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Once you have passing and catching down, shooting is one of the best ways to take your offensive game to the next level.
It can be extremely frustrating, however, to shoot on a goal and either have to chase down all of your misses or slow down your shot so you don’t break a neighbor’s window.
Luckily, there’s a solution to this pesky problem: lacrosse backstops.
Lacrosse backstops are large nets that go behind your goal to stop any misses from flying far, far away. They save time in collecting balls, allowing you to get more reps in, and allow you to not hold back from shooting hard since you don’t have to worry about breaking anything.
This guide takes a look at the best lacrosse backstops available today and what to consider when choosing one.
Best Lacrosse Backstop Nets
I’ve spent 10 hours analyzing lacrosse backstops to find the 9 best options that you should consider.
When analyzing these backstops, I considered type, size, the difficulty of assembly, collapsibility, customer reviews, and the material of the frame and net.
Below you will find 2 backstops that connect directly to your goal and 7 backstops that stand behind your goal of varying sizes.
9 Best Lacrosse Backstops:
- Backstop That Connects to Goal: Smart Backstop for Lacrosse Goals, Gen 3
- Budget Backstop That Connects to Goal: EZGoal Monster Lacrosse Backstop
- XL Behind-Goal Backstop: Champion Sports Lacrosse Backstop Net (30 x 10 ft)
- Large Behind-Goal Backstop: Champion Sports Lacrosse Backstop Net (21 x 11 ft)
- Large Behind-Goal Backstop: Lacrosse Scoop 20 x 10 ft Sports Backstop
- Medium Behind-Goal Backstop: PowerNet 16 x 10 ft Sports Barrier Net
- Medium Behind-Goal Backstop: Rukket XL 16 x 10 ft Barricade Backstop Net
- Small Behind-Goal Backstop: Rukket 12 x 9 ft Barricade Backstop Net
- Budget Small Behind-Goal Backstop: GoSports Portable 12 x 9 ft Sports Barrier Net
1) Smart Backstop for Lacrosse Goals, Gen 3
Best Backstop That Connects to Goal — My #1 Choice
Details
- Size: 14 ft wide x 10 ft tall
- Frame material: Not disclosed but likely steel
- Net material: Heavy-duty, UV-resistant, 45-ply polyethylene
- Shipping weight: 22 lbs
- Assembly notes: Takes just minutes and requires no tools. Comes with assembly instructions.
- Collapsibility: Backstop folds down behind goal when not in use
- Warranty: 1 year
If I were buying a lacrosse backstop today, this is the one I would go with. The best part about it is that it connects directly to the goal (as opposed to standing separately behind it), making it less likely that balls will get by it.
The backstop has a high-quality frame and strong net, and it easily collapses down behind the goal when not in use.
On the downside, this is a lacrosse-specific backstop and is harder to use for other sports such as soccer.
Pros
- Connects to goal: As mentioned, I prefer backstops that connect directly to the goal. By doing this, it reduces the chances that your ball will miss your backstop if you hit the crossbar or miss badly.
- Sturdy: This backstop is very sturdy and won’t likely blow over with heavy winds or hard shots. It even comes with an extra counterweight you can put on the backstop to give it some extra weight.
- Folds down behind goal: Once you’re done using your goal for the day, you can fold down the backstop behind the goal so it doesn’t take up any more room than your goal does.
- Great customer reviews: Of all the lacrosse backstops on this list, this has the best customer reviews. Customers are typically very satisfied with their purchase and recommend it highly.
- Great customer service: When problems have come up in the past, customers report that Smart Sports Tek has been very helpful in making them right.
Cons
- Only for lacrosse: If you were planning on using your backstop for soccer, basketball, or any other sport, you may be better off with a behind-goal backstop since this one requires a lacrosse goal to function.
- May not work with very light goals: If your goal is very light, the backstop may be too heavy to work properly with it.
2) EZGoal Monster Lacrosse Backstop
Budget Backstop That Connects to Goal
Details
- Size: 11 ft wide x 8 ft tall
- Frame material: Powder-coated, 12-gauge steel
- Net material: Not specified
- Shipping weight: 23 lbs
- Assembly notes: EZGoal claims assembly only takes minutes but some customers report that it can be difficult despite it coming with instructions.
