Hockey has been one of the most popular sports in the Netherlands for years. With tens of thousands of active members and a strong position at the Olympic Games, the Netherlands is among the world's best. Almost every municipality has one or more hockey clubs, from enthusiastic youth teams to ambitious seniors. A good sports infrastructure is indispensable, and choosing the right hockey goal plays an important role in this.
Each type of situation requires a different kind of model. In this blog, you will read about the different types of hockey goals, what the differences are, and in which situation each type is most suitable.
Types of hockey goals
Hockey goals come in all shapes and sizes, each with its own characteristics and applications. Each type is designed for a specific user group or setting. A good understanding of the options will help you choose a model that suits the field, the players, and the intensity of use. Below, we list the most important variants.
Mini Hockey Goals
Mini hockey goals are compact, lightweight, and easy to move. They are widely used in youth training, technical skills training, and clinics. Due to their smaller size, players learn to aim more accurately and better manage space and speed. They can also be used outside of the club field, for example, in schoolyards or private gardens.
These frames are typically made from lightweight materials such as aluminum and often have a rebound board made of plastic or wood for a good bounce. Their light weight makes them suitable for use by one person, without extra help.
Applications:
- Technical skills training
- Youth clinics
- Small playing fields
- Multifunctional use, such as in schoolyards or gardens
Tiltable hockey goals
Tiltable hockey goals are designed for ease of use and flexibility. They usually do not have a fixed backboard and can therefore be easily tilted. This makes these variants practical for training situations where they need to be quickly moved or stored.
Because these models are lightweight and manoeuvrable, they are also suitable for locations with limited storage space or for fields where frequent assembly and disassembly is required. They are mainly used on training fields or in educational environments.
Application:
- Training sessions
- Flexible setups
- Quick assembly and disassembly
Fixed Senior Hockey Goals
Senior hockey goals with official dimensions of 3.66 x 2.14 meters are used for matches and training sessions. These models are often placed in ground sockets or weighted down so that they cannot shift during play. This guarantees stability and safety.
In training environments, they can also be mobile, with wheels or integrated transport solutions, allowing for flexible use. This makes them suitable for fields where multiple teams train.
Application:
- Official matches
- Training sessions
- Fixed sports facilities
Competition models for top-level play
Advanced competition models are available for professional use and elite sports. These variants meet the requirements of international competitions, such as the Euro Hockey League (EHL). They are distinguished by high-quality finishing, optimal sound and impact dampening, and clever provisions for sponsor branding.
Such hockey goals are usually permanently installed, but there is also the option of adding transport solutions such as wheels. The design focuses on both functional performance and visual appeal.
Application:
- Elite sports
- (Inter)national tournaments
- Sponsor-oriented fields
Indoor Hockey Goals
Indoor hockey requires adapted goals with smaller dimensions, usually 3 x 2 meters. They often feature foldable net supports, allowing for compact storage. In addition, many indoor goals are suitable for multi-purpose use, for example for indoor football or handball.
For safety and stability, indoor frames are equipped with weighted elements or anti-slip provisions. The color scheme is often high-contrast (such as red and white) to improve visibility in sports halls.
Application:
- Indoor hockey
- Indoor sports venues
- Multi-purpose sports halls
What to consider when choosing a hockey goal?
Several factors play a role in choosing the right type of hockey goal:
- Usage situation: is the goal used for training, matches or recreation
- Age group: lighter and smaller goals are often more suitable for youth.
- Portability: is it desirable for goals to be easily movable?
- Storage options: should the goals be foldable or compact
- Durability: depending on the use, a sturdy material like aluminum is recommended.
Choosing the right hockey goal is closely linked to the usage situation, target group and practical circumstances. Compact or wheeled models are ideal for flexible deployment and training, while fixed setups are necessary for official matches. Indoor fields require specific dimensions and smart storage options.
By clearly defining who will use it, how often, and in what setting, you can make a well-considered choice that will remain reliable for years. Would you like advice on which type of hockey goal best suits your situation? Please contact one of our specialists. Call us at +31 88 008 1100 or email us at info@skor.nl.
