Types of Goals in Soccer

Apart from the soccer ball, the soccer goal is the second-most crucial piece of equipment in the sport of soccer. Choosing the type of goal depends on the player's age, available space and whether you will be using the goal for practice or actual soccer games. Soccer goals come in a variety of types.

  1. Shapes

    • Soccer goals come in a variety of shapes. The shapes are determined by the way the net hangs and the shape of the bars. Goals without depth have a net hanging from a rounded frame at about a 45-degree angle and are attached to the groundbar of the goal or anchored by stakes in the ground. Goals with depth are extended about 2 feet on an additional frame off the top of the crossbar to give depth to the goal before angling down. These goals are typically framed in the back of the goal with rounded bars to add stability and shape. Box goals are most often seen in professional soccer games and are rectangular in shape with the net attached to the box-shaped frame and hanging down in right angles off the goal posts.

    Materials

    • Soccer goals are typically made of either plastic or metal. Plastic goals are lightweight, durable and easily portable. They are also the cheapest and are usually built to be easily stored when not in use. Great for beginners, plastic goals are ideally suited for practicing and use in small areas, such as backyards. For player safety, ground anchors or stakes usually anchor down these movable goals. Metal goals, often made of steel or aluminum, are sturdy and weather resistant but can be very heavy. Metal goals are often permanently cemented into the ground. Some metal goals are movable. Although they are stable, movable metal goals should be secured with proper ground anchors or stakes because they can still tip over.

    Sizes

    • Standard or full-size soccer goals are 8 feet high and 24 feet wide and used for players 12 years of age and older. Players who are 8 to 11 years old generally use a goal that measures 6.5 to 7 feet high and 18.5 to 21 feet wide. For 6- to 7-year-old soccer players, the goal is typically 6.5 feet high and 12 to 18 feet wide. Players younger than 6 years old use a goal that is 4 to 4.5 feet high and 6 to 9 feet wide. Adjustable soccer goals can be adapted in size to various age groups and skill levels.

    Portable Goals

    • Portable goals are best for backyard play. Designed for all age groups, these smaller goals are convenient, portable and easy to store when not in use. Beginners can practice at home instead of the soccer field.

    Training Soccer Goals

    • Some soccer goals are designed for training. Some training goals are intentionally made smaller so players can practice shooting accuracy. They can be custom-ordered for size. Rebounding soccer goals are a type of training goal that offer a target and act as a partner in practice. They are most effective for fast-paced shooting drills. There is also a soccer rebounder goal, which is like a pitch back net. It can be adjusted to several positions to return the ball at different angles. These are great for helping players develop accuracy in passing and shooting as well as ball control proficiency.