Goal nets

Helpful information about goal nets in a nutshell

1 Types of materials and their properties

- Polypropylene (PP) is an extremely popular material for the production of goal nets due to its high UV resistance, which means that polypropylene nets remain strong and durable for a long time even with heavy outdoor use. Polypropylene is also moisture-resistant, which means that it does not absorb water and thus does not increase in weight when it rains. In addition, this material is characterized by high elasticity, which allows the net to effectively dampen the impact of the ball without the risk of deformation. Polypropylene nets are ideal for goals used on outdoor playing fields, where they are exposed to changing weather conditions. The variety of colors in which polypropylene nets are available also makes them more visually appealing, which is important when organizing sports competitions.
- Polyethylene (PE) is a material with very low water absorption, which makes nets made of this material extremely resistant to moisture and do not change their properties even in humid environments. Polyethylene is also characterized by high resistance to UV rays, but to a slightly lesser degree than polypropylene, which makes it particularly recommended for use inside sports halls or on playing fields, where exposure to the sun is not so intense. Polyethylene nets have a higher rigidity compared to polypropylene, which makes them less prone to stretching. For this reason, polyethylene nets are more stable and less flexible, which may be desirable for goals designed for technical training, where the precise response of the net to ball contact is important.
- Polyamide (PA), also known as nylon, is the material with the highest mechanical strength of all three plastics, making polyamide nets extremely resistant to abrasion and mechanical damage. However, polyamide can tend to absorb moisture, which can increase the weight of the mesh in wet conditions, but with proper impregnation or special coatings this effect can be reduced. Nets made of polyamide are also characterized by the highest elasticity, which makes them excellent at dampening strong impacts of the ball. This material has a high tensile strength, making it especially appreciated on professional fields, where the intensity of the game requires materials with the highest strength. Polyamide is ideal for sports halls and covered fields, but also for outdoor pitches if protection from excessive UV rays is provided.

2 Technical specifications

Dimensions of nets for different types of goals
- The standard dimensions of nets for soccer goals are 7.32 x 2.44 m, which corresponds to the dimensions of full-size goals used in official senior competitions. For youth and mini soccer games, smaller goals are popular, such as 5 x 2 m, 3 x 1.55 m, 3 x 1 m and even smaller goals, such as 1.5 x 1 m or 1.2 x 0.8 m, which are ideal for soccer schools and home use. Thus, the selection of the appropriate size of the net depends on the target age group and the level of play. It is worth noting that youth goal nets and mini goal nets are often more compact, making them easier to transport and store.
String thickness and its impact on durability
- The thickness of the string in soccer nets is a parameter directly related to the strength and flexibility of the net. Nets with thinner strings, such as 2.5 mm, are lighter and may be suitable for recreational use, while thicker strings, from 3 mm to as much as 6 mm, provide greater durability, which is crucial for professional games and intensive training. Nets with a thickness of 4 mm or more are characterized by high resistance to mechanical damage, such as abrasion and stretching, which allows them to last longer even under intensive use. The thickness of the string also affects the aesthetics of the net - thicker strings are more visible, which increases the visual value of the goals in stadiums and during television broadcasts.
Top and bottom depth of the net
- The depth of the net, both top and bottom, is an important technical element that affects the shape and stability of the net. In full-size nets, the most common top depth is 80-100 cm, while the bottom depth reaches up to 150-200 cm. Such a design ensures that the net, when stretched, will not block the movement of the ball, and will also prevent excessive swinging during strikes. In goals for younger categories and mini goals, the depth tends to be less, in order to maintain proportions to the size of the goal, for example, a depth of 50 cm at both the top and bottom for 1.5 x 1 m goals. Deeper nets ensure that the ball stays in the goal after a shot, which is important in professional and amateur play because it increases the safety of the game by eliminating the risk of the ball bouncing uncontrolled off the field.
Mesh shape and size
- The shape and size of the mesh are elements that not only affect the appearance of the net, but also its functionality. Square-shaped meshes are classic and work well for most soccer goals, while hexagonal meshes, the so-called "honeycomb", give the net a more modern look and are favored by professional teams and for special sporting events. The standard mesh size ranges from 10 to 12 cm, which allows the net to effectively stop the ball while maintaining its flexibility. For junior and recreational games, the mesh size can be larger to reduce the weight of the net and make it easier to install. Smaller mesh size or more compact weaves can be used in training nets where frequent bouncing and reducing the risk of the ball going through the net is important.

3 Application and tips for installation and maintenance

- Soccer goal nets are used in a wide range of applications, and their proper selection, installation and maintenance are key to ensuring their functionality, durability and user safety. Depending on the material, specifications and size, these nets are suitable for different types of games - from professional leagues to soccer schools to recreational home fields. Professional leagues and adult training fields usually use the highest strength nets, usually made of polypropylene or polyamide, which can withstand intense ball impact and harsh weather conditions. In schools and youth academies, nets in smaller sizes suitable for junior goals are often used to help children develop their playing technique. In sports halls, nets made of polyamide or polyethylene are preferred, as they are flexible and resistant to abrasion, which is important for frequent use on hard surfaces. In recreational applications, lighter nets with thinner twine are chosen, which are easy to install and store after the season.
- Installing a net on a goal is a process that requires evenly distributed tension to avoid excessive wear on the material. It starts with attaching the net at the corners and then along the edges to ensure even distribution of force when the ball is struck. For nets with larger meshes, such as "honeycombs," the areas along the edges should be especially firmly fixed, as they are more prone to stretching and tension. For outdoor pitches, especially those exposed to intense sunlight, it's a good idea to use protective coatings or choose polypropylene nets, which are naturally UV-resistant. Regular inspection of the condition of the fastenings is essential to prevent the net from coming loose and to ensure the safety of users.
- Maintenance of the nets is crucial for their long-term use and maintenance of technical properties. Polypropylene nets, being the most UV-resistant, require only regular inspection and removal of dirt that could weaken their structure. Polyethylene nets, especially those used on open fields, are worth cleaning periodically to prevent the accumulation of deposits that can negatively affect their flexibility. Polyamide nets, while very durable, are prone to moisture absorption, so they should be stored in a dry place after the season or games to prevent damage from frost and moisture. Regular inspection of the net, especially the attachment points, allows quick detection and repair of damage such as abrasions or cracks, which extends the life of the net and ensures its full functionality.
We encourage you to browse our range of goal nets or contact us so that we can choose the most suitable and adequate equipment to suit your needs.