Robert Humayun's passion for soccer and baseball transformed the city's streets and parks into his personal playgrounds. His dedication and intimate understanding of the sports made him a respected voice in the community. For Robert, sports are more than games; they're a way of life. Read more about him here.
If you are a soccer player looking to get into the game you probably have some idea of how good your soccer skills need to be to get into a soccer team. As such, the question arises, how do you improve your soccer skills to the point that you can breeze through every match? Well, a one-word answer would be practice.
To practice your soccer skills, you need the proper equipment. A soccer goal is one such piece of equipment that is vital if you want to perfect your shooting game and aim.
There is a wide variety of soccer goals for backyard available in the market. Therefore, it becomes challenging to choose which one you should go for. Fortunately, our list of the best soccer goals for backyard can help make the choice easier. Whether you are looking for affordability, sturdiness, or portability, there is a soccer goal for you on this list.
At the top of our list is the GOLME Pro Training Soccer Goal, the best full-size soccer goal for home that you can get your hands on. Its full size makes it the perfect training goal for people preparing for a professional match. The full size gives you a clear idea of how you need to aim and power your shots to get those goals in the game.
The goal comes as a patented one-piece design with no extra parts, so it is effortless to set up. You can quickly assemble it in under 3-minutes and remove it in the same time too. This outdoor soccer goal also folds in on itself so you can store it in the tiniest spaces and transport it easily.
The goal is manufactured from aircraft-grade aluminum, so it is incredibly lightweight, further offering ease of transportability. Aluminum manufacturing also makes the goal extremely durable, so you don’t have to worry about it damaging anytime soon.
The company allows you to try out the goal for 30-days and, after that, gives you a year of warranty, so rest assured about receiving a defective product.
Pros
Full-size so offers improved training
The patented one-piece design makes setting up easy
Under 3-minute assembly
Folds in on itself, so easy to store and transport
Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, so lightweight and durable
Next on our list is the GoSports Soccer Goal For Backyard. The goal is made from high-quality nylon fabric and features sturdy netting, allowing it to stand firm against all your shots. As such, you don’t have to worry about the net tearing apart soon. The fabric this goal is manufactured from is also reflective, so you can easily practice with this goal even in extremely low light.
The frame of this soccer goal is made from plastic with a metal finish, making it highly durable and long-lasting. It comes with plastic and metal stakes that help you lock down the goal in a stable position anywhere on the ground, regardless of whether the surface is smooth or grassy. This soccer goal is also highly portable – it comes as two small, foldable goals with a carrying bag. The carrying bag allows you to easily transport this soccer goal.
The goal also comes with six cones, helping you improve your passing and controlling game along with your shooting. With this goal, you are enhancing almost every soccer skill at the price of one!
This soccer goal is easy to use and remove as it requires no assembly. It is also collapsible, saving a lot of storage space.
The goal comes in different sizes, including 2.5-inches round, 4-inches round, 4-inches square, and 6-inches round. As such, everyone can use this goal for training, from kids to adults.
Pros
Sturdy netting withstands all shots
The reflective fabric allows you to train in low light
If you are looking for a soccer goal that helps you specifically train for passing and shooting after a rebound, the PowerNet Soccer Goal is what you should go for. The goal not only works as a rebounder and passing trainer but is also perfect for target training and improving your shot’s aim and accuracy. The goal has a metal base frame with fiberglass poles, making it highly sturdy and durable. As such, you don’t have to worry about the goal getting damaged any time soon.
This outdoor soccer goal comes with a zipper storage bag for ease of storage and a carry bag with shoulder straps, allowing you to transport this goal easily. You can quickly set up this goal in under a few minutes by yourself, saving you effort and time. It is also collapsible and folds in on itself, further making it an incredibly portable soccer goal for backyard.
The goal features metal ground stakes that keep it upright and stable, allowing it to withstand all kinds of shots without fail. Even the netting of the goal is made from sturdy material, which helps it in acting as the rebounder. This soccer goal comes in multiple sizes, ranging from 3 x 2-meter to 24 x 8 feet, making this the perfect choice for everyone, whether kids or adults.
If you are looking for a soccer goal that you can use to train all the time, regardless of the weather, then the FORZA Soccer Goal for Backyard is what you need to get. The netting in this soccer goal has been treated for UV protection, which protects the net from rotting and damage by the sun’s harmful rays. The overall goal is also manufactured from 100% weatherproof PVC, so you can easily use it in every weather without worrying about it being damaged.
