7 on 7 football is a booming game. The fast-paced, pared down version of the gridiron classic has taken the nation by storm in recent years and it’s churning out skilled young players everywhere.
Even better, it gives us more football throughout the year. Who says football is only for the fall?
While 7 on 7 is growing in popularity, there is not a better time to get in the game.
- Playing 7 on 7 football through the different leagues can greatly improve your chance of getting noticed by various recruiting analysts who can give your statistics to a college recruiting department.
What is 7 on 7 football and why this game is exciting
- A 7 on 7 football game shares basic similarities with traditional 11-man football but with an emphasis on the passing game.
- The first key difference in 7 on 7, aside from the personnel on the field, is there is no tackling. A ball carrier is called down when touched by a defender.
- The field of play is shortened to 40 yards which makes for more scoring and the ability to play two games on a regulation field. The offense has three downs to make a first down at the start of a drive. If the offense gets within the 10 yards of the goal line it is given four downs to score.
- The game is played in two 20 minute halves with a running clock.
The offense features a center or snapper, quarterback and five receivers. Some leagues allow for one receiver to line up as a back. The quarterback is charged with completing a pass within four seconds or it is considered a coverage sack.
The offense scores 6 points for scoring a touchdown. Then it can elect to go for 1 point from the 10-yard line or 2 points from the 15-yard line.
The offense isn’t the only side of the ball with opportunities to score though. The defense, made up of a mixture of defensive backs and linebackers, can score by stopping the offense or snagging an interception. Interceptions are usually worth 3 points but are worth 6 if returned for a touchdown.
What are the benefits of getting involved in 7 on 7 football?
As mentioned from the jump, 7 on 7 puts an emphasis on the passing game. With four receivers trying to find an opening in a seven-man defense, accurate passes are crucial. A quarterback will develop the ability to throw receivers open and recognize soft spots in coverage. Arm strength will also be on display. Arm strength is about more than pushing the ball down the field. It is also the zip a quarterback can put on the ball on out routes.
As for receivers, this is a chance to sharpen their route running. Receivers need a diverse route tree run with precision to shake defenders. Because of the pace of the game, receivers will learn the fundamentals of making route decisions at game speed. This will come in handy when they are assigned hot routes in the future.
A skill player’s agility will be at the forefront as will their breakaway speed. A receiver who is an alumnus of 7 on 7 football will be one of the most polished on any roster.
Whether playing defensive back or lined up as a linebacker, defenders will learn to play both man and zone coverage. Defensive schemes employ a mixture of both coverage types so every player on D will have the principles down pat.
Four seconds might not seem like a long time for a defense to cover the field but players know it is more than enough time for an offense to strike. On average quarterbacks let loose with a pass in less than 3 seconds. That means defenders are tested on each play. After playing 7 on 7, a defender will be confident they can stay with any receiver.
Big National 7 on 7 football tournaments
There are a number of 7 on 7 football leagues that have sprouted up. It’s likely there will be even more to come. Texas alone has several statewide and regional options such as Texas Elite, Texas State, Spring Football Leagues, and the Cy-Fair Sports Associations 7 on 7 league.
The quest for glory doesn’t stop at the local level though. The National 7 on 7 Football Association holds qualifying tournaments featuring the top teams in the country in June. The events are held at the top flight IMG Academy training facility in Bradenton, Florida.
USA Football, a sect of the High School Football America, began hosting national 7 on 7 tournaments in 2016. The tournament features a field of 32 teams vying to be the top dog.
Championship 7v7 is one of the largest national organizations that hold regional and national events. It encompasses players teams for 8-18-year-olds across the country. Local and regional organizations can add themselves to the national database to stay on top of everything
Championship 7v7 has to offer. In 2021 there will be 40 events alone, ranging from regionals to the Battle Royale National Championship taking place in Dallas.
How to get involved in 7 on 7 action as a player
If you want to be a player, coach or official; there is a place for you in 7 on 7 football.
For players, eligibility is open to amatuer athletes up to 18 years old. Even if you’re a varsity athlete you can play football during the offseason. It’s a great way to stay in game shape. Just contact your local team or organization and register! The organization will place you on a team based on school size and your location.
How to become a coach in a 7 on 7 football league
As an adult, you can register to coach your own team. The Cy-Fair Sports Association for example asks coaches to submit their rosters to start an official team. The rosters will lock after the deadline and no additional players will be allowed to play at that point. Many organizations make playbooks available for coaches through their websites.
How to become a referee in a 7 on football league
Referees are always needed for youth sports. If you have knowledge of the rules of the game and are mobile, you too could be a 7 on 7 referee. First, to make it official, register with the Texas Association of Sports Officials. Registration and more information can be found on TASO’s official website. There will be an entry fee and annual dues to maintain registration. Then contact your 7 on 7 football organization and start officiating.
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