Different Types of Soccer Games

Different Types of Soccer Games for Adults

Different types of adult soccer games are enjoyed around the world. You should be able to find some if not all of the below different forms of soccer in your local community. The first major difference for consideration is outdoor vs indoor. For those of us unlucky enough to only get a limited number of months of suitable outdoor weather (I guess we get to skate, ski and snowboard instead) to play the beautiful game outdoors, indoors may be the only other option. It’s not the same as a full outdoor 11 v 11 match but is often just as fun and rewarding.

• Outdoor 11 per side

The beautiful game in its original form. Full 11 on 11. Minimum 20 on field players and 2 goalkeepers. On field there is normally 1 referee and 2 linesmen.

• Indoor 11 per side

Crown jewel of indoor soccer. Not as common or readily available but count your blessings if you have access to these facilities during the cold winter months. Full 11 on 11. Minimum 20 on field players and 2 goalkeepers. On field there is normally 1 referee and 2 linesmen.

• Outdoor 6 per side & 7 per side

Commonly seen when clubs are short players and can not form full teams (a full team typically requires at least 13-16 committed players), groups looking just to have a casual kick around, tournaments or clubs short on field space or teams simply looking to scrimmage.

This format is very effective in maximizing the use of the entire field. Simply split a full size field perpendicularly into 2 or 3 fields allowing over 40 players to play on the same field at the same time.  Halves are usually shorter lasting only 25-30 mins and only requiring one referee per match. 

With goaltending, smaller nets adapted to this format are usually set in place, otherwise, small pop up goals can be used for more casual run-arounds. This format is quite fun and deceivingly requires a lot more running than one would expect because of the smaller pitch size and intensity. This tends to be more of a passing style game and you typically end up getting a lot more touches as well.  

• Indoor 6 per side & 7 per side

This is an extremely popular setup for indoor soccer leagues. Typically played in indoor soccer facilities, school gyms or converted hockey rinks with boards on indoor turf (often there are walls or netting).

Some indoor boarded fields have the nets built into them, otherwise, modified nets are are setup.  This setup only requires one referee and no linesmen.

• Outdoor or Indoor 3 per side

A common setup for pick-up soccer, team practices or just a fun fast paced kick around. Does not require many players, goalies, referees or real estate. No need for lines or to mark out the field. Just throw up your pop up nets and start playing. This is probably the minimum number of players you would need in order to get a decent soccer game going.

• Pick-Up Soccer

Pretty self explanatory. Exactly as the name implies. Pick up and play whenever you can.

There are lots of great groups, organizers and apps that help coordinate pickup soccer matches.  The ultimate in flexibility. Show up and play when you can or not! 

The setup of play will really depend on who shows up for the pick-up match. Ideally you will end up with at least 22 players including 2 goalies. Often this is not the case so be ready to take turns playing goalie or cutting down the field size to a 6 or 7 per side and setting up some smaller or pop up nets.

Remember, with this flexibility comes less organization and reliability so remember to bring popup nets, balls, flag poles, goalie gloves and some extra jerseys or pinnies. After all, pick-up soccer is often a lot less organized compared to a regular league but just as fun and rewarding. Typically there are no referees as well so be a good sport!

• Indoor Futsal

FIFA’s only recognized form of indoor soccer, Futsal. Typically played 5 on 5. The ball is a little smaller and a little denser than a regular soccer ball. Futsal nets are a standard size of 3m by 2m and each team has a goalie.

Extremely fast paced, intense and super fun, thus, phenomenal for developing and improving your passing, touch and cardio. The indoor field is roughly the size of a basketball court and there are typically 2 referees. 

Need help figuring out how or what is required to join a soccer team? Please refer to our blog on helping you find the right team. If you have experience with other types of adult soccer games please post us a note at Subsneeded.com. We always welcome feedback.