Best Backyard Soccer Goal Sizes for Training
What Size Soccer Goal Is Best for Training?
There are many soccer goal sizes out there. At Bownet®, we carry more than a dozen models of portable soccer goals designed for youth leagues up to college and semi-pro players. But which ones are right for you or your team? By examining the backyard soccer goal options, the Bownet experts can help players of all ages #TrainLikeAPro.
Official Soccer Goal Net Sizes
Let's start by looking at the official soccer goal dimensions. For FIFA-sanctioned matches, the goal must be 8 feet high by 24 feet wide. The United States Soccer Federation (U.S. Soccer) and American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) have also recommended different goal sizes for different age groups:
Age Group |
U.S. Soccer/AYSO Goal Size |
U6-U8 |
|
U9-U10 |
|
U11-U12 |
|
U13-plus |
While a soccer goal net can't exceed these dimensions, both organizations have stated that goals can be slightly smaller to accommodate the field size or if you're playing short-handed games.
So now we know what to use in an official game. But what about the best soccer goals for practice? Here are Bownet's tips for when to use a smaller goal and when to size up.
Small Soccer Goal for Beginners and Accuracy Drills
If a player is new to The Beautiful Game, you should get them a mini soccer goal. This is a better fit for skill development and slower-paced drills. For example, if you have a U6 child who's never played before, consider starting them on a 3' x 5' soccer goal before moving up to a 4' x 6' goal.
A small backyard soccer goal is also a good choice for passing and shooting practice, such as Go To Goal™ training. Players will develop accuracy since they need to hit the smaller target consistently. Finally, small soccer goals are more portable and easier to set up, giving you more training options.
Large Soccer Goal for Experienced Players and Goalkeeping
Whether due to their size or skill level, players eventually outgrow small nets. Larger goals can better handle the power of older, more advanced players. In addition, they allow competitors to work on certain in-game skills and situations. For example, if someone wants to practice shooting in the top corner, they shouldn't use a goal that's shorter than what they'll be aiming at in the game.
Keepers should also graduate to a large goal as soon as possible. Protecting a 6' x 12' soccer goal in practice is easy, but an 8' x 24' goal in a game is another animal. Working in front of the regulation goal earlier helps get a player ready for those corner and side shots.
Soccer Goals for Kids and Adults
Bownet has the right soccer goal for everyone, including pop-up starter goals and official futsal goals. Each uses our Energy Absorption System® to diffuse ball energy and composite BOW™ poles that are designed to be strong but can also bend to absorb impact. You can #PlayAnywherePlayNow with Bownet.