Soccer Goals

Soccer goals are a key piece of equipment in soccer. Soccer goals are the structures placed at both ends of a soccer field during a game. Teams attempt to shoot the ball into the goal in order to score points and increase their chances of winning a game.

What are goals used for in soccer?

Soccer goals are utilized during official soccer games as well as soccer training. During a game, soccer goals act as the system that determines whether a team scores a point after shooting the ball towards the goal. A goalie’s job is to keep the soccer ball out of the back of the net.

During soccer practice, both soccer field players and goalies will utilize a soccer goal to perform drills and improve their skills. Soccer goals are available in different sizes and structures. When purchasing a soccer goal, it is important to take into consideration the durability, size, and structure of the net.

Soccer organizations each have their own rules and standards for soccer goals. For example, FIFA and IFAB regulations state that the goalposts should be 24 feet apart and the crossbar should measure 8 feet from the ground. Read on to learn more about the different kinds of soccer goals.

Things To Consider

When looking for a soccer goal, you'll want to consider the following:

• Do you want your goal to be portable?
• How much are you looking to spend on a soccer goal?
• Do you want your goal to be portable?
• What level of soccer do you play?

What are you looking for in a soccer goal?

• Use in-game
• Use for practice
• Portability
• Use for skill training
• Durability
• Weather resistance  

Types

Soccer goals are available in a wide variety of sizes and structures that correspond with the environment the goal will be used in, as well as the desired size.

Box

Box goals have a rectangular shape. The two bars on the sides are at 90-degree angles, in contrast to other soccer goals that use 45-degree angle side bars. The box goal’s design allows for the most space inside the goal. Typically, box frame goals are utilized by professional soccer organizations during games.

Pros:

• Made by a heavier metal material
• Available portable and permanent options

Cons:

• Harder to move due to weight
• Not common in lower-level soccer

Depth

Depth soccer goals have two bars that descend at a 45-degree angle to the crossbar on the ground, which gives depth goals a recognizable trapezoidal shape. Depth soccer goals get their name because they give more space inside the net. However, they can be more difficult to transport given their shape and additional bars.

Pros:

• Provides more space for the goalie to move around compared to the no depth goal
• Typically manufactured with higher quality metal

Cons:

• Less portable option
• Heavier weight

No Depth

No depth soccer goals have netting that is attached to the crossbar of the goal. The netting falls at a 45-degree angle to the rear of the goal. It does not have topbars on the side to hold the net, as a depth goal does. As a result, there is less room to move around inside the goal.

Pros:

• Simple in design
• Easy to utilize in smaller and pop-up goals
• Light and portable

Cons:

• Less room inside the goal
• Not as sturdy as other goals

Pop-Up

Pop-up soccer goals are made of a bendable frame that allows them to be portable and easily stored.  Compared to the soccer goals mentioned above, they come in a smaller size and are easier to transport. They are used in recreational soccer games as well as games that consist of young players.

Pros:

• Very portable and easy to store
• Suitable size for children 
• Affordable

Cons:

• Not utilized during professional or high-level soccer games
• Size may make it difficult for taller or older players to practice with
• Does not meet league regulations

Mini

Mini soccer goals are small-scale soccer goals geared towards people who want to teach soccer to children. Standard mini soccer goals are about 12 feet long by 6 feet high, and they come in a variety of structures and materials. Some are even bendable and can be transported easily.

Pros:

• Great size for young children
• Usually portable and durable

Cons:

• Not regulation size for professional play
• Can’t withstand powerful shots

Brands

Many different brands and sports companies sell a wide variety of soccer goals tailored to different age groups.

Franklin

Franklin is a sports equipment brand that sells gear tailored for a variety of sports, including soccer, baseball, and basketball. Franklin sells a wide variety of soccer goals, including pop-ups and steel goals. From their online website, you can purchase goals ranging from 6 by 4 feet to 12 by 6 feet. 

Powernet

Powernet is a sports company that sells a variety of sports equipment, including soccer goals. Powernet sells many goals that are easily portable and lightweight. In fact, many of the soccer goals they offer are fully collapsible. They also sell a regulation goal. All powernets come with a one-year warranty when purchased.

SKLZ

SKLZ sells different kinds of soccer equipment, as well as equipment for several other sports. Many of the goals SKLZ creates are smaller than regulation nets. They are more targeted towards youth age groups and those looking to train and improve their skills. Their even smaller goals, such as their pop-up goals, are portable and lightweight.

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