Quick answer
For a home shooting setup, you need two things: a proper regulation-size steel goal and a backstop to catch pucks that miss. The Extreme Hockey Goal Pro Steel ($249.95 CAD) is a full-size foldable steel goal with UV-treated netting that handles daily outdoor shooting. Behind it, the Backstop Net 5×2.5 m ($149.95 CAD) or Backstop Net XL ($169.95 CAD) catches the pucks that get past the posts. Add a shooting tarp if you're working in a garage or want to protect a fence or wall. This guide covers sizing, placement, and how to choose based on your actual space.
Key takeaways
- A regulation net (6 feet wide × 4 feet high) trains the correct corner reads — smaller nets create bad habits.
- A backstop catches off-target pucks so you don't lose them in the yard or damage property behind the net.
- The backstop needs to be wider than the net — at minimum 1 metre wider on each side — to catch sharp-angle shots.
- Shooting tarps (for garage or fence use) are a different product from backstop nets and serve a different purpose.
- A foldable steel goal is the right choice for outdoor use — steel withstands weather and puck impact that cheaper aluminum goals don't.
- Backstop placement matters: hang it 1–2 metres behind the goal so pucks decelerate before hitting it.
Choosing the right goal
The first rule is size: train on a regulation net. A full-size hockey goal is 6 feet wide and 4 feet high (183 cm × 122 cm). Smaller "practice nets" are convenient to move, but they train your eyes to the wrong corner positions — your brain maps the corners of whatever you shoot at repeatedly, and a smaller net means your corner reads will be off when you get on real ice.
The second rule is material. For daily outdoor use — especially in climates with rain, frost, or strong sun — steel is the right choice. The Extreme Hockey Goal Pro Steel uses a heavy-duty steel frame that takes daily puck impacts without bending, and the netting is UV-treated so it doesn't degrade in sunlight. It folds flat for storage. At $249.95 CAD, it's the piece of equipment you buy once.
The net is the anchor of the whole setup. Everything else — shooting pad, targets, backstop — is built around it.
Understanding backstop nets vs. shooting tarps
These are two different products for two different problems. Many buyers confuse them.
Backstop nets hang behind the goal to catch pucks that miss left, right, or over the bar. They're open-air nets — they stop the puck without stopping airflow, so they work outdoors without creating wind sail problems. They're essential if there's anything you want to protect behind the net: a fence, a house wall, a car, or a neighbouring yard.
Shooting tarps hang flat against a wall (garage, fence, barn) and serve as both a shooting target and a bounce-back surface. They're for when you're shooting at a wall rather than through a net. Eight target holes let you aim at specific zones. They also protect the wall from puck damage. The Shooting Tarp 7×10 ($399.95 CAD) covers a garage wall comfortably; the Shooting Tarp 7×16 ($499.95 CAD) covers a wide barn wall or full fence section.
Most home setups with a real goal need a backstop net, not a tarp. Tarps are for wallball-style shooting without a goal in front.
Sizing and space guide
| Product | Dimensions | Price | Best for | Minimum space behind goal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goal Pro Steel | 6 ft × 4 ft (183 × 122 cm) | $249.95 CAD | All setups — regulation size | — |
| Backstop Net 5×2.5 m | 5 m wide × 2.5 m tall | $149.95 CAD | Standard backyard, one shooter | 1–2 m behind goal |
| Backstop Net XL | Larger format (XL) | $399.95 CAD | Wider setup, multiple angles, harder shooters | 1–2 m behind goal |
| Shooting Tarp 7×10 | 7 ft × 10 ft (213 × 305 cm) | $399.95 CAD | Garage wall, fence shooting | N/A (mounts flat) |
| Shooting Tarp 7×16 | 7 ft × 16 ft (213 × 488 cm) | $499.95 CAD | Wide fence or barn wall | N/A (mounts flat) |
Which backstop net do you need?
The standard Backstop Net 5×2.5 m at 5 metres wide gives you 1.5 metres of coverage on each side of a regulation net. That's enough for most straight-on shooting positions — wrist shots, snap shots, slap shots from the slot. At $149.95 CAD it's the sensible starting point.
The Backstop Net XL adds significantly more width and height. You need it if: you're doing angle shooting from below the circles (where pucks leave the net at sharp horizontal angles), you have a harder shot and the puck has more energy at miss, or you're setting up a multi-shooter practice area. At $169.95 CAD, it's the better choice for any serious home setup or team use.
Coach Erik's tip: The single most common mistake in home setup backstop selection is buying too narrow. Players think they miss within a metre of the post. In reality, a hard shot with a slight mishit can travel 2–3 metres wide of the post at goal line. If there's anything valuable behind your setup — a car, a fence, a house wall — size up to the XL. The cost difference pays back the first time it catches what would have been a property repair.
