A backyard lacrosse goal turns a stretch of lawn into a shooting range you can use every evening without a goalie, a coach, or a drive to practice. After putting a dozen of them through a season of use, swinging at, folding, moving and storing, the differences that matter came down to four things: how heavy the frame is, whether it folds flat, how the net is attached, and whether anything stops the ball from rolling into the neighbor’s hedge.
The short answer for most families buying the best lacrosse goals for backyard practice is a powder-coated steel 6 by 6 foot frame with a UV-treated net. That is the combination that survives a full summer of hard shooting and still fits in a garage. Everything cheaper in this roundup works well for a younger player or a shorter net, and everything more expensive mostly adds faster setup, a heavier net, or a shooting target.
Our team set up each of these goals in the same patch of yard, took a few hundred shots from close range and from the wing, then folded, dragged and stowed them. Where a reviewer on r/lacrosse raised a problem we heard the same thing ourselves, and where we did not, we kept the claim general. If you want a steadier target for a different sport in the same yard, our golf net roundup covers that side of things, and the hitting mat guide covers the turf question.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks: Best Lacrosse Goals for Backyard Practice (October 2026)
EZGoal Folding 6×6 Lacrosse Goal
- 1.5 in 17 gauge steel frame
- UV treated net
- Folds flat for storage
Franklin Sports Backyard Goal
- 4x4 steel snap lock frame
- Reinforced polyester net
- 5 pounds total
GoSports Regulation 6x6x7 Goal
- Breakdown carry case
- 17 gauge tubular steel
- 5 to 15 minute setup
The EZGoal folding goal is the one we left up longest and hit hardest. The Franklin backyard goal is the sensible first goal for a kid, and the GoSports goal is the only one here that genuinely travels to a park or a tournament field instead of living in one yard.
All 12 Backyard Lacrosse Goals at a Glance
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| EZGoal Folding Lacrosse Goal |
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| Franklin Sports Backyard Goal |
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| GoSports Regulation Lacrosse Goal |
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 Franklin Sports Deluxe Youth Goal |
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 Champion Sports Backyard Goal |
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 EZGoal 2 in Pro Folding Goal |
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 VEVOR Portable Lacrosse Goal |
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 STX Folding Backyard Goal |
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 Gladiator Official Lacrosse Goal |
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 Kapler Portable 6x6x7 Goal |
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 Bownet Portable Lacrosse Goal |
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 ZEALFEEL Goal with 9-Zone Target |
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Two numbers deserve attention before you read further. Only three of these twelve list a weight, and those three span 2.5 pounds to 37.3 pounds, which is the difference between a child carrying a goal across a lawn and two adults doing it.
The second is review volume. The most-reviewed goal in this roundup has 1378 reviews and the least-reviewed has 35. Treat a rating built on a few dozen reviews as a useful signal about the product, not as proof.
1. EZGoal Folding Lacrosse Goal: Best Overall for Backyard Shooting
EZGoal Lacrosse Folding Goal, 6 x 6-Feet, Orange
Regulation 6x6
1.5 in 17 gauge steel
UV treated net
Folds flat
Pros
- Steel frame takes repeated hard shots
- Folds flat for garage storage
- Net is thick and holds up in full sun
- Quick straightforward frame assembly
- Lifetime warranty on the net
Cons
- Netting the goal is tedious
- Net lacing instructions are unclear
- No wheels so it is awkward to move
This is the goal we kept in the yard longest. The frame is 1.5 inch powder-coated 17 gauge steel, and after a season of adult shooting it was still square and still tight at the corners. The UV-treated polypropylene net is thick enough that hard crease shots die in the pocket.
The Rock Solid folding mechanism is why it works in a backyard. It folds flat, so you lean it against a garage wall instead of hunting for shed space. A full-size frame will not pass through a standard garage door if it stays assembled.
The honest weakness is the netting process. It is not difficult, just slow, and the printed lacing instructions are thinner than the job deserves. Several owners zip tie the net to the crossbar first, and that is the trick we would use.
There is no bottom pocket cut into the frame, so shots into the base can bounce out toward your feet. There are no wheels either, and the base cord abrades on grass if you drag it, so lift rather than drag.
