How to Put an End to Stray Balls – The Best Lacrosse Backstop

READ MORE

Large, portable, and durable - these are the attributes that most people are looking for in a lacrosse backstop. Many models have all of them, but none of them combine these features as well as Lacrosse Scoop backstop.

When I first laid my eyes on the folded Lacrosse Scoop backstop, I didn’t think much of it. However, as I unfolded it, I realized just how much I misjudged it. This thing is enormous!

The backstop is advertised as being 20 x 10 feet, or 200 square feet. In reality, once you place the net on the frame, the poles bend, making the total height around 7 feet. This is still a lot of coverage, and most balls that don't end up in the lacrosse goal will be stopped by the net.

The net, made of durable nylon that can take even the fiercest ball hits. As a matter of fact, it is so strong that it can be used as a backstop for other sports too (baseball, soccer, etc.). The steel frame base feels very sturdy, its poles are foldable, and can be set up in around five minutes.

The Lacrosse Scoop backstop is pricey, but that's expected for one of the best models. If you like what you’ve read, I say go ahead and buy it.

If you like to play it safe and buy only the reliable equipment from well-known, reputable manufacturers, this is an offer for you.

Here we have a backstop net from McHom, one of the oldest manufacturers of baseball equipment with more than twenty-one years of experience. For all this time, not a single customer was let down, which is why they have a pretty good reputation in the industry.

Size is the first thing you’ll spot about this backstop; it is enormous!

It measures 12ft x 9ft and can be used for a wide variety of sports: baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, etc. Its large dimensions make it suitable not just for amateurs but professional practice as well.

It includes a sturdy metal construction and hard-wearing net with extremely durable seams. The entire construction can be disassembled and folded up to fit a compact tote bag; hence it is pretty convenient for transport and carrying.

You’ll love that the McHom backstop takes no more than a couple of minutes to assemble, and no tools will be needed for this endeavor. When the practice is done, simply disassemble the frame, fold the net up, and pack it in the bag.

According to customers, the net is well-built and lasts for more than one season, which is the ultimate marker of the quality. It is a bit highly-priced, yet obviously worth it, especially since customers had no complaints at all.

If you’re interested in an attached lacrosse goal backstop design, then you’ll want to read about Smart. This model has a lot of popularity in the lacrosse community, and today, you can find out why.

Unlike the previous two products, Smart backstop isn’t a standalone model, but the type that you attach to a lacrosse goal. This means that you’ll have to make sure that the goal’s bars are wide/narrow enough for the net to be attached. The manufacturer claims that it fits 6 x 6 feet size lacrosse goals.

The net extends in three directions - up, left, and right. It will be able to provide you with roughly 14 x 10 feet of coverage if you place it on a regulation size goal. In other words, the backstop stretches 4 feet in each direction, which means that many balls will fly past it.

As for the installation, it’s a piece of cake. All you have to do is snap the fittings on the goal’s bars, and you’ll be done. The brackets will require frequent tightening, but you won’t have to take them down often. The folds so that it envelopes the goal, and it can be left on.

The smart backstop is durable, weatherproof, well-made, and probably the best-attached lacrosse goal backstop. The trouble is that it’s expensive, so it’s not for everyone.

#4. Franklin Sports Lacrosse Goal Backstop - Great Quality for the Price

Now, the McHom net is obviously a top-notch product, but the price doesn’t fit anyone’s budget. If that’s the case, check out this offer. This net comes from Franklin Sports; it is exactly the same in size as the McHom net and pretty similar in quality, yet significantly cheaper.

So, if you have an official lacrosse goal, and you’re sick of collecting stray balls and wasting the precious time you could be used for practice, this net is your savior. It measures 12ft x 9ft, covering a huge area around your goal and preventing the balls from flying far away.

It was designed to fit the official 6ft x 6ft lacrosse goal, including two steel clamps that attach to the top corners with ease for simple assembly and even easier disassembly. Also, it includes fourteen steel carabiner clips to help you set it up properly.

The customers are genuinely satisfied with the ease of installation, size, and structure of the net, but there’s one big problem. The net is too flimsy and won’t support demanding practice with regulation lacrosse balls.

It is great for children who are just starting off, but many customers reported that the net is extremely weak; it falls off or even tears apart if you shoot too forcefully.

That being said, I would recommend this backstop net for children and beginners who are using softer lacrosse balls.

Folks who’re looking for a big ol’ standalone lacrosse backstop for a low price will want to take a look at this one. Outroad barrier net is similar to products one, two and four on the list, but it still has its own flavor.

This is a large net, with a total size of 12 x 9 feet. As I said, you’ve seen models like this before. The netting is quite soft, which is pretty unusual for these products. This isn’t good as it can receive a limited number of ball hits before it gets torn.

When it comes to the frame, it has a strong metal base and flexible fiberglass poles. The setup is quick and simple, and it’s something that you don’t need to worry about. Once the backstop is up, it is advisable to anchor or secure it with some extra weight, so you will prevent it from tipping over when it takes a fast lacrosse ball.

