Whether you’re an experienced player or just starting, having a soccer goal can make all the difference in your training and games. Plus, it can be a great way to keep little ones entertained during backyard play. Some you can bring inside, some you can bring to family picnics, and some are better if they stay put. Whatever you’re looking for, check out what we found as the best backyard soccer goals.
We’re going to let you in on a little secret, shhh. Scoring goals is no easy task, as evidenced by the low final scores seen in most soccer games. So what’s the secret to more soccer goals? Perhaps science holds the answer. New research from the University of Tsukuba 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. A strong understanding of how to adjust one’s foot orientation and swing when kicking a soccer ball can help players achieve a competitive advantage and improve goal-scoring chances.
“For a straight ball trajectory, aim close to center, otherwise, aim off-center—for a curved ball trajectory, aim closer to the near side of the ball, and for a knuckleball, aim closer to the far side,” says the first study author Karol Kimachi in a statement.
To work on perfecting your kick, you will first need a home goal to practice on! We have turned to expert sources to compile a list of the best soccer goals that make a great addition to any soccer player’s backyard. Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments below!
The List: Best Soccer Goals, According to Experts
1. Franklin Sports Blackhawk
When you have the Franklin Sports Blackhawk Soccer Net, practicing shots is a fun and easy activity. “For years, this very goal lived in my trunk, to be popped out any time we had a few minutes to spare at the park. It’s super light and just the right size for preschoolers through about the second grade. It’s four feet across and three feet high and pops up with absolutely zero effort. Will it drag mud into your trunk? Absolutely. But if you have little soccer players, you’re already well-accustomed to mud,” says Best Products.
The Franklin Blackhawk Soccer Goal is a great choice for a beginner portable goal. “This goal is very lightweight and portable. It comes in 2 different sizes, so you can choose which fits your needs best…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,” offers Soccer Handbook.
Franklin Sports has been around for a long time, and they have a wide range of goals of different sizes in their product range. “This soccer goal is heavy-duty with assembled dimensions of 12 feet width and 6 feet height. Construction quality is great with powder-coated steel frames, galvanized ground pegs, and a durable net. The goal is weather resistant and the nylon net can easily withstand full-power shots,” says Opengoaaalusa.com.
2. GOLME PRO Pop-Up Soccer Goal
Many say that when these goals are staked, they are not going anywhere which is very impressive for something this small. “The GOLME PRO is very easy to deploy, stays sturdy when out, and is simple to fold up when done. Everyone on the field loved them and they really enhanced our game over using shoes as goalposts,” says New York Magazine.
The specialty of this soccer goal is that it is available in two portable soccer nets. Makes sense, then you can play an actual game. “They have a size of just 2.5’, 4’, and 6’ which can be carried to any place with ease. 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 its durability makes it an investment worth it,” shares thechamplair.com.
Having a full-sized soccer goal is nice, but it’s usually unnecessary if you are looking to ease your child into the sport. “Starting with these smaller nets will suit your child better size-wise and ensure you fuel their passion for soccer without purchasing a $100+ regulation-sized net,” informs Box to Box.
3. Bownet Soccer Goal
If you’re looking for the top end in backyard soccer goals, you’ll likely find yourself looking at a Bownet. “This is one of their smaller and most popular sizes for youngsters (the new official USSF size goal for U6-U8), but if you look around Amazon, you’ll find a lot of other sizes available,” states bestbackyardgear.net.
The Bownet soccer goal can be used both indoors and outdoors. It’s durable and tough. “Bownet Soccer Goal can endure even the hardest soccer shots. The rigid steel and fiberglass material offers extra durability,” says Soccer Blade.
This smaller soccer goal from Bownet is a good choice for players within the age group of four to eight. “Bownet has a few tricks up its sleeve that make this goal a solid piece of training equipment. Firstly, it has an Energy Absorption System that diffuses the energy of the soccer ball over a wider area of the net. That reduces tension and allows the soccer goal net to last longer,” shares opengoaaalusa.com.
4. PUGG 6 Foot Portable Soccer Goal
For accuracy training, coaches, and parents prefer these popup nets. Expert sites call them the best small-size goals out there. “You can put them side-by-side to increase the goal area if you want. They can be used for teams, social events, in the park, and in the backyard,” explains New York Magazine.
This is the latest version of the original PUGG Soccer Goal from 1994. The name PUGG actually stands for “Pick-Up Game Goal.” “Bob Arnell originally founded PUGG because he wanted to create a portable goal that was easy to set up and solved the problem we’ve all had when playing pickup without goals. You know when you use bags or cleats as goal posts,” offers Soccer Handbook.
Have you caught on yet that the PUGG Soccer Goal comes in two? Collapsable and foldable design for double the fun. “The PUGG portable soccer set is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, portable soccer goal. The soccer goal set comes with two goals, making it perfect for games or practice sessions with teammates, friends, and family. As far as portable soccer goals, PUGG makes quality products. The netting is well-constructed and securely attached to the frame,” informs Soccer Novo.
5. PowerNet Soccer Goal
This soccer goal is one of the easiest to transport, which provides you with the flexibility to train anywhere. “You can easily set up various stations to maximize reps. This full-size soccer goal is lightweight and thus can be carried while traveling to any place for practice,” says thechamplair.com.
The PowerNet Soccer Goal is larger and a little more expensive. Although it is more expensive, the quality makes up for it. “This goal is instantly portable and collapsible, which is important for transporting larger goals. The PowerNet Soccer goal also does not require tools for setup, so it truly is great for on-the-go use. It is made of a metal base frame, fiberglass poles, and metal stakes with a sturdy build. Being a larger size, this goal is perfect for older players, scrimmages, practices, goalie training, and more,” states Soccer Handbook.
When people read the word “portable,” they assume the goal isn’t going to be very sturdy, but with the PowerNet, that isn’t the case. “PowerNet’s soccer goal is made with a metallic base and fiberglass poles for a strong frame that won’t sway or knock over even after the hardest of shots,” shares Box to Box.
You might also be interested in:
- Best Soccer Balls
- Best Women’s World Cup Legends
- Best Male Soccer Players
- Best Soccer Cleats for Kids
Sources:
- New York Magazine
- Bestbackyardgear.net
- Thechamplair.com
- Best Products.
- Ball Athlete
- Soccer Handbook
- Soccer Blade
- Opengoaaalusa.com
- Box to Box
- Soccer Novo
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.