8-a-side football rules
8-a-side sits between 7-a-side and 9-a-side, and there's no single official rulebook for adults: leagues and venues set their own. Here are the rules most 8-a-side games use, and the things to agree before the first one.
By Squadcard. Last updated .
In short
- 8-a-side is seven outfield players and a goalkeeper on each team.
- There's no official adult 8-a-side rulebook: leagues and venues write their own.
- Venues usually use a large 7-a-side pitch or half a full-size pitch; goals vary from venue to venue.
- Rolling substitutions are usual; offside depends on the league.
The pitch and goals
The FA's small-sided laws give adult 7-a-side a pitch of 50 to 60 metres by 30 to 40 metres, and venues usually put 8-a-side on a large one of those or on half of a full-size artificial pitch. Goals vary by venue, from the 12 by 6 foot size youth 7v7 uses up to the 16 by 7 foot 9v9 size, so ask when you book. More on sizes in our 7-a-side pitch size and football goal sizes guides.
The usual rules
- Teams: eight a side including a goalkeeper, with rolling subs.
- Offside: many friends' games play without it; leagues that use it often apply it only in the final third.
- Throw-ins or kick-ins: most outdoor 8-a-side uses throw-ins; some leagues use kick-ins to keep the game moving.
- Slide tackles: banned in many small-sided leagues, especially on 3G. Agree it first.
- Length: usually two halves of 20 to 30 minutes, to fit an hour's booking.
- Goalkeepers: normal keeper rules, and back passes picked up are a free kick in most leagues.
Shapes for eight
With seven outfield players, 3-3-1, 3-2-2 and 2-3-2 are the common shapes. The 8-a-side lineup builder draws them with your names, ready for the group chat.
The usual problem with 8-a-side is getting 16 people: 15 turn up, or 18. The team generator splits any number into fair sides, and Squadcard collects who's in from a link in the group chat.
Pick fair 8-a-side teamsQuestions
How many players are in 8-a-side football?
Eight on each team: seven outfield players and a goalkeeper, usually with rolling subs.
Is there offside in 8-a-side?
It depends on the league. Many friends' games play without it; some leagues use it, sometimes only in the final third.
What size pitch is 8-a-side?
Usually a 7-a-side pitch (50 to 60 by 30 to 40 metres under the FA's small-sided laws) or half of a full-size 3G pitch.
How long is an 8-a-side game?
Usually two halves of 20 to 30 minutes, to fit an hour's booking.