How many a side, and when heading starts
Every practice Bibs On builds for a US team uses US Soccer's game format for that age, so the drills match the game your players play that weekend.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
| Age | Format | Goalkeeper |
|---|---|---|
| U5 to U8 | 4v4 | No |
| U9 to U10 | 7v7 | Yes |
| U11 to U12 | 9v9 | Yes |
| U13 up | 11v11 | Yes |
Every game is sized to the format for the age group, never bigger: 4v4 at Under 5, 6, 7 and 8, 7v7 at Under 9 and 10, 9v9 at Under 11 and 12, and 11v11 from Under 13.
Heading
- 10 and under: no heading, in practice or matches. Bibs On never plans a heading drill for these ages, or for U11.
- 11 to 13: limited heading in practice only. From U12, Bibs On plans it in one practice a week at most, with up to five headers and no opponent, which sits inside US Soccer's limit.
Your league or club may set its own rules; theirs win. Built to US Soccer's guidance. Not endorsed by US Soccer.