Setup tips and placement
Getting the placement right takes five minutes but matters a lot for both puck recovery and safety.
- Goal placement first. Put the goal where you want it and walk your shooting distances. Make sure you have at least 6–8 metres of shooting space from the goal line for comfortable wrist shot and slap shot training.
- Backstop 1–2 metres behind the goal. Hanging it right against the goal posts means pucks hit it at full speed. At 1–2 metres back, pucks lose some energy after passing through the net and the impact on the backstop netting is much lower. The net lasts longer.
- Secure the backstop to something fixed. Trees, fence posts, a garage wall. The net needs tension to absorb puck impact — a loose hanging net swings and lets pucks through. If you have nothing to tie to, use ground stakes with tension ropes.
- Consider the floor surface. Shooting from concrete or asphalt without a pad means the puck doesn't slide naturally and your form suffers. Adding even a small shooting pad in front of the goal gives you ice-like puck behavior for the shot approach and follow-through reps.
- Add shooting targets. Hanging corner targets inside the goal frame turns every shot into an accuracy rep, not just a power shot. You can add them to the existing net without any tools.
Coach Erik's tip: If you're setting up on a slope — even a slight one — put shims or wedges under the goal posts so the net hangs vertical. A tilted goal trains the wrong corner angles. Takes two minutes and is worth it every session.
For full home setup guidance, see our home hockey training setup guide (#13) and the backyard training zone article (#120). For shooting technique to go with your new setup, the home shooting practice guide (#5) is the right next step.
Common mistakes
- Buying a small practice net instead of a regulation goal. Saves space but trains the wrong corner reads. Fix: use a regulation net and fold it when not in use.
- No backstop at all. Missing pucks land in the neighbour's yard, a parked car, or a window. A backstop is not optional if there's anything behind the net. Fix: pair the goal with a backstop from day one.
- Backstop too narrow. Catches shots on target, misses the ones that really go wide — the ones that matter most for property protection. Fix: size up, especially for angle shots.
- Hanging the backstop too close to the goal. Pucks hit it at full speed and stress the netting. Fix: 1–2 metres of gap behind the goal posts.
- Confusing a tarp with a backstop. Tarps mount flat to walls; backstops hang behind free-standing goals. Fix: if you have a real goal, you need a backstop net, not a tarp.
FAQ
Do I need both a backstop net and a shooting tarp?
Not usually. If you have a regulation goal outdoors, a backstop net behind it is what you need. A shooting tarp is for wallball-style shooting against a flat surface without a goal in front. Some setups use both — a tarp on the garage wall and a goal on the driveway with a backstop — but that's a larger, more elaborate setup than most home trainers need.
Will a hockey backstop damage a fence?
The backstop itself doesn't — it catches the puck before it reaches the fence. But the attachment points (hooks, tension ropes) can leave marks on wood fences over time. Use fence-friendly hooks with rubber pads on the attachment points, and consider what's directly behind the backstop in case a very hard shot gets through the edge.
How long do backstop nets last outdoors?
With proper UV-resistant netting, 3–5 seasons of regular use is realistic for most outdoor setups. Store it indoors in winter if you're in a climate with hard freezes — frozen netting cracks under impact. Inspect the tie points at the start of each season; those wear before the netting does.
What size backstop net do I need for a regulation goal?
A 5-metre-wide backstop gives 1.5 metres of coverage on each side of the 1.83-metre-wide goal. That works for straight-ahead shooting. For angle shooting and harder shots, the XL version adds more margin on both sides and in height. If you're unsure, buy the XL — pucks miss wider than players expect.
Can a steel hockey goal stay outside year-round?
The Extreme Hockey Goal Pro Steel is built for outdoor use with weather-resistant materials. In climates with hard winters, bringing it inside prevents ice buildup in the joints and extends the life of the netting. If you leave it out, fold it flat so snow doesn't load the frame.
What surface works best for home shooting?
Smooth concrete or asphalt works, but a shooting pad gives puck glide closest to real ice and protects your stick blade. Even a standard pad in front of the goal is enough for quality reps. Rough or textured surfaces cause the puck to bounce and skip, which makes it hard to train release timing and blade angle correctly.
Summary
A complete home shooting setup starts with a regulation steel goal and a properly sized backstop net. Get the goal right first — regulation size, folding steel, UV-treated netting. Then pair it with a backstop wide enough to catch angle misses, positioned 1–2 metres behind the posts. Add a shooting pad underfoot and corner targets in the goal, and you have a practice station that matches what you'd find at a dedicated training facility. The total investment is right around $400 CAD for goal plus backstop, and it earns back its cost in the first off-season.
Next steps: see the full home training setup guide, explore the backyard training zone, or browse all equipment guides.