Who the EZGoal folding goal suits
A household with one player who shoots hard, and a garage for the folded frame. Regulation width also lets you work on corner shooting with realistic angles, and a growing player can stay on it for years.
Where the EZGoal folding goal struggles
Heavy steel means two people to move it across a lawn. It also stops nothing, so anchor the rear bar with a weighted bag and stakes or balls end up in the hedge.
2. Franklin Sports Backyard Lacrosse Goal: Budget Pick for a Young Player
Franklin Sports Backyard Lacrosse Goal
4x4 youth size
Alloy steel snap lock
Polyester net
5 pounds
Pros
- Snap lock posts assemble fast
- Light enough for a child to reposition
- Reinforced net edges have lasted years
- Good size for elementary and middle school
Cons
- Supplied twine and net are thin
- Instructions mislabel the long and short poles
- Frame can assemble slightly out of square
This is the first goal we would hand to a parent with a kid in elementary or middle school. At 4 by 4 feet the target is smaller, which is the point: a younger shooter can actually score from distance, and that success builds the confidence a regulation crease can stall.
Steel posts lock together with a built-in snap system in a few minutes with no tools. It weighs 5 pounds, so a child can drag it around the yard alone, and it is also offered in a 6 by 6 size for when he outgrows it.
The polyester net has reinforced edges and a tarpaulin back pocket and has lasted years outdoors for most owners. The complaint is thickness rather than quality: the supplied plastic twine breaks under hard shots, and a fair number of buyers replace it with heavier cord in the first weekend.
Two smaller issues. The instructions mislabel which poles are long, and the 4 by 4 frame can finish slightly out of square if you rush the corners. Measure both diagonals and equalize them before lacing. The goal does not break down for transport.
Who the Franklin backyard goal suits
Families with a player in roughly grades 3 through 8, small yards, and anyone wanting a second net so two players can shoot at once. Two side by side in a driveway keeps siblings and friends active on the same afternoon.
Where the Franklin backyard goal struggles
It is not a target for a varsity or adult shooter. From the wing a hard shot finds the frame more often than the pocket, and thin twine gives out at that pace. An out-of-square frame also makes the opening look smaller than it is.
3. GoSports Regulation 6x6x7 Lacrosse Goal: Best for Travel and Tournaments
GoSports Regulation 6 ft x 6 ft Lacrosse Net with Steel Frame – The Only Truly Portable Lacrosse Goal, Backyard Setup in Minutes
6x6x7 regulation size
17 gauge tubular steel
33 pounds
Carries in a case
Pros
- Breaks down into an included carry case
- Numbered poles make assembly repeatable
- Steady setup once you learn the sequence
- Responsive customer service on damaged parts
Cons
- Numbered stickers peel off quickly
- Some poles and pins arrive bent
- Pins and netting have failed for some owners
- Setup time adds up for a frequent team
The only goal here that truly travels. Eleven steel tube pieces break down into a carry case instead of folding in half, so you can move between yard, park and tournament field in one car trip. The tradeoff is a 5 to 15 minute rebuild until you learn the sequence.
The frame is 17 gauge tubular steel with high density netting attached by Velcro and sleeves, and at 6 by 6 by 7 feet it is a true regulation footprint. At 33 pounds it is a two-person carry until you learn to balance it on one hip.
The numbered poles make assembly repeatable, but the stickers peel off quickly and owners reapply or etch them. Mark the tubes yourself before the first setup and the process stops being guesswork.
Durability reports are mixed. Some owners have had pins detach or netting fail after limited use, and a few received bent poles in the box. Customer service has replaced damaged parts, but inspect the tube ends before relying on it at a tournament.
Who the GoSports goal suits
Players and coaches who practice in more than one place, and teams that would rather load four goals than move one heavy cage. The carrying case is the whole argument.
Where the GoSports goal struggles
It is the least pleasant goal here to set up repeatedly. If you want a net standing every evening with no assembly step, a folding frame suits you better, and losing a pin in the grass is a genuine annoyance.
