Best Soccer Goals: Top 5 Backyard Nets Most Recommended By Experts

Dec 08, 2023

There's nothing better than kicking the soccer ball around on a beautiful day. It's also great to have a goal on hand to practice your scoring skills. After all, soccer is one of the most popular sports to play around the world. For some outdoor fun, consider investing in one of the best backyard soccer goals to keep your family entertained and active.

There's actually some science behind scoring goals. Research from the University of Tsukuba in Japan analyzes how great soccer players kick the ball to achieve their desired trajectory. Study authors say factors like swing angle and foot orientation can be adjusted to control the point of contact and attack angle between the foot and the ball. This generates different kinds of shots in soccer — such as straight, curve, or knuckle ball shots.

The study finds that for all three varieties of kick, toes should be pointed downward and the foot rotated outward. That said, for curved and knuckle-ball trajectories, the foot should be everted slightly less; this allows the inside of the foot to make contact with the ball. Meanwhile, for a straight trajectory, the top of the instep of the foot should make contact with the ball.

Why not test these goal-scoring theories right in your backyard? Well, we’ve narrowed down the choices so you can focus on your soccer shots. No sweat! StudyFinds compiled a list of the five best backyard soccer goals to practice on, from ten expert websites. As always, we’d like to see your own recommendations in the comments below!

This lightweight soccer goal is easy to travel with. "It simply snaps into place. It can easily be transported in the back of your trunk or back seat in its carrying bag. So, all you have to do is take it wherever you’re going and you’re good to go," according to Goal.com.

It features Composite BOW™ poles that are lightweight and balanced without the need for dangerous steel crossbars. Open Goaaal! adds, "there are quick clips that make it easier to attach the nest to the steel soccer goal post. The setting time is marked as 80 seconds. With some practice, you can set it up in 2 to 3 minutes."

TheChampLair also likes the brand's mini version: "It is the first such soccer goal in the world in which the E.A.S (Energy Absorption System) technology of Bownet has been used. It ensures diffusion of the soccer ball energy all across the goal, allowing a longevity increase."

If you have younger soccer players, you can find this set of two goals for $27.99 on Amazon. They are easy to set up and collapse for storing. "The GOLME PRO Pop Up Soccer Goal comes in 3 different sizes; 2.5’, 4’, and 6’," says Soccer Handbook. "GOLME also offers a 30 day trial and 365-day warranty so you can make sure you love the product. This goal is bright orange and black and features a reflective silver lining around the edge which is perfect for nighttime use. The GOLME PRO features attached anchoring stakes and is designed to easily twist flat for transportation purposes."

"While having a full-sized soccer goal is nice, it's usually unnecessary for your 5-year-old who's just getting into the sport. Starting with these smaller nets will suit them better size-wise and ensure you fuel their passion for soccer without purchasing a $100+ regulation-sized net. These nets are also great for small-sided games and practices no matter your age or skill level," according to Box to Box Soccer Life.

"When you want to invest in soccer goals and wish to play without a goalie, this is the best product you can opt for. Its renewed design makes it suitable for having fun for longer hours, and the durability makes it an investment worth it," notes TheChampLair.

One downside? It's not for power shots.

This soccer goal from Franklin Sports comes in four sizes. Prices start at $34.99 for the four-by-three net. The Miami Herald says, "with its pop-up simplicity, not only can you place this portable soccer goal anywhere in the backyard, you can take it to the park, your friend's place, or anywhere else for practice and pickup games with other players."

It features weather-resistant material. Plus, it comes with tie-down ground stakes to stabilize the net with. "This goal is on the cheaper side, so the quality is not what you would get from a higher-end goal, but if you want a quick practice goal it will get the job done. It is made of durable fiberglass and steel, with peg hooks to keep it in the ground. This portable soccer goal also comes with a convenient carrying bag," notes The Soccer Handbook.

A pair of 6-foot training goals cost $118.95. Don't Waste Your Money points out it, "includes two goals, pegs, a spare parts kit, and a carrying bag. It sets up easily with a quick twist and collapses into a 1-inch-thick flat oval."

"PUGGs are an excellent addition to backyard soccer games – way, way better than just creating a net from cones or jackets. Your kids (and you) will love playing small scrimmage games, practicing shooting at a target, and more with these – exactly what PUGG originally designed this style of soccer goal to do," adds BestBackyardGear.com.

According to The Soccer Handbook, "This is the latest version of the original from 1994. The name PUGG actually stands for Pick-Up Game Goal."

If you’re looking for a durable backyard goal that's suitable for kids and adults, this is a solid choice. Prices range between $99.99 and $239.99, depending on size. "This goal is made from weatherproof PVC and comes with a high-quality locking system to ensure that it can withstand powerful shots," according to The Sport Review.

Plus, FORZA's net quality is also quite impressive. This is American Soccer notes, "mainly because of how it's protected with UV treatment. Not only does it make the goal resistant to any sort of sun damage, but it also provides it with an overall weather-proof guarantee."

According to Don't Waste Your Money, "This backyard soccer goal provides a 2mm HDPE soccer net that's been UV-treated and weatherproofed to ensure it stays fresh, even after years outdoors. The PVC is extra strength to be able to take tough hits day after day."

One drawback? Some reviewers did note the net tends to sag in the middle.

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.

About the Author

Melissa is a freelance writer, based out of New Jersey. She has over two-decades of writing, editing, and producing experience for Radio, TV, and Digital Media.

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