HOW TO PLAY
DRONE SOCCER
What is Drone Soccer?
Drone Soccer is a fast-paced team sport where players pilot flying drones inside a fully enclosed arena, working together to score goals and defend against the opposing team.
Think of it like soccer, hockey, and Rocket League combined—played in the air like Quidditch, using real drones.
Where Did It Come From?
Drone Soccer originated in South Korea, where it was created to combine technology, education, and competitive sports. What began as a niche activity has rapidly grown into a global sport, with organized leagues, youth programs, and international competitions expanding every year.
Today, it’s one of the fastest-growing tech-based sports in the world—bringing together players, spectators, and innovation in a completely new way.
Who Can Play?
Almost anyone can play Drone Soccer.
No prior drone experience is required—just basic hand-eye coordination and a willingness to learn. Most players are ages 11 and up, as that’s typically when fine motor skills are developed enough to control the drones effectively.
Whether you're a beginner or competitive player, Drone Soccer is easy to pick up and exciting to master.
HOW A MATCH WORKS
STRUCTURE
Drone Soccer matches are quick, intense, and action-packed events designed for high speed competition.
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3 Rounds: Each round lasts 3 minutes
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Team Size: Standard format is 5 vs 5, with smaller formats like 2 vs 2 also available
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Rotation: Quick substitutions mean everyone gets flight time
OBJECTIVE
Score more goals than the opponent TEAM before the clock runs out.
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Scoring: Each team has one designated scoring drone: The Striker.
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How to Score: Fly the Striker through the opponent’s goal ring.
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Defense: Other players block and disrupt the Striker's path.
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The Key: Use communication and positioning to outmaneuver the defense.
Striker
(SCORING DRONE)
The only player who can score. Requires speed, control, and precision. Marked by a red flag.
Player Positions & Roles
Each team has 5 players, each with a specific role:
(ATTACKER)
Guide
Supports the striker by disrupting defenders and creating scoring opportunities.
SWEEPER 1
(DEFENDER 1)
Protects the goal by intercepting attackers and breaking up plays early.
Sweeper 2
(DEFENDER 2)
Controls space near the goal and blocks incoming attacks.
Keeper
(DEFENDER 3)
The final line of defense, directly guarding the goal.
Basic Rules of Play
Scoring Rules
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Only the Striker can score goals
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A goal counts only if the striker passes through the front of the goal ring
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Goals scored from the backside (reverse goals) do NOT count
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Defenders cannot hover inside their own goal to block it; they must defend from the front
AFTER SCORING
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The referee signals a goal by raising a flag:
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Right side scores → right arm raised
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Left side scores → left arm raised
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After a goal, the scoring team's must retreat to their own side of the field (behind the center line) before attacking again.
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The referee keeps their arm raised until all players reset, and No scoring attempts are allowed until the referee lowers their arm
CONTACT AND GAMEPLAY
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Full contact between drones is allowed
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Players can block, bump, and disrupt opponents
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Teammates may assist a stuck drone by lightly knocking it back into play
IF A DRONE GETS Stuck/DISABLED?
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If your drone is stuck on the ground:
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A teammate may help free it by bumping it
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If a drone becomes fully non-functional:
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Play continues unless stopped by a referee
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SAFETY FIRST: All players must follow staff and referee instructions at all times. Unsafe or unsportsmanlike behavior may result in removal from play
What Makes It Unique?
AERIAL GAMEPLAY
Full-contact aerial gameplay. High-energy matches played inside a fully enclosed and safe netted arena.
ACCESSIBLE DEPTH
Easy for beginners to pick up, yet exciting to master and highly competitive at elite levels.
EXCITING TO WATCH
A high-octane spectator experience that brings together players, innovation, and tech sports.
SAFE NETTED ARENA
Action happens inside a fully enclosed arena, providing a safe environment for high-speed contact.
READY TO PLAY?
You’ve got the basics—now it’s time to get on the controls. Join Apex Drone Soccer to experience the thrill of the game, build real STEM skills, and be part of a fast-growing competitive sport.