Backyard

The Best Soccer Rebounders for Efficient Practice

A cornerstone of our philosophy on this website is that although soccer is a team sport, individual skills are essential. Each player needs to know and be able to execute the fundamentals and when they do this can elevate the team to a whole new level.

Many players have a soccer goal in their backyard, but a soccer rebounder is a perfect way to practice individual skills. Whether it’s target shots, ball control, or trapping, you’ll need a rebounder for your practice.

Top 5 Soccer Rebounders

We’ve tried to save you some effort and handpicked the best five soccer rebounders on the market and reviewed them for you.

QuickPlay Pro Rebounder Adjustable Angle Multi-Sport Trainer

Stripping a soccer rebounder to its essence, you need a sturdy frame with a durable net that provides good rebound upon impact. An adjustable angle and a reasonable price would be a plus. These specs apply to QuickPlay Pro’s rebounder.

QuickPlay Pro’s rebounder is available in four sizes variations; the 2.5 x 2.5 inches and the 3 x 3 inches are available as flat pants, whereas there are dual-panels at sizes 5 x 5 and 7 x 7 inches.

This rebounder works well as practice for shooters as well as goalkeepers. Even better, both can use it for a one-on-one practice session!

One of the merits of QuickPlay Pro’s rebounder is that it’s capable of adjusting into a negative angle, meaning that it can lean forward past the vertical position, which is a highly challenging practice, by the way.

The sturdy frame features a rubber base that helps it gain traction and stick well to any surface type. All these features easily make QuickPlay Pro our favorite rebounder on the list.

Apart from other rebounders in its price range, QuickPlay Pro’s rebounder comes with a two-year warranty, which shows how much the manufacturers are standing behind their product.

Check Current Pricing and Read More User Reviews

Tekk Trainer Rebounder Goal

Tekk’s trainer rebounder checks all the items on our list; it’s wide, convenient, and adjustable at a handful of angles, making it a perfect choice for children and grown up’s practice. That’s why it’s the choice of many soccer academies all over the world.

The frame is made of powder-coated artifact-grade aluminum and measures 5 x 8 x 4 inches. The nylon net is durable, and it’ll rebound the ball back at full speed. The ball won’t lose power, which is in your practice’s best interest.

The ball speed might be surprising to some. The ball comes at you at full speed, so that you might need some adjustment, and here’s when the angle adjustments come in handy. You can choose between seven angle adjustments to practice different shots.

The main downside of this rebounder is that its assembly might need some time. It’s even better to get some help to get the job done.

It’s a tad overpriced, but honestly, it’s worth the price for its versatility and heavy-duty construction.

Check Current Pricing and Read More User Reviews

SKLZ Quickster Soccer Trainer Portable Soccer Rebounder

If you want performance that’s close to the Tekk Trainer, but at a more affordable price, SKLZ’s portable rebounder is a solid contender.

The dual net provides a true-roll experience designed to help players master ball control from head to toe, specifically receiving and passing the ball from/to the ground. You’ll get a chance to train your chest, torso, and legs, of course.

The setting up process is pretty straightforward, and it won’t take much time. Yet, it’s not the most stable when it comes to how it holds to the ground. You can secure it with some sandbags to enhance its stability.

Not all rebounders are portable. That’s another thing that gives SKLZ’s rebounder an edge over its counterparts. Thanks to its lightweight and foldable action, you can put it in a big pouch and transfer it quickly.

The pitfall here is that the design is limited to passing skills. You won’t probably be able to work out other skills using this net. However, we think that’s okay given its price.

Check Current Pricing and Read More User Reviews

Goalrilla Striker Soccer Rebound Trainer

For people who’re more serious about their practice, those who want to take it up a notch, Goalrilla’s striker rebound trainer is probably your best bet.

At first glance, you can tell that this is a well-designed rebounder. The net is super responsive, and it’s bounded by side nets, where it acts as a goal. This is a nice chance for goalkeepers to use it also for practicing one-on-ones.

The sturdy frame is made of powder-coated steel to resist the elements, rust, and corrosion. More importantly, the corners are welded so that you don’t get into the hassle of flimsy parts that break down when they get shot at violently.

We love this rebounder because it exudes quality. Besides, it’s suitable for all ages and all skill levels, so it’s perfect for any setting where multiple players will be using it.

Check Current Pricing and Read More User Reviews

Trigon Sports Soccer Rebounder Training Net

Double-sided rebounders are perfect for group settings, where the net can take shots from both sides efficiently. That’s why we couldn’t wrap up our list without mentioning this amazing rebounder from Trigon.

Its size is relatively large (6 x 12 inches), and it’s made of a durable galvanized steel frame that’s powder-coated to resist rust and corrosion. Each side is armed with three ground stakes to stabilize it, making it one of the best rebounders that stick to the ground.