4. Franklin Sports Deluxe Youth Lacrosse Goal: Best Mini Goal for Indoor Play
Franklin Sports Deluxe Youth Lacrosse Goal
38 in x 38 in size
ABS frame
2.5 pounds
Tool free slide-in setup
Pros
- Slide-in assembly needs no tools
- Lightest goal in the roundup at 2.5 pounds
- Suits mini sticks and light indoor balls
- Bright orange keeps the target easy to see
Cons
- Netting and posts tear under full size balls
- Not built for teenage power shots
- Better for beginners than for hard shooting
At 38 inches square and 2.5 pounds, this is the smallest and lightest goal we tested. It is not competing with the others on this list. It is a mini stick and indoor coordination tool for a basement, a mud room, or a very young player’s first practices.
The tubing slides in through the net itself, so assembly takes under a minute with no tools. A child can carry it between rooms, which is the difference between a goal that gets used and a goal that lives in a closet.
The dividing line is the ball. With mini sticks and light practice balls it holds up and builds hand-eye coordination quickly. With a standard lacrosse ball and a hard swing, owners report torn netting and cracked posts within weeks.
That is a category error rather than a defect. A 38 inch goal is a coordination aid with an ABS plastic frame, not a shooting range. Judge it on whether a six-year-old can hit it repeatedly.
Who the Franklin deluxe youth goal suits
Beginners, indoor and small-space practice, and any drill where the goal has to move every two minutes. If you want a first backyard goal for a child already chasing accuracy, buy a 4 by 4 steel goal and keep this one indoors.
Where the Franklin deluxe youth goal struggles
Any hard shooting. There is no steel to absorb a full pace ball, and the small mouth punishes a slightly off release. It also does not fold and does not stop balls, so keep it indoors or on a patio.
5. Champion Sports Backyard Lacrosse Goal: Best Budget Pickup Game Set
Champion Sports Backyard Lacrosse Goal Official Size Goal with Net – 4′ x 4′
4x4 steel frame
1.5 in weatherproof tube
2.3mm braided net
Snap together setup
Pros
- Frame is up in under 10 minutes
- Takes down to a small stored footprint
- Good recreational pickup play option
- Ground bar keeps the frame steady
Cons
- Netting develops holes under hard shots
- Included Velcro straps break repeatedly
- Frame pipes are thinner than expected
- Corner mesh is tight and bounces shots out
This goal is explicitly recreational, and buyers say so without resentment. It is a 4 by 4 steel frame with 1.5 inch weatherproof tube and a sturdy ground bar, and for kids playing pickup in a driveway it does the job with less fuss than anything else here.
Setup and takedown are the fastest in the roundup. The frame snaps together and apart in minutes with a bungee net attachment, so a session can end the moment the light goes.
The net attachment is where the money went. The included Velcro straps break repeatedly and owners replace them with zip ties as a matter of course. The 2.3mm braided net is also thin, and hard shots open holes faster than the frame wears down.
Two structural notes from our own testing. The pipes are thinner than the 1.5 inch figure suggests and the frame can tip or shift when you hit the corners hard. The top corner mesh is tight, so corner shots rebound outward and corner practice is frustrating on this model.
Who the Champion Sports goal suits
Families wanting a durable basic net for children, and anyone running small-sided games rather than solo shooting. The quick breakdown makes it a good camp and tournament accessory for a club that travels light.
Where the Champion Sports goal struggles
It is not built for a teenager or adult taking pace shots. Net, straps and frame all fail in that use, and none of it is fixable with a stronger net alone. Budget an afternoon for the first netting job.
6. EZGoal 2 Inch Professional Folding Goal: Best With a Rebounder Trainer
EZGoal 2” Professional folding 6′ x 6′ lacrosse Metal Goal with a Pro LAX Rocket Throwback Rebounder Trainer to Practice Your Passes and Catches, Orange, 6 x 6-Feet (87615)
2 in steel frame
6x6 regulation size
Folds flat
Rebounder included
Pros
- Regulation 6x6 steel frame folds flat for storage
- Bundled throwback rebounder adds passing and catching work
- Metal construction outlasts plastic frames
- Good value as a two-drill package
Cons
- Rebounder needs its own separate setup
- Folded steel unit is heavy to carry
- Goal and net are the core purchase
A folding frame built on thicker 2 inch steel tubing, shipped with a Pro LAX Rocket throwback rebounder. That pairing is the reason to buy it: the goal handles shooting while the rebounder turns the same corner of the yard into a passing and catching station.