The price is definitely the selling point of Outroad’s model, as it's one of the cheapest lacrosse backstops on the market. This barricade isn’t great for everyday use and certainly not for professional lacrosse. If you already have a goal and balls, then this product will complete your home setup.

Those who are after a small model might want to check out ZENY’s lacrosse net backstop. This model can be a great option for folks who want to practice ball shots at home during the offseason, indoors or outdoors.

ZENY’s backstop is only 7 x 7 feet big, which makes it a lot smaller than most of the products on this list. It is a standalone model with the standard frame design that takes a short time to set up.

What sets this model apart from the rest is the pocket sewn into the netting. Such a design will help slow down balls more effectively. Also, the lacrosse balls will remain in the pocket and won’t scatter all over the place.

This backstop is essentially a toned-down version of a high-quality standalone barrier. It’s frame isn’t as sturdy and the nylon netting is thin

The product’s price is pretty low, which is its main benefit. When you consider how cheap it is, the quality isn’t that bad, so you’ll get decent value for your money.

In case you’re looking for both a lacrosse goal and a backstop, then EZGoal is a stone that kills two birds. However, those who just want a plain barrier backstop net might want to skip this review.

As I mentioned, EZGoal is a contraption that can serve as a regulation size lacrosse goal and a backstop, but not as both at the same time. It can also be transformed into a soccer goal and tilted back for lacrosse ball hitting practice.

Its frame is made from heavy duty steel tubes, which can be rearranged in ways described above. There are no tools required to do this, and the process is swift. It’ll take some time until you figure out how to use it properly because the product comes with no instructions.

The metal parts are painted blue and can last in outdoor conditions, and the netting is UV treated. You’ll even get corner pockets that serve as a target for your balls.

When used as a backstop, EZGoals dimensions are 10 x 8 feet, making it one of the smallest on the list. It’s relatively affordable, and it’s a great tool for backyard fun. All you need now are some best lacrosse balls!

The next backstop on our list is another fantastic net for lacrosse goals or rebounders, perfect for lacrosse practice, but also baseball, softball, soccer, or simple practice. It is an attached model, but it includes a metal frame for sturdier construction and more stability.

This net is a bit shorter than the previous two models; it measures 11ft x 8ft and fits standard 6ft x 6ft goals and 4ft x 8ft spring rebounders. Still, it is large enough to prevent the ball from hitting your car or garage or simply stop you from running after it.

When it comes to the frame, powder-coated steel tubes add stability and support to the backstop. For this reason, I find this net excellent for professionals who shoot fast and need a solid structure to support their practice.

The assembly takes no more than a couple of minutes, and the frame folds up, so it will be very convenient to store it away despite the ambitious dimensions.

Customers are predominantly satisfied with the quality and durability of the net. It is well-built, dense, and endures forceful shots. However, the steel frame is nothing like it. Apparently, it is prone to rust and deteriorates after time, so you might want to coat it for additional protection from the elements.

All in all, it’s a solid backstop for the price, good for amateurs and professionals, so I think it’s not a big deal to invest an extra buck into frame reinforcement.

This product is just lacrosse backstop netting, not an entire backstop with frames and all. Unless that’s what you’re looking for, you can feel free to skip this review. Those who poked some holes in their Brine backstop and need a new net - you won’t find a better product for the job.

The net’s dimensions amount to 10 x 30 feet, and it will catch all balls that miss the goal. It is made to fit Brine’s standalone backstop, but this doesn’t mean that it’s incompatible with other frames.

The material that the barrier net’s made from is polyester. It has a pretty strong chemical smell which you will notice when you unpack it, but it’ll fade away with time. It’s got reinforced borders along the edges, and it is a pretty sturdy barricade. The net’s durability makes it suitable for frequent field use and for a permanent setup.

You can get this product in black and white. It doesn’t have many cons, except that some customers said they received a faulty (torn) item, but this doesn’t happen often. All in all, it’s one of the best replacement nets for a large backstop.

In case you liked the previous product but are looking for something a bit smaller, then do check out the Rukket Barricade lacrosse backstop net system. This model is also significantly cheaper, which can only be a good thing, right?

Rukket Barricade is a simple standalone lacrosse backstop that can be folded into a relatively small bag. It's 12 wide and 9 feet tall on the edges, but a bit shorter in the middle. The latter happens because the poles bend when you attach the net.

With zero tools required for the job, the setup takes mere minutes. If you’re buying the lacrosse backstop for your kid, you can be sure that he or she will be able to assemble it by themselves.

The main problem with this product is durability. There have been reports that the net’s sleeves fray when exposed to the elements. Also, certain users complained that the frame couldn’t stand a lot of hits and that a part of it broke after short use. It's not heavy duty and with that in mind, it’s better for home use than for the playing field.

On the bright side, these problems are exceptions rather than rules, and I believe that you shouldn’t worry too much about them.

READ MORE

Next off, we have backstop meshes, excellent for any form of practice, be it lacrosse, baseball, softball, or soccer. This one comes from Aoneky, and it is available in four different dimensions.

You can order this mesh in 10ft x 10ft, 10ft x 15ft, 10ft x 20ft and 15ft x 15ft dimensions. As you can see, they are extremely spacious, therefore very efficient in catching stray balls, but also pretty handy as a barricade of any kind.