- Collapsibility: Sides fold in when not in use
- Warranty: 1 year
If you prefer a backstop that attaches to your goal but have a lower budget, this EZGoal backstop is a good option. It is not as large as the Smart Backstop but still does a decent job at stopping missed shots.
On the downside, it is smaller than the Smart Backstop (listed above), the net tends to rip quickly, and there's a relatively difficult assembly process.
Pros
- Connects to goal: Since this backstop connects directly to your goal, there is a smaller chance that you will miss it if you hit the crossbar or miss badly.
- Folds in for easy storage: It’s very easy to fold the sides in to save space for storage.
Cons
- Pretty small: Compared to the Smart Backstop and other options, this backstop is pretty small and may not stop all of your missed shots.
- Net rips easily: Many customers have complained that the net rips easily.
- Difficult assembly: Assembly can be difficult despite it coming with instructions.
3) Champion Sports Lacrosse Backstop Net (30 x 10 ft)
Best XL Behind-Goal Backstop
Details
- Size: 30 ft wide x 10 ft tall
- Frame material: 1.25 in steel with T-bar construction
- Net material: 2.5 mm high-extension nylon
- Shipping weight: 75 lbs
- Assembly notes: Should take most under 30 minutes. The entire backstop snaps together easily.
- Collapsibility: Quickly collapses and folds down
- Warranty: Not disclosed
This is the largest backstop on the list measuring in at a ridiculous 30 ft by 10 ft. If you take a lot of shots from far away, at low angles, or shoot hard, this is a great option to consider given the huge surface area.
Despite its size, this Champion backstop is pretty easy to break down and transport. Having an extra person or two will make setting it up and taking it down much easier. Another great benefit of it is that's it's freestanding so you don't have to stake it into the ground.
Pros
- HUGE: This is the largest backstop on this list and should stop even the wildest of shots.
- Freestanding: Unlike some other lacrosse backstop nets, this is completely freestanding and doesn’t need to be staked into the ground.
- Collapsible & transportable: Despite it being so large, this backstop easily collapses down for moving around the yard or transportation to a different location.
- Thick net: This Champion backstop comes with a thick net that should hold up well.
Cons
- Takes at least 2 people to set up: This net would be very difficult to set up for just a single person. If you decide on this backstop, grab a parent or pal to help with the assembly.
4) Champion Sports Lacrosse Backstop Net (21 x 11 ft)
Best Large Behind-Goal Backstop
Details
- Size: 21 ft wide x 11 ft tall
- Frame material: Steel ground frame with flexible composite bow poles
- Net material: High-quality knotless netting
- Shipping weight: 60 lbs
- Assembly notes: Only takes minutes and requires no tools
- Collapsibility: Collapses down to fit into a travel bag
- Warranty: Not disclosed
Another Champion backstop makes our list, this time the smaller (yet still very large) 21 ft by 11 ft version. It shares many of the same features as the XL version—such as being freestanding and having a thick net—and comes with a carrying case for transportation.
The assembly, setting up, and taking down processes are easier with this backstop than the above option. Also, at 60 lbs, it is light enough for most players to carry alone.
Pros
- Large: This backstop net is the second-largest on this list and should have no problem stopping your misses.
- Freestanding: You won’t need to use ground stakes to keep this backstop standing.
- Rhino Flex technology: This allows the net to flex upon impact reducing the chance that it rips and giving you more stability and balance.
- Easy setup: This backstop is very easy to set up and requires no tools.
- Transportable: Despite it being one of the largest lacrosse backstops, this collapses down easy and comes with a bag for transportation.
Cons
- Few customer reviews: There aren’t many customer reviews available online, making it a bit difficult to judge the longterm durability.
5) Lacrosse Scoop 20 x 10 ft Sports Backstop
Best Large Behind-Goal Backstop
Details
- Size: 20 ft wide x 10 ft tall
- Frame material: Steel frame with flexible vertical poles
- Net material: Not disclosed
- Shipping weight: 32 lbs
- Assembly notes: Takes under 10 minutes and comes with instructions. Can be done by one person.
- Collapsibility: Collapses down easily and comes with a travel case
- Warranty: 100% satisfaction guarantee
The Lacrosse Scoop 20 x 10 ft Sports Backstop is another large behind-goal backstop net that should stop almost all of your misses. It is easy to set up and break down, and comes with a traveling case for transportation. You do have to stake this backstop into the ground unlike the other options but it's easy to do so.