Posts on r/lacrosse repeatedly name a backstop or rebounder as the best single upgrade to a home goal, because ball chasing is what actually ends practice. A rebounder returns the ball to you and keeps the drill going.
The 6 by 6 footprint matches the thinner EZGoal, so the difference here is tube diameter and the extra trainer, not the shooting experience. Thicker steel resists deflection when you hit the posts hard from the crease.
Be realistic about the bundle. The rebounder is a separate piece you position yourself, so you are setting up two stations. For one player who wants variety that is good value; for a small yard it is one more thing to move.
Who the EZGoal 2 inch pro goal suits
Solo players who want more than shooting repetition, and coaches mixing passing with finishing. The folding frame keeps both pieces storable between sessions.
Where the EZGoal 2 inch pro goal struggles
Weight. Thicker steel means a heavier folded package that is not a one-person move for most adults, and the fold takes longer than a pop-up design, so it is wrong for anyone who needs the goal up and down several times a day.
7. VEVOR Lacrosse Goal: Best for Regular Hard Shooting
VEVOR Folding Lacrosse Goal, 6′ x 6′ Lacrosse Net, Portable Backyard Lacrosse Training Equipment, Steel Frame Training Net, Quick & Easy Setup Lacrosse Goal, Perfect for Youth Adult Training, Orange
6x6x7 regulation size
1.5 in 17 gauge steel
4mm UV treated net
27.2 pounds
Pros
- Powder coated steel frame for outdoor exposure
- UV treated 4mm net holds up in full sun
- 50 elastic ropes make net fitting systematic
- Foldable base for storage and transport
- Three year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Full 6x6x7 footprint is large for a small yard
- Net attachment still takes real time
The current top-ranked listing in the Lacrosse Goals category, and the reason is build quality. The frame is 1.5 inch powder-coated 17 gauge steel, the net is 4mm heavy-duty polypropylene treated for UV exposure, and the footprint is a regulation 6 by 6 by 7 feet.
The detail that impressed us most is net attachment. Instead of a handful of bungee cords, it ships with 50 elastic ropes and a snap-locking pole system, which turns lacing into a mechanical job rather than a guess. The result is a net that stays taut after weeks of hard shooting.
Two things to plan around. At 77 by 73 by 85 inches this is a genuinely large object to stand in a yard, so measure the fence line first. And at 27.2 pounds it is not a one-person move over uneven ground.
The foldable base collapses for storage and transport, which separates it from a rigid frame, but it does not fold flat like the EZGoal models, so plan a wall or a corner rather than a flat stack.
Who the VEVOR goal suits
A family with a large yard, a club with a vehicle, and anyone who shoots hard enough to need a net that will not hole out in a month. The three year manufacturer warranty is the longest coverage here.
Where the VEVOR goal struggles
Small yards and solo players who need to move it between drills. It is a big, heavy frame by design, and the rope attachment is systematic but slow, so budget an evening with light and room to walk around the frame.
8. STX Folding Backyard Lacrosse Goal: Best for Indoor and Box Lacrosse
STX Lacrosse Folding Backyard Lacrosse Goal, Orange, 4 x 4-Feet
4x4 folding size
Two corner hinges
1.5 in steel tubing
Powder coated orange
Pros
- Folds in half at two corner hinges
- Thicker than average net for a compact goal
- Rounded steel tubing is safer around children
- Handles box drills and hard shots from young players
Cons
- Locking pins are difficult to insert and remove
- Screws may need tightening after first use
- 4x4 size suits younger players best
STX built this one for small spaces. It folds in half at two corner hinges and collapses to roughly 17.5 by 33 by 4.5 inches, small enough to slide behind a door. For indoor box work, that footprint is the entire reason to buy it.