The assembly is simple, but it’ll take around 20 minutes or so. Yet, this is one of the sturdiest rebounders on the market. If you have the space for it, go for the Trigon soccer rebounder for efficient soccer training sessions.

Check Current Pricing and Read More User Reviews

Wrap Up

You’ve got to set your practice goals to pick the rebounder that’s best for your needs. Will you be practicing with a group or on your own? Will you be using your legs only, or do you need to practice upper body control? Are you interested in adjustable rebounders?

The answers to these questions should guide you through the choice process.

Best Backyard Soccer Goal

By Joseph 1 Comment

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.

5 Ways to Improve Your Soccer Skills in Your Backyard

By Parker & Walsh 124 Comments

One major theme that we always try to show players is that in order to get better at soccer, you need to put in work outside of official team practices.

Individual training, encompassing technical skills and fitness work, is just as big a part of improving your game, if not even more so.

Here are 5 ways you can improve your soccer skills in your backyard, and you won’t need any fancy equipment.

Best Soccer Skills to Practice at Home to Improve Your Game

1.) Juggling Exercises

Juggling is an excellent exercise to work on in the backyard, but just because you can do cool tricks when you juggle does not mean that you are going to be a great soccer player. What juggling can do, however, is help perfect your touch.

You need to be able to feel just as comfortable as you are juggling in the backyard as in a league or championship game. To be clear, I’m not saying that you will actually be juggling the soccer ball in a game, but you will have to be able to control it. If you can juggle with ease in your backyard, then you will be able to control the ball much better in the game in a variety of situations.

When juggling, try manipulating the ball in different ways. For example, try juggling the ball without spin, with side-spin, with backspin, and topspin. If you learn how to control the ball when and how you want to, you will be able to manipulate it when you make passes in a game.

For example, there are times when you need to make a pass with backspin on it in order to keep the ball in play. You might need to be able to bend the ball around a defender’s leg in order to complete a pass.

Also, try to catch the ball on top of your foot and then start juggling again. Make sure that you are able to catch the ball on top of both feet, not just your dominant one. All of these juggling skills will help you in another very important area in soccer: trapping.

2.) Trapping (or Receiving) Exercises

After you are tired of juggling, you should work on trapping the ball out of the air. Here is one good way to do it: kick the soccer ball as high as you can under control. If you have to make a quick little sprint, that is fine. (This will also help with your fitness.)

When the ball is coming down, use the laces (the top of your foot) to settle the ball to the ground. As you are settling the ball, you do not want it to bounce high off your foot.

Also, the ball should not bounce away from you. You should be able to perform a move with your next step; this is really the key because you are keeping the ball close and will be able to play quick.

One final point: the term trapping, which used to be preferred, is often changed to receiving these days, which signifies a more fluid motion of bringing a ball under your control, as compared to trapping which brings to mind stopping the ball dead, which isn’t advantageous for making your next move.

3.) Dribbling

As simple as it seems, dribbling is a great skill to work on in your backyard. When dribbling, you need to be able to think a couple of plays ahead.

You need to be able to push the ball into a space where you can get the ball and the defender cannot.

When dribbling, work on keeping your eyes up and in front of you, rather than staring down at the ball.

Also, if you have a dog and he or she likes to chase a ball, then you can use your dog as a defender. Try moves to get past your dog.

4.) Passing

Here’s an example of a passing drill you can perform in your backyard.

Start by taking a cone or another soccer ball and place it 10 yards away. This will be used to simulate your teammate in a soccer game, since a cone or a soccer ball is not any bigger than the width of a player’s foot.

Every inch counts in this exercise; if your pass is off by just a little bit, then you are not helping out your teammate. You could be putting him or her into a bad situation like a 50/50 challenge.

You can start by passing a moving soccer ball on the ground. The reason you should pass a moving ball is because this is how it will be in a game. Make sure you are passing with both feet.

After you have hit your target at 10 yards, then move it back 5 yards. Keep moving the target back til about 40 yards.

Once you have mastered passing the ball on the ground, pass the ball in the air. I would start at 20 yards away. You want to be able to have the soccer ball hit your target in the air, as this will simulate a perfect pass.

When you are passing the ball in the air, you want to make it as easy as possible for your teammate to trap it. This is where he or she just has to lift a foot slightly off the ground in order to trap and play the ball quickly.

5.) Kicking a Soccer Ball Against a Wall

If you have a wall (perhaps from a garage or shed) in your backyard, you can use it for your soccer training.

Make sure it is a brick or concrete wall because you don’t want to put a hole into the surface. Also be sure there to pick a spot where there are no windows close by.

Once you have found a good wall to kick a soccer ball against, you can begin working on your skills.

