Difference in the field
The size of the playing field is often smaller in eight-man football than in eleven-men. Some states choose to use an 80 yards long by 40 yards wide field which is also used in many states for the 6man game as well. Other states, such as Oklahoma, Colorado, and Idaho keep the field of play at 100 yards long while reducing the width to 40 yards instead of the customary 53 1/3 yard field. And a few states use the same dimensions as the 11man field.
The width of the field can greatly affect play calling. If the ball is spotted on the right hash a sweep type play is less likely to the short side of the field because there is not enough room for it to be as effective. Many teams set their defenses up to stop wide plays to the wide side of the field and power plays to the short side.
Rule Differences
At last count high schools in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington had eight man football programs. There are also many professional, semiprofessional and other leagues as well. The rules vary from state to state and league to league but in general 8man football, at the high school level, is played with the same basic rules and regulations as the 11man game with small variations. At least five players must be on the LOS at the snap which allows for two backs or flankers and one QB. Some states allow 8man players to wear any number at any position but they are not eligible receivers unless they are at the end of the LOS or one of the three backfield positions..
The 8Man Game
8man football is still about blocking, tackling, and hitting. It is “real” football and it is played just as hard if not more so by dedicated athletes. It is coached every bit as well as any form of the game. 8man football is exciting and fun to play and watch.
Difference from the 11man game
8man football uses three less players than the 11man game which is obvious but it is where those three players are taken from that produce the exciting variety of football that 8man fans have grown accustom to.
On offense two of the three players are taken from the line usually in the form of offensive tackles. One player is removed from the backfield or flanker positions. On defense you generally remove the defensive tackles and one linebacker or secondary player. This usually results in a dilemma for the defense. If they play with an even front (four down linemen) and two linebackers it is almost impossible to play a three deep secondary. The defense is almost forced to play an odd front (three down linemen) or to remove one of the linebackers in an even front if they want to have a three deep secondary.
Because it is not possible to run a defense using four down linemen with two linebackers and a three deep secondary many coaches feel the 8man defense is always one player short of being sound. Whether this is true or not many 8man games are extremely exciting to watch and be a part of.
Leads that would put a normal 11man game out of reach can be overcome in minutes during an 8man game. Some states also use a “mercy rule.” This will end a game when one team gets so many points ahead (usually around 45 points).