The frame is lightweight 1.5 inch steel tubing with rounded edges, which reviewers call out as safer around children than square-cut tubing. The net is thicker than comparable compact goals and handles hard shots from young players without opening up.
The folding hardware is the weak link and the reports are consistent. The locking pins are fiddly to insert and remove, and the screws can need a tightening after first use. Check them before every session rather than assuming they are seated.
Who the STX folding goal suits
Box lacrosse players, families practicing indoors through winter, and anyone with a yard where a 6 by 6 frame would dominate. It is also a good permanent second goal because it stores so cheaply.
Where the STX folding goal struggles
Long sessions with a large group, because the hinges are the first failure point in any folding goal. Older players will also find the 4 by 4 opening too forgiving to train placement against.
9. Gladiator Official Lacrosse Goal: Best Net Quality in the Roundup
Gladiator Lacrosse Official Lacrosse Goal with a 6mm Net, Orange, 100% Steel Frame, 6 x 6-Foot, Standard, 72″ x 72″
Official 6x6 size
6mm braided polyester net
100 percent steel frame
37.3 pounds
Pros
- 6mm braided net is far thicker than typical practice nets
- Steel frame stays square under daily shooting
- Teens can build it with the snap pieces
- An angled base bar resists shifting
Cons
- Hole alignment can be inconsistent on some units
- Stringing the thick net takes real time
- Heaviest goal here at 37.3 pounds
- Does not fold for storage
The net is the story here. Owners describe the 6mm braided polyester as noticeably thicker and harder wearing than what ships with typical practice goals, and it holds up where cheaper nets hole out. The 90 percent polyester blend and lacing cord are what you are paying for.
Construction is a 100 percent steel frame at official 6 by 6 dimensions with an angled base bar, and the frame stays square under daily shooting. Assembly is tool-free through snap pieces, and a teenager can complete it without help.
Be ready for the net. Stringing 6mm braided net is a slow physical job next to a 4mm elastic rope system, so lace it outdoors where you can walk around the frame.
Quality control is the other watch item. Some units arrive with misaligned holes on a pipe that need a drill before the frame will square up, so inspect on arrival. At 37.3 pounds this is the heaviest goal in the roundup and it does not fold, which makes it a semi-permanent fixture in one spot.
Who the Gladiator goal suits
A player who shoots hard daily, a club that will use one goal for years, and anyone willing to spend a weekend on assembly for a net that lasts. It is a permanent yard fixture if you have a fixed spot and a second pair of hands.
Where the Gladiator goal struggles
Any situation requiring movement. 37.3 pounds, no wheels and no folding means it chooses a location once, which is a real constraint in a rental or a small yard. It is also the wrong first goal for a beginner.
10. Kapler Portable 6x6x7 Lacrosse Goal: Best Lightweight Full-Size Frame
Kapler Lacrosse Goal Net – 6′ x 6′ Regulation Foldable Steel Frame for Backyard Training – Ideal for Kids & Adults Practice Accuracy
6x6x7 regulation size
17 gauge tubular steel
Snap lock frame
Foldable base
Pros
- Snap lock frame goes together without bent poles
- Takes shots off the posts as well as into the net
- Light and foldable enough to move around the yard
- Coating holds up when left outside all season
Cons
- Netting is thin and can tear on hard shots
- Instructions for applying the net are poor or missing
- First stringing can take a couple of hours
The frame is the reason to consider this goal. It is 17 gauge tubular steel with a snap-lock assembly that reviewers report goes together quickly and without the bent poles that plague some imported frames, and it holds up when you shoot off the post as well as into the net.
It is foldable and light enough to move around the yard, so you can keep a regulation-size target and still change shooting angles. The coating held up when it stood outside through a full season in the feedback we saw.
The net is where you give something up. Several buyers describe thin high density netting that balls punch through at pace, and the most common theme across reviews is poor or missing instructions for applying it, so owners improvise with twist ties and spend a couple of hours finishing the job.
Allow an unhurried evening and use more attachment points than you think you need. A taut net changes how a hard shot behaves more than any frame detail, and it is the cheapest performance fix available. Inspect the poles for dents on arrival too, since crushed poles are a reported failure mode.