Kick the ball against the wall with the instep of your foot (alternating feet) allowing the ball to bounce only once. Start out by standing about 2 feet away from the wall.

As you get better move back about a foot. Try to get in 100 one-bounce kicks off the wall.

Once you have mastered the instep, move onto striking the ball with your laces using both feet against the wall allowing only one bound before striking it back into the wall.

You will be able to perform this skill work on grass. One-bounces were created by Brian Jaworski, the Grinnell College Head Men’s Soccer Coach.

More Tips for Improving Your Game by Yourself

All of these skills can easily be worked on in your backyard without needing a teammate.

In order to get the most out of your training without anyone else there to keep you motivated, there are a few things you can do.

For one, it’s a good idea to clarify your goals of what exact skills are the most important to you to improve.

What is it that you’re working for? Making the team? Getting more playing time? Scoring more goals?

This helps you stay focused on the big picture and more motivated to continuously improve.

Along with this, it’s important to set a regular schedule for your training. Be sure it is realistic so you can stick with it.

These don’t need to be hour or two hour sessions by any stretch, even just 20-30 minutes regularly can have a major effect on your skill levels.

Finally, find ways to make the training exercises interesting and challenging for you. For juggling or wall kicks, try to get to a set number without messing up.

As you improve, adjust your challenges accordingly.

For more detailed training plans including these and many other types of drills, check out our individual soccer training system.

Do you have any other soccer training exercises you like to perform in your backyard? If so, let us know in the comments!

Photo Credit: clt3jxm

How to Practice Shooting by Yourself at Home

By Parker & Walsh Leave a Comment

Practicing your shooting regularly is crucial to developing the right technique so you can make the most of your goal scoring opportunities.

And this isn’t just for strikers. You can even argue that it’s even more important for midfielders and defenders to practice their shooting since they might only get one opportunity in a game so they want to be sure to take advantage.

Forwards, being closer to the goal all game, have chances to score many different ways, including tap ins, goalmouth scrambles and other situations.

But the bottom line is that all players need to learn good shooting form.

Individual Shooting Drills Without a Goal or Goalie

If you don’t have access to a teammate or goal to shoot at, don’t worry. There are still ways you can work on your shooting.

These will naturally be simpler drills, but it’s not the setting that matters as much as the repetitions you put in.

First, there’s one crucial aspect to practicing your shooting: you want to mimic a game-realistic situation by striking a moving ball.

If you don’t have a goal to shoot at, try to find another appropriate target like a fence or wall with plenty of space in front of it.

Here are a few different shooting exercises that you can try:

Set up a target on your shooting “goal” (This could be anything from making a mark on a wall to sticking a sock in a fence.) Practice shooting to hit your target, and be sure to alternate left and right feet.

Work on different variations of dribbling before taking your shot. Take a touch with both the inside and outside of your feet.

Use your sole to roll the ball forward, then run up to strike it at your target.

Set up a series of cones (or any small objects if you don’t have any available). Take several touches dribbling in between the cones or obstacles before taking your shot. As you become more comfortable, increase your speed while maintaining close control and good form.

Face away from your “goal.” Take a touch to one side and take a first time shot. (Then alternate direction and foot.)

Work in fitness by setting up a ball and a cone or object a good distance away. Start at the ball, but sprint to the cone, touch it, and sprint back to the ball. Take a touch and shoot. If you have access to more than one ball, you can also set them up around in different spots and sprint to each one before shooting.

Another variation: set up two targets to represent the left and right post. Now you can shoot at both “corners.”

With all of these drills, you want to keep proper shooting form in mind, so work on locking your ankle, keeping your head down, and landing on your shooting foot. Also experiment with more and less power to get a better grasp on the balance between power and control.

Image by gustavotavolieri from Pixabay

Backyard Drills: Receiving the Ball on the Short Hop and Dribbling

By Parker & Walsh Leave a Comment

For our first ever blog post, we shared 5 Ways to Improve Your Skills in Your Backyard. In that article, the second way to improve your skill was working on your trapping. Trapping the soccer ball is actually an older term that’s fallen out of fashion; the updated term is receiving.

There are four ways to receive the ball out of the air: sole inside, outside, and laces. The previous post discussed how to use your laces. This article will give you some ways to improve your skill of receiving the soccer ball out of the air on the short hop, as well as a couple of additional practice exercises.

Receiving the ball on the short hop means that the ball actually hits the ground and you receive the ball just as it hit off the ground on its way up.

