The Basics
- Footy 9s is played between two teams of 9 players – 3 defenders, 3 forwards and 3 midfielders.
- The object is to score more goals than the opposing team. A goal is scored when the ball is kicked through the posts. There are no behinds.
- The game starts with a jump ball in the middle of the field.
- The ball is moved around the field by kicking (out of the hands) or handballing the ball. So every one gets to use their hands, not just the quarterback.
- The ball can be moved forward or backwards and there is no off-side rule.
- As in basketball, players must bounce the ball when they run (every 10 metres).
- There is no tackling in our schools program. When a player is touched by an opponent, they must dispose of the ball by kicking or handballing. They must dispose of the ball within 3 seconds of being touched.
- If the player fails to dispose of the ball within 3 seconds, a free kick will be awarded to the nearest opponent.