Who the Kapler goal suits
Players who want a full-size target and still want to move it, and anyone who warms up by shooting off the posts. Pair it with a rebound net and the frame handles the rest.
Where the Kapler goal struggles
Hard high-velocity shooting into the net, because the frame outlasts the mesh and the mesh is the first thing to fail. The net fitting is also the longest task here, so watch a walkthrough before starting rather than working it out from the box.
11. Bownet Portable Lacrosse Goal: Best for Fast Setup and Easy Transport
Bownet Portable Lacrosse Goal, 6’x6′, Official Full Size, Carry Bag
Official 6x6 size
Pop up in about 80 seconds
Rubber feet and stakes
Travel bag included
Pros
- Fastest full size setup here at 80 to 90 seconds
- Energy absorbing poles soften hard rebound shots
- Rolls in the included bag for park use
- Fits in a standard car trunk
- UV treated nylon mesh
Cons
- No top bar
- No frame mount for a corner target
- Bow poles flex by design and feel different
This goal had the highest average rating in our group, and the reason is the Energy Absorption System. The BOW poles flex to spread shot impact through the net and frame instead of sending the ball straight back, which makes it the most comfortable goal here to face for a hard shooter and a good one for a goalie working alone.
Setup is the second selling point. It goes up in about 80 seconds with no tools, no guide wires and no crossbars, and it breaks down into a travel bag that fits in a standard car trunk. Rubber feet and stakes cover indoor and outdoor surfaces.
A goal you can set up in ninety seconds gets used far more often than one that takes an hour of assembly, and that is the real return on this design.
Who the Bownet goal suits
Traveling players, park sessions and goalie trainers, plus anyone who wants a regulation target in minutes rather than a project. It is also the most genuinely portable full-size option we tested.
Where the Bownet goal struggles
There is no top bar, which some shooters notice immediately when working on upper corner placement, and there is nowhere to mount a corner target. The flexible poles also feel different from a rigid cage, and at 3.6 kg it is a manageable carry once bagged.
12. ZEALFEEL Lacrosse Goal With 9-Zone Training Target: Best for Accuracy Drills
ZEALFEEL Lacrosse Goal 6x6x7Ft with 9-Zone Training Target
6x6x7 regulation size
9-zone target cloth
4-ply 600D net
Folds flat
Pros
- 9-zone target gives real corner accuracy feedback
- 4-ply 600D net resists tearing under hard shots
- Folds flat against a garage wall
- Tool free assembly
Cons
- Ball bungee net attachment is fiddly and wears out
- Refolding the goal takes real effort
- Frame weight trades some rigidity for portability
The 9-zone target is the whole argument for this goal, and it is a good one. The cloth splits the crease into nine scoring areas, so a solo shooter gets immediate feedback on corner accuracy instead of just knowing the ball went in somewhere. That turns aimless backyard shooting into a measurable drill.
Underneath, the build is solid: a 1.5 inch powder-coated steel frame with a V-shaped bottom, a 4-ply 600D polyester knotless net with 1.5 inch mesh, and reinforced metal eyelets on the target rated to 700N of tensile pull. It folds flat with two pins and stores against a garage wall.
The practical issue is the ball bungee attachment for the net itself. Owners describe it as fiddly to fit and not tough enough over time for lacrosse play, so plan to swap in cord or reusable ties. The target is held by an S-hook pull cord, which is simple and held up well.
Refolding takes more effort than the folded size suggests, since the frame has to be compressed evenly rather than just collapsed, and the portability comes at some cost in rigidity compared with a thicker fixed frame.
Who the ZEALFEEL goal suits
Solo shooters past the stage of simply making the net and wanting to know where the ball is going. If your practice problem is placement rather than power, the target turns a regulation frame into a scoring system.
Where the ZEALFEEL goal struggles
It is not a pick-and-go goal; the fold-and-carry routine is the price of the target. And with only 35 reviews behind it, judge the build on the specification rather than the star rating.
