeper restarts) occur when the ball crosses the goal line after last touching an attacking player. These are typically taken from anywhere within the goalkeeper's area.
Corner kicks are awarded when the ball crosses the goal line after last touching a defending player. They are taken from the corner arc, which should be clearly marked on both sides of the pitch.
Comparative Pitch Sizes
Understanding the differences between various small-sided football pitch dimensions helps coaches select appropriate facilities for training and matches. The dimensions vary significantly between formats, affecting gameplay strategy and player development.
Differences Between 5-a-Side and 7-a-Side Pitches
5-a-side pitches are typically smaller, measuring around 25-35 yards (22.9-32m) in length and 15-25 yards (13.7-22.9m) in width. These compact dimensions encourage quick decision-making and close control skills.
7-a-side pitches are noticeably larger, generally 50-60 yards (45.7-54.9m) long and 30-40 yards (27.4-36.6m) wide. This increased space allows for more tactical play and positional awareness.
The goal sizes also differ between formats. 5-a-side goals are usually 3.66m wide by 1.22m high, while 7-a-side goals measure approximately 4.88m wide by 1.83m high.
For 6v6 football, the dimensions typically fall between these two formats, offering a balanced playing experience that combines technical skills with tactical elements.
Futsal Pitch vs. 6 Aside Football Pitch
Futsal pitches follow strict international guidelines, measuring 25-42m in length and 15-25m in width. The court is typically marked with specific areas including a penalty area and substitution zones.
The playing surface for futsal is usually wooden or synthetic, designed specifically for the weighted ball used in the sport. This creates a different playing experience compared to the artificial grass or turf common in 6-aside football.
6-aside football pitches are generally larger than futsal courts, typically 30-50m long and 20-35m wide based on international guidelines. These dimensions provide more space for tactical movements while still maintaining the fast-paced nature of small-sided games.
The boundary markings also differ, with 6-aside pitches featuring a simplified version of 11-a-side markings, while futsal courts have distinctive markings including the second penalty spot at 10m.