Another great part of this backstop is the 100% satisfaction guarantee. If anything breaks or otherwise goes wrong with the backstop, Lacrosse Scoop will work to make it right—something that many customers noted in reviews.
Pros
- Large: This backstop is large enough to stop the majority of your shots that miss the goal.
- Easy setup: As mentioned above, this backstop only takes minutes to set up and can be done by one person.
- Collapses down easily: It only takes minutes to take this backstop net down and it fits nicely into the included travel case.
- Good customer service: Many customers reported that the Lacrosse Scoop customer service team was very helpful and resolved their issues quickly.
Cons
- Not freestanding: You will need to use the 4 U-shaped stakes to keep this backstop standing, though they only take a few seconds to install.
- Issues with metal base: Some customers reported that the metal base rusts and breaks easily.
6) PowerNet 16 x 10 ft Sports Barrier Net
Best Medium Behind-Goal Backstop
Details
- Size: 16 ft wide by 10 ft tall
- Frame material: Steel frame with fiberglass bow poles
- Net material: Knotless polyester with polyurethane coating
- Shipping weight: 41 lbs
- Assembly notes: Takes less than 3 minutes and requires no tools
- Collapsibility: Collapses down easily and comes with a travel case
- Warranty: 1-year warranty on frame and composite parts
If you have less room or don’t need a huge backstop, this product from PowerNet is a great option to consider. It is medium-sized but should still stop most of your shots.
Out of the box, it can be assembled in under 5 minutes with no tools. Also, it's very easy to set up and take down, and it comes with a carrying case for easy transportation.
The 1-year warranty on the frame and composite parts is nice incase anything goes wrong early on.
Pros
- Easy setup: This backstop is one of the easiest and fastest to set up on this list.
- Durable: Many customers were impressed with how durable this backstop was.
- Comes with carrying case: If you need to move your backstop to a different location, you can break it down easily into a travel bag.
Cons
- May need extra weight: You may need to add some extra weight to the backstop’s frame to make sure it doesn’t blow over or move around a lot.
- Net not included in warranty: The warranty only covers the frame and composite parts, so if your net rips, you won’t be able to get a free replacement.
7) Rukket XL 16 x 10 ft Barricade Backstop Net
Best Medium Behind-Goal Backstop
Details
- Size: 16 ft wide x 10 ft tall
- Frame material: 1 in steel frame with flexible fiberglass poles
- Net material: 7-ply knotless net
- Shipping weight: 43 lbs
- Assembly notes: Easy setup that takes under 15 minutes for most
- Collapsibility: Collapses down easily and comes with a travel case
- Warranty: 100% lifetime warranty
This is another medium-sized backstop you may want to consider if you don’t have the room for or don’t need a larger backstop.
What makes this option stand out is that you can purchase an extra backstop and connector should you ever want to make it larger or a different shape. If you start practicing at a new spot with more room or decide you want more protection, you can easily add another backstop.
Pros
- Easy setup and breakdown: It only takes minutes to set up and break down this backstop, and it fits nicely into a travel case for transportation.
- Lifetime warranty: If anything breaks or goes wrong with your backstop, you can use the lifetime warranty to get a replacement part.
Cons
- Some issues with frame: Some customers reported that the frame on their backstops broke.
- Extra weight may be needed: If it is very windy or if you shoot very hard, you may need to add extra weight to the backstop for increased stability.
8) Rukket 12 x 9 ft Barricade Backstop Net
Best Small Behind-Goal Backstop
Details
- Size: 12 ft wide x 9 ft tall
- Frame material: 1 in steel frame with flexible fiberglass poles
- Net material: 7-ply knotless net
- Shipping weight: 24 lbs
- Assembly notes: Should take 15 minutes or less and can be done by one person
- Collapsibility: Collapses down easily and comes with a travel case
- Warranty: 100% lifetime warranty
This Rukket backstop is very similar to the medium-sized option from Rukket listed above but is slightly smaller. It comes with a carrying case and you purchase an extra backstop and connector should you want to make it wider or change the shape.
Pros
- Collapses easily: If you need to move your backstop net to a new location, you can easily break it down into the included travel case.
- 100% lifetime warranty: If anything breaks or goes wrong with your backstop, you can use the lifetime warranty to get a replacement part.
Cons
- Small: As the smallest backstop on this list, some missed shots may get past it, especially if a ball bounces off the crossbar.