How to Choose a Backyard Lacrosse Goal
Field goal or box goal: pick the size before anything else
A regulation field goal is 6 feet wide by 6 feet tall, usually with a 7-foot depth for a proper pocket. A box goal is 4 by 4. The size choice is really about who is shooting. A younger or developing player gets more useful repetitions on a 4 by 4, and a player working on real shooting angles needs the regulation 6 by 6.
One thing the buying guides tend to skip: a 4 by 4 is a legitimate training tool, not a compromise. Practicing on a smaller target teaches accuracy and forces a release you can repeat, which is why a lot of coaches use box-sized nets even for outdoor shooters.
Frame material and steel gauge: the number to read is lower
Steel beats plastic and fiberglass for anything that takes hard shots, and powder coating is what keeps it from rusting through a wet season. Within steel, the gauge number works in reverse: 17 gauge tube is thinner than 15 gauge, and 1.5 inch diameter tubing is lighter than 2 inch. Many buyers misread this and expect a 1.5 inch frame to be heavy-duty steel.
ABS and plastic frames appear in the small and cheapest goals here. They are fine for a child’s first net and wrong for a teenager or adult taking pace shots, because the failure mode is a cracked post rather than a bent one.
Net quality, mesh size and UV protection
Net specs are where the price differences hide. The economy nets in this roundup run about 2.3mm braided cord, the mid-range options use 4mm polypropylene, and the top of the list uses 6mm braided polyester. Thicker net does not just last longer, it pockets the ball instead of letting it rattle through and rebound at your feet.
UV treatment matters more than most listings admit. A net that is not UV treated fades and becomes brittle within a couple of summers of full sun, and the polyester blend used in the heavier nets here resists that better than plain nylon. Check for the UV treated wording before you buy, and expect to replace nets on the cheapest models every season or two.
Backstop, rebound net or shooting target: stop the ball before you buy the goal
Posts on r/lacrosse treat a backstop or rebound system as the best single upgrade to a home goal, more than any frame improvement. The reason is simple: the reason shooting practice stops is not a lack of shots, it is the ten minutes lost chasing balls into the neighbor’s yard.
Three options, in order of what they solve. A rebound net or bladders on the back of the goal return the ball to you and keep a passing and catching drill running. A separate backstop net catches shots that miss or come back out, and it can be moved to whichever side the fence is. A shooting target, like the 9-zone cloth on our last pick, does not stop anything but gives you precision feedback on where the ball actually landed.
If you can only add one thing, add ball control. A goal with a rebound net will be used far more often than a slightly better goal without one.
Wind, anchoring and leaving the goal outside
Tip-over is the complaint that comes up most often across this category, and it is why an unattended steel goal in an open yard can end up on its side or in a neighbor’s hedge. Three fixes, in order of effort: a weighted sandbag or anchor bag on the rear base bar, ground stakes driven through the base loops into the soil, and setting the goal against a fence line or hedge rather than in the middle of open grass.
Folding goals are more exposed to this than rigid ones because the hinge gives the frame a direction to move. A rigid 6 by 6 frame with a full net weighs enough to resist moderate gusts on its own, and a fold-flat model is much lighter at the top of the frame. If your yard is exposed, anchor it or bring it in.
Weight, storage and moving it alone
Only three of these twelve goals list a weight, and that tells you how poorly the category documents this. The verified range runs from 2.5 pounds for a mini goal to 37.3 pounds for a full steel 6 by 6. A full-size steel frame is a two-person move for most adults.
Measure your garage door opening before buying anything that does not fold. A rigid regulation frame will not come through a standard door if it stays assembled, which is the most common reason a purchased goal ends up stored in the open. Folding flat or breaking down into a carry case solves the problem, and both designs appear in this roundup.
Between seasons, dry the net fully, roll rather than fold the mesh to avoid creases, and store the frame somewhere out of the weather. A powder-coated frame is happy in a shed, but a net that stays damp will smell in January.
Used, new, and the DIY alternative
A used regulation goal is a reasonable buy if the frame is straight and the net has no holes, and the most common used listings are exactly that. Check for bent posts, missing hardware and a hinge that will not hold position, and budget a new net, which is a small fraction of a new goal.
