Six-a-side football is a popular variation of traditional football played across the UK, offering a fast-paced and exciting alternative that requires fewer players and less space. This modified version maintains the essence of the beautiful game while introducing specific rules designed to enhance gameplay on smaller pitches. In six-a-side football, teams consist of a maximum of six players on the pitch at any time (five outfield players plus one goalkeeper), though squads can include up to ten registered players to allow for rotations.
The dimensions of a 6v6 pitch differ significantly from the standard 11-a-side format, with touchlines typically longer than goal lines as recommended by The FA for small-sided games. Key rules include restrictions on returning the ball directly to the goalkeeper (a player receiving the ball from the goalkeeper cannot pass it straight back without another player touching it first) and specific regulations for restarts such as kick-ins. Unlike in the traditional format of soccer, goals cannot be scored directly from a kick-in, and opposing players must remain at least five metres away during these set pieces.
Games generally consist of two 20-minute halves with a brief 5-minute interval, making matches more condensed but equally competitive. The simplified structure makes six-a-side football particularly accessible for amateur leagues, workplace competitions and recreational players looking for regular football with less demanding time and space requirements.
Fundamentals of 6 Aside Football
Six-a-side football offers a fast-paced alternative to the traditional 11-a-side game, with modified rules that maintain the essence of football while encouraging more touches, quicker decision-making, and higher scoring matches.
Pitch of Play and Equipment
The 6-a-side pitch is significantly smaller than a standard football pitch, typically rectangular with touchlines longer than goal lines. This smaller area promotes quick transitions and technical play.
The playing surface may be artificial turf, indoor hard court, or natural grass, depending on the venue. Most facilities provide purpose-built 6-a-side pitches with surrounding barriers or boards that keep the ball in play.
Standard equipment includes:
- Goals: Smaller than regulation size, usually 3.66m wide × 1.22m high
- Ball: Standard size 5 football, same as 11-a-side
- Pitch markings: Include a penalty area, halfway line, and centre circle
- Playing barriers: Often surrounding the pitch to maintain continuous play
Players should wear appropriate footwear based on the surface, with shin pads being mandatory for safety.
Team Composition and Positions
A 6-a-side team consists of one goalkeeper and five outfield players. Substitutions are typically rolling, allowing players to be replaced at any time when play is stopped.
Common formations include:
- 1-2-2-1 (goalkeeper, two defenders, two midfielders, one forward)
- 1-1-3-1 (goalkeeper, one defender, three midfielders, one forward)
- 1-3-2 (goalkeeper, three defenders, two attackers)
The goalkeeper must remain within their designated area and cannot venture outfield. This restriction means defenders must provide adequate cover and support.
Unlike 11-a-side football, players in 6-a-side often take on multiple roles due to the limited team size. A defender might quickly transition to attack, requiring versatility and stamina from all players.
Match Duration and Starting the Game
6-a-side matches typically last between 40-60 minutes, divided into two equal halves with a short half-time break. Some leagues and tournaments may operate with shorter periods to accommodate multiple games.
The game begins with a kick-off from the centre spot after a coin toss to determine which team starts with possession. After goals, the non-scoring team restarts play with a kick-off.
Key timing rules include:
- No stoppage time: The clock runs continuously
- Time-outs: Some formats allow one time-out per half
- Shot clock: Some variations implement a shot clock to encourage attacking play
The fast-paced nature of 6v6 football means that player rotation is crucial for maintaining energy levels throughout the match. Most competitions allow unlimited substitutions, enabling teams to keep players fresh and adjust tactics as needed.
Rules and Regulations
Six-a-side football follows specific guidelines that ensure fair play and competitive matches. These regulations govern everything from scoring methods to handling fouls and managing player substitutions.
Scoring and Results
Matches typically consist of two 20-minute halves with a 5-minute half-time break. The team scoring the most goals during this period wins the match.
Goals count when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar. In league competitions, three points are awarded for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a loss.
Most 6v6 tournaments use goal difference as the first tiebreaker if teams finish on equal points. If goal difference remains equal, goals scored usually determine ranking.
Some competitions implement a mercy rule where a match ends early if one team establishes a significant lead, typically 10 goals.
Results are typically recorded immediately after the match and updated on league tables.
Fouls and Free Kicks
Standard football infringements apply in six-a-side, though with some variations. Common fouls include dangerous play, obstruction, handball, and excessive physical contact.
All free kicks in six-a-side are direct, meaning players can score directly from them without another player touching the ball. Opponents must remain at least 3 metres from the ball until it's in play.
Unlike 11-a-side soccer, there's no offside rule in six-a-side football. This creates a faster, more attacking style of play.
The goalkeeper cannot handle back-passes from teammates. If they do, a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team.
Slide tackles are generally prohibited in most six-a-side competitions for safety reasons. The Referee has authority to caution or dismiss players for serious or persistent infractions.
Penalties and Substitutions
Penalties are awarded for fouls committed inside the penalty area. The penalty spot is typically positioned 7-8 metres from the goal line, with only the kicker and goalkeeper involved in the play.
All other players must remain behind the penalty spot until the kick is taken. If the initial shot rebounds, any player may then play the ball.
Yellow and red cards are used for disciplinary measures. A player receiving a red card must leave the match, with their team playing short-handed for the remainder of the game.
Substitutions in six-a-side are unlimited and can occur at any time during play (rolling substitutions). The player leaving must exit the pitch before the replacement enters.
Teams must have a minimum of 4 players to start or continue a match. All players must wear shin pads as mandatory protective equipment.
Organising and Managing 6 Aside Competitions
Successful 6-a-side football competitions require careful planning, consistent management, and clear structures. Proper organisation ensures fair play, team satisfaction, and long-term sustainability.
Types of Competitions and Leagues
Various formats exist for 6-a-side competitions, each suited to different needs. Single-day tournaments work well for charity events or pre-season warm-ups, typically using a group stage followed by knockout rounds. These concentrated events build team spirit quickly.
Weekly leagues represent the most common format, usually running in 8-12 week seasons. Teams compete for points, with matches often scheduled on weekday evenings under floodlights.
Cup competitions can run alongside leagues, providing knockout excitement. Many organisers implement a two-tier system with a main cup and a plate competition for teams eliminated early.
Business leagues cater specifically to workplace teams, while social leagues focus less on competition and more on participation. Some regions also offer specialized 6v6 leagues for veterans (over-35s) or youth development.
Ranking Systems and Tables
League tables form the backbone of 6-a-side competitions, typically awarding three points for a win and one for a draw. Goal difference often serves as the primary tiebreaker when teams finish level on points, followed by goals scored or head-to-head results.
Many modern leagues employ online platforms or apps that automatically update tables and player statistics after each match. This transparency helps maintain interest throughout the season.
Standard Points System:
- Win: 3 points
- Draw: 1 point
- Loss: 0 points
Fair play rankings can complement traditional tables, rewarding teams with fewer bookings or better referee ratings. Some competitions use this as a secondary table or to resolve tied positions.
Promotion and relegation between divisions keeps leagues competitive when running multiple seasons. This structure encourages teams to maintain commitment and provides appropriate competitive levels for teams of differing abilities.