This soccer goal is made from 2mm HDPE (high-density polyethylene), making it sturdy. As such, you can hit it with full-powered shots without worrying about it tearing apart. PVC manufacturing also increases the durability and sturdiness of this soccer goal.
The goal is straightforward to set up, so you can start your practice session as soon as it arrives. The ease of assembly also saves you a lot of time and effort, as you don’t have to read through a complicated instruction manual or call a professional to set it up.
The goal comes in multiple sizes, ranging from 3m x 2m to 12ft x 6ft, so there are many options to choose from. The size range also allows this soccer goal to be used by everyone, from kids to adults.
This outdoor soccer goal also features a button-locking system which keeps the goal stable wherever you place it. It also increases the strength of the goal as it stays firm and upright regardless of how energetic your shots are. The locking system also allows you to set up this goal quickly.
Next up, we have the Franklin Sports Soccer Goal for Backyard, which is the perfect pick for you if you are low on budget. It is made from stainless steel, which not only makes it durable but also makes it weather resistant. The stainless steel construction makes the goal rust and corrosion free, so you don’t have to worry about buying a new goal anytime soon.
Furthermore, even the net is specifically designed for rugged use, so you can easily hit it with high-power shots.
The goal comes with precision locking pins that lock it on every surface you place it on, ensuring it is stable and doesn’t topple over as you are practicing. With the help of extra fasteners, the goal easily assembles, saving time and effort.
Pros
Manufactured from stainless steel, so durable
Weather resistant so can be used in every weather
Rust and corrosion free
Precision locking pins keep the goal stable in place
Easily assembles due to extra fasteners
Extremely budget-friendly
Cons
Some might find the assembling process time-consuming
Choosing the Best Soccer Goal for Backyard – Our Buying Guide
A soccer goal in your backyard will prove to be highly beneficial in improving your soccer skills, and perfecting the aim of your shots. However, the soccer goal market is saturated, and choosing which one is right for you can be confusing. Don’t worry, though, as our detailed buying guide will help you make a wise decision when it comes to buying a soccer goal.
Here are a few things you need to keep in mind before you purchase a soccer goal for your backyard:
Ground anchor
A ground anchor is highly crucial in a backyard soccer goal; otherwise, the goal will keep falling over, and you won’t be able to practice correctly. Ensure that the goal you intend on buying has some sort of ground anchor, like a button locking system, fasteners, or a precision locking system that keeps it upright and firmly rooted to the ground. Ground anchors will also ensure the goal stays stable regardless of how energetic your shots are or how windy the day is, allowing you to train without hassle.
Additionally, you can also opt for goals with a back bottom bar, as these add weight towards the back of the goal, keeping it upright and stable.
Material
Soccer goals are manufactured from different materials, which determines their price and how well they will perform. Typically, soccer goals are made from these four materials:
Plastic
Plastic soccer goals are highly affordable. They are a perfect choice for people who are low on budget or are just starting with soccer and don’t want to spend a lot of money on a soccer goal for backyard. Plastic goals are also lightweight and portable and can be easily assembled.
However, these goals are not weatherproof and can easily get damaged, so they fall short in terms of durability.
Fiberglass
These goals are only suitable for light training sessions and are more suited for use by kids who won’t be aiming at the goal with all their power. Goals made of fiberglass are lightweight and sturdy. Pop-up soccer goals are mostly made of fiberglass.
Steel
Steel soccer goals are cheap and hence, suitable for people on a budget. However, these goals are heavy and not all that portable. They are also easily damaged and scratched and are not a common choice anymore.
Aluminum
Although aluminum goals are expensive, they offer the best quality and value in terms of money. These goals are highly durable and lightweight, so they can be easily transported and used for long periods. Aluminum soccer goals are also rust and corrosion free and are the preferred choice of many.
Goal type
Another crucial factor to consider before buying a soccer goal is the type of goal:
With depth
A with depth soccer goal has a single top bar, with two sidebars at 90 degrees to the front bar. The sidebars drop to the back of the front bar at a 45-degree angle, which makes a lot of space inside the net. More space allows for the goalie to easily defend the ball and prevents players from entangling with each other.