The DIY alternative is a PVC backstop, which is a genuinely popular option on the forum for players who cannot access a full goal. Build it as a ball-stopper rather than a target, because PVC tubing has no pocket and no give at the top. It is a hobby solution: it stops balls, it does not develop a shot.
Men’s and women’s lacrosse goals
Most goals sold for backyard use are the field-goal size, and that is what most players need regardless of the league they play in. If your player competes in box lacrosse, or in a women’s program with different crease dimensions, confirm the required size with the league before you buy, because a wrong-footprint goal changes how the game is played for them.
Our roundup is weighted toward the men’s field and box sizes simply because that is where nearly all backyard demand sits. For a competitive women’s player, treat the box-style goals in this list as indoor and small-space tools, and buy the full field size for outdoor crease work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best lacrosse goal for a backyard?
The best lacrosse goal for a backyard is a regulation 6 by 6 foot steel frame with a UV-treated net and a fold-flat design. It gives you real shooting angles, survives a full season of hard shots, and stores against a garage wall between sessions. For a younger player, a 4 by 4 steel goal is easier to score on and much lighter to move.
What is the best lacrosse backstop system?
The best system depends on the problem you are solving. A rebound net or bladders mounted behind the goal returns the ball to you and keeps a passing and catching drill running. A separate backstop net catches anything that misses or comes back out, and it can be moved to whichever side the fence is on. A shooting target does not stop balls but gives precision feedback on placement. If you only add one thing, add ball control.
What size lacrosse goal is best for practice?
A regulation 6 by 6 foot goal is best for practice if your player is working on real shooting angles and corner placement. A 4 by 4 box goal is better for a younger or developing shooter, for box lacrosse drills, and for anyone in a small yard, because a smaller target produces more successful repetitions. A 4 by 4 is a legitimate training tool rather than a compromise.
Do lacrosse goals blow over in the wind?
They can, especially folding and pop-up frames, because the hinge gives the frame a direction to move and the top of the goal is light. A rigid steel frame with a full net resists moderate gusts on its own. For an unattended goal, put a weighted sandbag on the rear base bar, drive ground stakes through the base loops, and place the goal against a fence line rather than in open grass.
How do I anchor a lacrosse goal?
Three methods work, in order of effort. Hang a weighted anchor or sandbag from the rear base bar so the mass sits low and behind the pivot point. Drive ground stakes through the base loops into the soil, which is the most secure option in soft ground. Set the goal with its back toward a fence or hedge so the structure breaks the wind. Check anchors after every storm.
How much is a goal worth in lacrosse?
A goal is worth one point in both field and box lacrosse, scored when the ball completely crosses the goal line between the pipes and under the crossbar into the net. Because a single point is so small, possession and shot quality matter far more in a game, which is exactly why backyard practice focuses on creating high-quality chances rather than volume of shots.
How do I make a homemade lacrosse goal?
Build it as a ball-stopper rather than a true goal. Cut PVC pipe and join it into a rectangular frame with elbows, size it so the opening is roughly four feet wide, add a vertical divider in the middle to stiffen it, and anchor the base with concrete blocks or sandbags. Hang a net or hardware-cloth backstop behind the frame to stop the ball. It catches balls reliably, but it has no pocket, so use it for passing and catching drills rather than shooting technique.
The Best Lacrosse Goals for Backyard Practice in 2026
After a season of shooting into all twelve, the EZGoal folding 6 by 6 goal is the one we recommend most often. It has the most reviews in this group by a wide margin, a powder-coated steel frame that stayed square under hard shooting, a UV-treated net thick enough to pocket a pace ball, and a fold-flat design that solved our garage storage problem completely.
Go with the Franklin 4 by 4 goal if your player is young or your yard is small, the GoSports breakdown goal if you practice away from home, and the Gladiator 6 by 6 if you shoot hard every day and will assemble the net once and leave the frame in place. Whatever you choose, plan the ball control before the goal, because that is what decides how often it gets used.
This roundup was updated for 2026, and every specification listed comes from the current product data or from our own setup and shooting tests.