9) GoSports Portable 12 x 9 ft Sports Barrier Net
Budget Small Behind-Goal Backstop
Details
- Size: 12 ft wide x 9 ft tall
- Frame material: Reinforced steel bow frame
- Net material: High-density polyester
- Shipping weight: 24 lbs
- Assembly notes: Takes under 10 minutes and can be done by one person
- Collapsibility: Collapses down easily and comes with a travel case
- Warranty: 100% lifetime warranty
The GoSports Portable 12 x 9 ft Sports Barrier Net is another smaller option for those who don’t have the space for or don’t need a large backstop. It is also the cheapest option on this list but still has great customer reviews. It collapses easily and comes with a travel case for transportation.
Pros
- Collapses easily: If you need to move your backstop net to a new location, you can easily break it down into the included travel case.
- 100% lifetime warranty: If anything breaks or goes wrong with your backstop, you can use the lifetime warranty to get a replacement part.
Cons
- Smaller: As the smallest backstop on this list, some missed shots may get past it, especially if a ball bounces off the crossbar.
- Some reports of frames breaking: Some customers reported that the frame of the backstop broke within the first year.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Lacrosse Backstop
If you still need help deciding on which lacrosse backstop to buy, here are some things that you may want to consider before making a purchase:
Behind Goal vs. Attached
Backstops that attach to your goal decrease the chances that balls get by them but cannot usually be used for other sports as behind-goal backstops can.
If you only need a backstop for lacrosse, then I recommend going with an attached backstop. If you or your child plays other sports, a behind-goal backstop is the way to go and should work just fine.
Size
How large of a backstop do you need and how much space do you have?
If you are a hard shooter or plan on taking low-angle shots, you may want to consider a wider backstop. Any backstop that is 20 ft or larger should be able to stop the majority of lacrosse shots.
If you have a younger child who doesn't shoot very hard or if you don't have much room, a smaller backstop should be good. Keep in mind that a lacrosse goal is 6 ft wide so a 10 ft wide backstop would only really protect a 2 ft on each side.
Collapsibility
Are you planning on leaving your backstop in your backyard or wherever else you practice or are you going to move it around regularly?
If you do plan on transporting it, look for a backstop that collapses down easily and comes with a travel bag. Not having to connect the net to the frame every time you set up and break down the backstop is the most important part when it comes to collapsibility in my opinion.
Assembly
You should also look for a backstop that isn’t too difficult to assemble. Backstops can be very easy or very, very hard to put together out of the box depending on how it is shipped. Try reading customer reviews to get a sense of how difficult assembly is.
Speaking of which…
Customer Reviews
It’s important to read customer reviews (as I have done to create this guide), so you can get an idea of how durable and sturdy the backstop is among other things. Real customers' experiences can give you a much better idea of how good a backstop is than the marketing material the company selling the product uses.
How We Rate Lacrosse Goal Backstops
We take our ratings seriously and only recommend products that we would use ourselves.
To come up with our ratings for each product, we test the product ourselves whenever possible, review product specifications (weight, materials used, etc.), and read customer reviews/talk to lacrosse players we know that use the product.
While we can't physically test out every single lacrosse backstop on the market, we do our best to try out each that we rate. When testing backstops, we mostly consider how easy the backstop is to set up, how large it is, and how well it holds up. Aside from that, we consider if the materials seem high quality to get a gauge of whether the backstop will hold up well over time.
If you ever have any feedback for any of the products listed on this page or have a recommended addition, please contact us and let us know!
Final Thoughts
When I got my first lacrosse backstop in high school, I was thrilled to not have to worry about shagging balls or hitting my neighbor’s house.
I’m confident you’ll find that having a backstop allows you to take your game to the next level since you’ll be able to get in more reps and shoot as hard as you like.
I hope this guide helped you find a lacrosse backstop that fits your needs, but if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
Here are some other lacrosse training aids you may want to consider alongside your new backstop:
- Goal: Need a goal to actually shoot on? Check out our recommended lacrosse goals here.
- Rebounder: A rebounder is a great way to simulate receiving feeds as you shoot. Check out our recommended lacrosse rebounders here.
- Balls: You can’t shoot without balls! Check out our recommended lacrosse balls here.
- Targets/Shot blockers: If you want to practice shooting on smaller spaces, targets and shot blockers can be really helpful.
