With just about any sport, practice makes perfect.
And if we’re talking about soccer, that practice can easily take place in your own backyard.
This ranges from serious soccer players who needs space to practice their shooting to kids who just want a place to kick around and have fun.
For these and other players, we’ve picked five of the best backyard soccer goals on the market and reviewed them. But first let’s talk about what makes a great backyard soccer goal.
How to Choose the Best Backyard Soccer Goal?
Now all these look like good options. What’s the best one for me?
It all boils down to two most important factors.
Frame Material
As you’ve seen, we’ve got steel frames and plastic ones. Usually, the foldable pop-up goals are made of plastic, while the other ones are steel.
Steel is more durable, but plastic is lighter. The purpose and type of your practice should determine which way to go. If it’s serious practice, then plastic won’t take strong hits, and it might break. If it’s for your kids to play some soccer and enjoy themselves, plastic will do.
Goal Type
When it comes to backyard soccer goals, there are two main types; portable goals and pop-up goals. (For the purposes of this article we are assuming you want something that can be assembled and disassembled when needed, not a huge permanent fixture in your yard.)
Pop-up goals are the most versatile and the lightest. They’re so light that you can fold them in a pouch and carry them anywhere. They’re suitable for kids’ practice and adults’ accuracy shooting.
Portable goals, on the other hand, are not necessarily collapsible, but they’re light enough to transport from somewhere without having to spend too much time assembling it again (think 20-30 minutes.) These goals are usually bigger although the exact size can vary.
Top Five Backyard Soccer Goals
They’re portable, flexible, and sturdy. Take a look at the market’s best backyard soccer goals.
Franklin Sports Blackhawk Portable Soccer Goal
Franklin Sports Blackhawk’s portable soccer goal ranks highly on Amazon’s Choice list, and it’s easy to see why. It’s portable, foldable, durable, and comes at a reasonable price.
This goal is made of galvanized steel that’s weather-resistant, which is a property you want in a backyard soccer goal since, you know, it’ll be out in the open air all the time, so it has to be able to withstand the elements.
The net relies on tie-down ground stakes that secure it to the ground, which provides it with stability. Yet, you need to assemble it yourself, which affects the sturdiness of its connectors. One of the reviewers went old school and secured the connectors with old duct tape to give them another layer of support, and it worked!
Pros
- Collapsible
- Easy to set up
- Available in multiple sizes
Cons
- The net velcro could use some improvement
Golme Pro Pop Up Soccer Goal 6 Feet
If you’re in the market after a light, portable soccer goal for kids, then Golme Pro’s soccer goal is probably what you’re looking for.
The Golme Pro comes in a pack of two goals that rely on a simple twist movement to ‘pop up’ or collapse. We love that it’s so versatile that it has a size for nearly every skill. This comes in handy when you’re looking for goals for kids or for specific skills, like accuracy shooting, for example.
To ensure it’s anchored well, the Golme Pro comes with efficient multi-grip stakes that tie it to the ground -or whatever surface- well. The fact that it needs no assembly is definitely a plus in terms of ease of installation and the absence of flimsy parts that might threaten its stability.
If you’re looking for more soccer equipment for kids, check out our articles on toddler soccer balls and toddler soccer cleats
Pros
- Available in multiple sizes
- Twist action for opening and collapsing
- Suitable for all ages
- Affordable
Cons
- They’re not the sturdiest on the market; they won’t hold up for too long
PUGG 4 Foot Pop Up Soccer Goal
Ask parents and soccer trainers about the best pop-up goal for accuracy training, and they’ll tell you PUGG.
Since 1994, PUGG has been a prominent manufacturer of children’s soccer training goals, and their proprietary pop-up goals are a fans’ favorite.
You can set up the goal in an instant via a single twist. It’s impressive in that it collapses into a compact 1-inch thick oval that you can store anywhere easily. It comes with a carrying bag for that purpose.
The pegs are well distributed through the frame, providing an elastic but stable connection to the ground. All in all, these are high-quality goals that have been tried out by many without showing any deficiencies.
Pros
- Impressive ‘Twist to collapse’ action
- It comes with a carrying pouch
- Convenient and lightweight
- Made of durable metal
Cons
- Limited to small sizes only
Bownet BOW3X5 Soccer Mini
Bownet’s soccer goal is hands down the smartest designed portable goal on the market. Featuring an outstanding Energy Absorption System or an EAS, this goal diffuses the ball’s energy that hits it throughout the whole frame so that it’s more stable, thus increasing its longevity.
The name refers to the powder-coated steel frame that’s supposed to ‘bow’ so it doesn’t break upon impact. The setting up process is effortless and takes about a minute or so. Thanks to its well-thought-out load balance and deep anchors, you can put it on any surface and expect it to stand still.
Pros
- Strikes a balance between durability and lightweight
- It can take a hit
- Quick set up
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Amazon Basics Soccer Goal Frame With Net
Not all people who’re looking for a backyard soccer goal are after a smaller portable one. Some soccer players want a lightweight but full-size frame that they can assemble at the comfort of their backyard, and that is exactly what Amazon Basics’s soccer goal frame is.
The 12 x 6 x 5 foot (144 x 72 x 60 inch) frame is made of powder-coated steel tubes that are 1.25 inches thick. They’re weather and corrosion resistant. The net itself is made of strong velcro that attaches easily to the frame.
The assembly is straightforward, and it doesn’t take much time. Additionally, the net comes with ground anchors to secure the frame to the ground firmly so that it withstands violent shots.
Pros
- Stable frame withstands wear and tear
- Portable despite its size
- Comes with a carrying bag
Cons
- The velcro’s connection to the frame might get loose after it gets hit with a shot
Wrap Up
There you have it, the best backyard soccer goals. No matter which one you choose, remember to practice often. Consistency is key here.
sean says
Have you heard of a soccer goal called Open Goaaal?