These goals are usually made of metal or plastic and are suitable for serving their purpose as backyard training goals.
Without depth
A soccer goal without depth only has a single top bar, and the net drops down instead of going all the way to the back of the goal. There is less room inside the goal, and the goalie can only defend outside the goal or on the very boundary. These goals are typically extremely lightweight and portable and are suitable for beginner goalie training at home.
Box
Box goals are rectangular shaped, as you can guess by their name. The net is hung over the rectangular frame, so there is much more space in this goal compared to depth goals. Box goals are suitable for expert goalies looking to enhance their skills further.
Safety
You need to observe how safe a goal is before you buy it. If there are any sharp edges or tips on the goal, they can be potentially dangerous to the goalie or even someone who is just setting up the goal. Preferably, you should go for soccer goals that have added sidebars and rounded tips instead of sharp edges. Better safe than sorry!
Age
The player’s age also matters when selecting a soccer goal for backyard. Adults cannot practice on small goals whereas full-size goals might be intimidating for kids. Here is a table specifying the right sizes of goals according to age, as told by USSF:
Age
Soccer Goal Size
6 to 7
4 x 6 inches
8
6.5 x 12 inches
9
6.5 x 18.5 inches
10 to 13
7 x 21 inches
14 and onwards
8 x 24 inches or bigger
Portability
Another essential aspect to keep in mind before buying a soccer goal is the portability of the goal. Since you’ll be setting up the goal in your backyard, you will have to take it down sometimes, change its position, take it over to someone else’s backyard, or store it, all of which require ease of portability.
Portable soccer goals are lightweight, so you can easily carry them around. They are also collapsible, allowing you to fold them on themselves and move them around.
However, if you want to install a goal in your backyard permanently, you can opt for semi-portable ones. These goals come with ground anchors that take some time to install. You might need the assistance of a professional to install them too.
Net
Knowing which type of net best suits your soccer goal needs is crucial too. When getting a soccer goal or getting a separate net, look out for these things:
Size
The size of the net needs to be the same as the size of your soccer goal. If your soccer goal measures 6.5 x 12 inches, the net should also measure 6.5 x 12 inches.
Rope size
The thickness of the net’s rope determines how sturdy and durable the net is. For beginner training and if you are on a budget, you should go for the 2mm thick rope. However, if you are looking to train like a professional and have the capital, you can also opt for the 3mm or 3.5mm thick rope.
Net attachments
The right net attachment system will help you quickly install the net on the goal frame and will keep the net firmly attached to the bars regardless of how hard you hit it with the ball. Here are a few standard net attachments to choose from:
Clip-less
A clip-less net attaches to the goal’s bars without any fasteners or clips. All you have to do is hang the net on the hooks or grooves made on the goal’s bar. Clip-less nets are inexpensive and can be attached quickly.
Clip
Clip nets have built-in clips on the net’s boundary, which allow you to attach the net to the goal’s frame. The clips are usually sturdy and keep the net attached firmly. However, they can sometimes get damaged, and in that case, you’ll either have to get a new net or get new clips installed.
Straps
Nets with straps as attachment systems take a lot of time to be installed. However, they are great for temporary use as you can easily take them off when needed.
Best Soccer Goal for Backyard – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I go for a pop-up soccer goal for backyard?
Pop-up soccer goals are incredibly lightweight and portable. They are small in size and hence, perfect for new players and kids. As such, if you plan on buying a soccer goal for beginners or children, a pop-up soccer goal will benefit you.
What space do I need for my soccer goal?
Typically, you should allocate space that is five times longer than the width of the goal and three times wider than it. This will allow you to have the proper playing space around your goal.
Do soccer goals come with the net?
Yes, soccer goals are accompanied by the net, and you won’t have to buy them separately. The only time you may have to get a separate net is if the old one has been damaged. Only professional clubs and leagues get goal frames without the net, so they can attach league-approved (nets that fall under their quality standards) and professional nets to the goal.
Conclusion
All in all, a soccer goal in your backyard will up your game and help you counter your weaknesses while improving your skills. You can refer to our comprehensive buying guide to help you make the right choice when it comes to buying a soccer goal for backyard. You can also choose one of the best soccer goals for backyard from our list. As long as you choose one of them, rest assured you have made a wise purchase.
