Everything You Need to Know About 7v7 Football (2024)

Football is arguably the most popular sport in the United States. It is also growing on the global scene at a rapid rate. While we know football as an 11-on-11 battle of wills, there are other forms of the great gridiron game.

For instance, 7 on 7 football can be a showcase of offensive skill like no other. With the help of Battle Sports, you can learn more about 7 on 7 football, otherwise known as non-tackle football, how it is played, and why it is gaining in popularity.

What is 7v7 Football?

If you aren’t sure what 7v7 football is, it’s actually quite simple. The game of football as we see it on television is based on 11-on-11 action. That means both the offense and defense have 11 players on their side of the ball.

So, it only stands to reason that 7 on 7 football has 7 players on each side of the ball. In the football offseason, or for any time that you want to have a fun game with friends, it can be an impact-free way to enjoy the game of football.

Why is 7v7 Football So Popular?

Those who enjoy football will notice that 7v7 football has become more and more popular. Once you get past the question of “what is 7v7 football,” it becomes easy to see why the game has grown in popularity in recent years.

Year ‘Round. For starters, it can be played year ‘round. Most other incarnations of football include an offseason. In the professional ranks, the football offseason is to give competitors a chance to recoup and rest from the wear and tear of the season.

But 7 on 7 football can be played anywhere, at any time, during any part of the year. With the help of organizations like Battle Sports, football lovers from around the globe can partake in the growing game of 7v7 football.

High Skill. Another major reason that the popularity of 7 on 7 football is growing is due to the high skill involved. Because there is no contact, there is no real focus on positions like the offensive and defensive lines.

Instead, the focal point is on the skill positions. On offense, that includes the quarterback, running back, and wide receivers. On the defensive side of the ball, cornerbacks, safeties, and linebackers get the attention.

There is more of an emphasis on speed and physical skill than any other form of football. With it being non-tackle football, players can take chances that they may not otherwise. It is a great way to see what the skill position players have to offer.

The Rules are Different

Though the goal of 7 on 7 football is the same as regular football, there are many differences. Sure, you want to score as many points as possible, but the game itself can look quite a bit different than it would on your television.

For the most part, a play ends with a tag below the neck (flags are also common). Since there are no offensive and defensive lines, running the ball is out the window, as is rushing the quarterback. That means a focus on the passing game, part of the reason football has seen a shift toward the passing game throughout all levels.

Games are also typically played in 40-yard chunks rather than across a 100-yard field. Some leagues might use more space; it all depends on the league in question. With a smaller field, there is also a lot more scoring than you would normally see in a football game.

There is also the matter of time. Traditional football games see four 15-minute quarters. Most of the 7v7 football games, however, are split into a pair of 20-minute halves allowing for a short halftime break. Each side generally gets one timeout and the games are not only less physical, but a lot shorter than traditional football.

The Wave of the Future?

Though traditional football doesn’t seem to be going anywhere in the near future, we may be seeing a rise in 7v7 football. Non-tackle football may not be seen in the same lens as traditional tackle football, but this brand of football is making its case.

More and more high schools are implementing this brand of football into their programs, allowing high-skill players to make an impact on the field like never before. Though it won’t replace traditional football, it is entirely possible that we will continue to see a rise in 7v7 football both in the near future and for years to come. It is an exciting brand of football that is easy to like.

Shop Battle Sports to get the best gear for your 7 on 7 football games.