The mesh is made of high-quality polyester cord (4mm), reinforced with rope on the borders. This makes it a bit heavier, thus prevents the shrinking and makes the installation easier. Yet, I think it would be more convenient if it had seams.

The polyester is UV-treated and weather-resistant. Hence it is super-repellent and durable and can be used both outside and inside.

At first glance, this net doesn’t look very strong, but let me assure you, it is very durable. The knotless mesh design and high-quality materials make the backstop impermeable and tearproof.

I couldn’t find a single complaint about this product; the customers are highly satisfied with the quality and durability of the mesh. They have been using it in many different ways, and it has proven equally purposeful.

The next product is one barricade backstop net from Rukket, high-quality, portable, and honestly durable. At least that’s what Rukket promises. It includes twice thicker netting than the competitors and unmatched design for an honestly affordable price.

Let’s look into it.

I like that you can tell how superior in quality this netting is just by looking at it. It features a very neat design, reinforced mesh, and strong seams. It measures 12ft x 9ft, so it covers most of the standard lacrosse goals efficiently.

The netting comes with four U-shaped stakes for effortless, stable installation. Due to its foldable design, it is just as easy to disassemble and store. The offer also includes a carrying bag, so you can transport it with ease.

Rukket tests its products for durability and customer satisfaction. This net, for example, has seven plies, so you can shoot as fast as you can; it won’t rip.

Finally, this net comes with a lifetime warranty and a satisfaction guarantee, so you can bet it will last for a couple of seasons. Rukket also cares about its consumers, so their customer service is very alert and professional.

The last backstop net we are to review today is this massive, heavy-duty baseball mesh from NetWorldSports. This netting is ultra-strong and built to endure demanding professional practice with pro equipment.

When I first found this net online, I was amazed by the range of sizes it is available in. Believe it or not, you can find it in fifty different sizes, ranging in price from $20 to even $9000.

The reason why this net is so strong is the supreme material, #42 strength grade HDPE net twine. It is honestly durable, designed to withstand even the most powerful baseball and lacrosse hits.

The closely woven net strands are 2mm/0.08" thick and then glued together for additional strength and support. On the edges, NetWorldSport included 3/8" overlocked rope edging for additional stability.

You can use this backstop net indoors and outdoors since it is 100% waterproof and repels the elements flawlessly. And since it exhibits industrial strength, you will not need a replacement for a couple of years.

I recommend this net for professional lacrosse and baseball players in need of a high-quality net for their demanding practice and powerful shots.

READ MORE

1. Barrier Nets

In case you're looking for a bare net with no frame or supports, this is it.

These backstops usually have ropes extending from their corners which are used to tie down and secure the net. 

They can be attached to pretty much anything behind the goal - trees, posts, DIY frames - you name it.

Their biggest setback is, once they're put up, it's bothersome to take them down.

2. Standalone Backstops

Standalone types are the ultimate mobile solution. They feature a sturdy rectangular frame, which can usually be assembled or disassembled. 

Once you put it up, just place it behind the goal and let it do its job - stop balls. These lacrosse backstop nets come in a limited number of sizes, which is their main disadvantage.

3. Attachable Backstops

As the name implies, these backstops are made to be attached to standard size lacrosse goals.

They are attached using brackets, and you have to be sure that they're compatible with the goal's thickness. Such backstops tend to be narrow, but they're very portable.

This category even features something called a "smart" backstop, due to advanced folding options.

1. Net Material

The main and probably best material used in the manufacturing of lacrosse backstop nets is nylon. It's more durable than natural fibers and balls don't tear it. Aside from nylon, some manufacturers use other synthetic materials.

Another crucial thing is to look for UV treated nets. These things spend a lot of time in the sun, left to the elements, and they need to be able to endure it.

2. Frame Material

Since the frame has to be stable and long-lasting, you should look for one made from metal, preferably steel. It doesn't get more durable than a steel frame, but the problem is that it's also heavy.

In case you need a lightweight/portable option, fiberglass is the best choice.

3. Foldable Construction

No matter if you need backstops for a permanent or a portable setup, you will benefit from a foldable design. Even if you don't intend to move the backstop from the field, you could benefit from such a design.

For those who want a portable lacrosse backstop, there's no need to explain why they should get a foldable model.

4. Size

It may seem unnecessary to talk about size, but I'd still like to mention it. Many folks overlook the importance of backstop dimensions. If you ask me, the bigger, the better, as it'll be able to catch more lacrosse balls. 

However, a large size hinders portability and often requires a longer setup time. It's up to you to decide what'll best work for you here.

How to make a lacrosse backstop?

What is the best lacrosse backstop?

How to set up a lacrosse goal backstop net?

The goal backstop nets are pretty straightforward to install.

They come with either standalone frames or clips and carabiners to clip them onto the goal. Take a look at this video for details.

How to weigh down a lacrosse backstop net?

The best way to secure your backstop net is with the stakes. Many offers have them included, but if not, you can buy them separately or improvise.

READ MORE