Sole of the foot

Kick the ball up in the air out in front of you so that you have to chase after it for a couple yards and still get to it. You will need to reach out with the sole of your foot to receive the ball on the short hop to push the ball back down on the ground. You don’t want to kick the ball away from you. You want to make sure it is close enough to you to get another touch on it. Also, make sure you don’t stomp on the ball, but rather make it a more smooth motion

Inside of the foot

When receiving the ball on the short hop with the inside of your foot, you can kick the ball straight up in the air. I would recommend kicking ball up slightly to one side or the other because it will be easier to receive. If the ball is slightly to your right, then you will want to use your right foot to cut the ball to the left just as is bounces off the turf, and vice versa.

Outside of the foot

Similar to receiving using the sole of your foot, when using the outside you will need to kick the ball a couple yards away from you so that you can still get to it. You will want to reach out for the ball so that you receive the ball just as it comes off the ground with the outside of your foot. Remember, don’t reach too far or else you will be sniped. You will be cutting the ball back in the direction you just ran from.

Remember to make sure you are using both feet for each surface you are receiving the ball.

Figure 8

sole dribbling soccer drill For this exercise, you will need two cones about two yards apart. Start with the ball outside of the right cone at a 45 degree angle. You will need to pull the ball with sole of your right foot back below and between the two cones. With your the inside of your left foot, push the ball between the two cones. With the sole of your right foot, roll the ball outside the cone. Next, use the sole of your left foot to pull the ball back below and between the two cones. Use the inside of your right foot to push the ball between the two cones. Finally, with the sole of your left foot, roll the ball outside the cone. Now you are back to the beginning. Perform the Figure 8 dribbling drill for 30 seconds to 1 minute. You may want to start out slow to get a rhythm, but make sure you quickly pick up the pace to perform this exercise as fast as possible. Remember, you will always alternate using your right foot and then left foot.

Inside Cut, Outside Push

Set up four cones in a rectangle. Start in the middle and outside the right two cones. Cut the ball with the inside of your right foot to the middle of the cones. Next, use the outside of your left foot to push the ball outside of the box of cones. Cut the ball with the inside of your left foot to the middle of the cones. Use the outside of your right foot to push the ball outside the box. You want to keep the ball dribble the ball on a straight line side to side. Make sure you cut the ball right underneath you. This will help keep the ball on a straight line and not allow a defender to poke it away.

inside cut outside push dribble exercise soccer

2 Dribbling Drills to Improve Your Skill in Your Backyard

By Parker & Walsh 1 Comment

Here at Soccer Training Solutions, we’ve already given you some helpful tips for how you can improve your soccer skills in your backyard.

But today we’ll focus on dribbling, one of the best skills for anyone trying to play at a high level, and show you how you can improve your skills in your backyard with only one cone.

(And if you don’t have a cone handy, you can substitute any small object like a shoe or soccer ball. Ditto for any nearby grassy area if you don’t have a backyard or if it isn’t set up for soccer practice.)

The following two drills will help you work on your change of pace and change of direction, which are the only two elements you need to beat a defender on the dribble.

Pair these two elements together, and you will be extremely difficult to stop on the dribble.

The first drill below works on change of pace, and the second drill works on both a change of direction and a change of pace.

Drill 1: Change of Pace Dribbling

Set a cone on the ground and start about 15 yards away with a soccer ball at your feet. Make sure there is about 15 yards of open space past the cone too for you to dribble into.

To begin the drill, dribble at a medium pace toward the cone. When you pass the cone, sprint dribble for another 15 yards after the cone.

Try to run as fast as you can after the change of pace while still keeping the ball under your control. The change of pace is crucial.

At the end, use the sole of your foot to stop the ball. (And make sure you switch up which foot you use.)

Once completed, turn around and do the exercise again. Try to do it 10 times in a row, which will also help you get fitter.

Drill 2: 1 v Cone Dribbling

For this next drill, use the same basic setup at the previous drill, but this time you will dribble at your cone which acts as a defender for you to beat.

In order to beat your “defender,” you will perform a move, which can be anything from a step over to a 360 spin.

Practice each move 10 times slowly and then 10 times at a faster pace. You should complete your move about a yard away from the cone. Here are some moves that you’ll want to try.

Rake – Use the sole (bottom) of one foot to pull the ball across your body and slightly backwards to the inside of your other foot.

In a game situation the pull would take the ball just out of reach of a defender, and pushing the ball with your other foot would allow you to accelerate past.

Step Over – Move one foot around the front of the ball and slightly over the top so your heel passes across the top third of the ball.

At the same time drop your shoulder to make it look like you are going to take off in that direction. Then you use the outside of your opposite foot to accelerate the other way.

Inside Out – Use the inside of one foot to touch the ball slightly inside as if you were going to knock it to your other foot or continue dribbling inside.

Then use the outside of the same foot to move the ball back to your original direction and past your defender.

These are just a few of the drills that you’ll want to try for the 1 v Cone drill. There are also other dribbling drills you can try.

For even more training ideas, as well as complete training plans, take a look at our Individual Soccer Training System.

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