Sports Nets | Sports Netting | Net For Sport

Portable sports nets for the garden, the park and the club

Our nets are built for recreation and training. The badminton net, volleyball net and football tennis net are each 4.27 m wide and set up in about two minutes with no stakes or tools, on a driveway, a lawn, a beach or any flat area. The badminton net sets at three heights, up to 155 cm, so it works for children and adults.

We also sell pop up football goals made from 420D Oxford fabric that pack into a zipped carry bag, and a golf chipping net with three targets for short-game practice. These nets are not made for sanctioned competition. If your league or governing body sets rules for nets, check them first.

The guide below covers sports netting in general, including sports we do not stock, so you can judge any net you are thinking of buying.

The guide to finding the right sports nets for every activity

Has a game ever stopped because a net tore or sagged? Or have you spent hours reading about nets for the garden and come away more confused? The right net makes the difference between a good session and constant stops to fix the kit.

Whether you are putting up a goal for the children, setting up a practice area for volleyball or badminton, or kitting out a club, the quality of the netting affects both safety and enjoyment. A good net is not just about lasting longer. It also plays predictably and stays safe to use.

From weekend family games to regular training, choosing a net means understanding materials, construction and what each sport needs. This guide walks you through it.

Why quality sports netting makes a difference

Think about the last time you played with a poor net. Maybe the ball bounced oddly off frayed mesh, or play kept stopping to fetch balls that went straight through. Those interruptions spoil the game and slow down learning.

A good net holds its tension and shape over time, so the ball behaves the same way every time. That consistency matters for skill development, because players learn how the ball will react.

Safety in sports netting

Safety comes first. Poor netting can fail without warning, develop sharp worn edges, or let balls fly into areas where people are standing.

Good netting is made to handle ball impact, weather and repeated use. It resists tearing and stays flexible in cold and heat. Cheap materials can seem fine at first and then weaken, so check any net regularly, whatever it cost.

How netting affects performance

Mesh size, material and construction all change how a ball reacts to a net. A net that keeps these properties steady lets players build reliable technique.

Sports netting materials explained

Netting materials differ in strength, weather resistance and cost. Knowing the differences helps you choose for your conditions.

Polyethylene and polypropylene

These synthetic materials are the most common in modern sports netting because they cope well with weather and are good value. Polyethylene resists moisture and stays flexible in the cold, which suits outdoor use in a damp climate. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is tougher for high-impact use.

Polypropylene often resists abrasion better, but it can break down in sunlight unless it is treated. Look for UV stabilisers if a net will stay outside.

Nylon and other premium synthetics

Nylon is the strong, stretchy option at the top end. It keeps its properties for a long time, which is why many permanent installations use it. It costs more, but a nylon net can outlast cheaper options. Some nets blend fibres to improve UV resistance or impact absorption.

Traditional and modern materials

Cotton nets were once the norm. Synthetics have largely replaced them because they handle weather better and last longer. Some players still like the look and feel of natural fibres indoors, but they need more care and replacing more often. The choice comes down to performance, appearance, upkeep and budget.

What each sport needs from a net

Different sports put different demands on a net.

Football goal nets

Goal nets must take hard shots and show clearly when a goal is scored. Full-size goal nets are typically made from 4 mm or 5 mm cord with mesh openings of around 100 to 120 mm. They also need the right depth and width for the goal frame. For small-sided games and practice at home, a pop up goal is quicker to set up and easier to store.

Basketball nets

A basketball net guides the ball after a basket and gives that familiar swish. Chain nets last longest outdoors but can be harsh for young players. Synthetic nets are quieter and still durable, and cotton gives the classic feel. We do not sell basketball nets.

Tennis and racket sport nets

Tennis court nets must meet set measurements for official play, with a steady height and tension across the court. For racket games at home, a portable badminton net is simpler. Ours sets at three heights so you can match the height to the players.

Volleyball and net games

Volleyball nets need to interact properly with the ball while staying easy to see. Indoor and outdoor nets are made differently, and beach nets need to cope with sun and sand. The frame should let you set the right height for different ages. Our volleyball net is 4.27 m wide and packs into a carry bag.

Setting up sports nets

Good setup affects how a net plays, how safe it is and how long it lasts.

Measuring and sizing

Measure the space before you buy. Allow for the net's width and depth, the anchor points and clear space around it for play. Think about wind, rain and cold, which can change how a net behaves. Permanent installations at clubs or schools may need engineering checks for load and safety.

Fixings and hardware

The fixings often decide how well a net performs and how long it lasts. Good hardware holds the net securely while letting you adjust the tension. Outdoors, check that metal parts resist rust and that plastic parts can handle sunlight.

Professional or DIY setup

Large or permanent netting systems may need professional installation to meet safety standards. Portable nets for the garden are made for you to set up yourself. Our volleyball, badminton and football tennis nets need no stakes or tools.

Looking after sports netting

Simple care helps a net last longer and stay safe.

Regular checks

Check nets regularly for wear, damage or weak spots before they become a hazard. Pay attention to the corners, fixings and any area the ball hits often. These usually wear first.

Cleaning and storage

Brush off dirt and let nets dry before you pack them away, so they do not go mouldy. If a net is portable, take it down after play and store it out of the weather. It will last much longer than a net left up all year.

Budget and value

Judge a net on its total value, not just the price tag.

Cost against quality

Better netting costs more, but it often pays for itself through a longer life and less upkeep. Work out the cost over time, including replacements. The cheapest net can become the dearest if you replace it every season.

When to spend more

Heavy use, competitive play and safety-critical installations justify spending more. Schools and community facilities often save money over time with heavier-duty netting. For casual games in the garden, a portable net is usually enough.

Weather and sports net performance

Weather has a big effect on how nets perform and how long they last.

UV and weather resistance

Outdoor nets face sun, rain, frost and wind. UV light is one of the most common causes of early net failure. Look for UV-treated materials if a net stays outside, and bring portable nets in when you are not using them.

Wind

Wind affects tension and puts load on frames and fixings. Large nets catch a lot of wind. On a breezy day, check that a portable net is stable before play starts, and take it down in strong wind.

Safety standards and rules

Some netting installations must meet safety standards, building rules or governing-body requirements.

Standards and certification

Sports bodies often set net specifications for competition. If you need a net for official matches, look for one that meets your governing body's rules. Our nets are for recreation and training and do not carry a competition certification.

Liability and insurance

Clubs, schools and facilities should keep records of the nets they use, how they were set up and when they were checked. Good records show that you took reasonable care to provide safe playing conditions.

What is new in sports netting

Materials and construction

New synthetic materials and methods are producing nets with better UV resistance, a better strength-to-weight ratio and a longer life, often at a lower cost than before.

Longer life, less waste

Makers are working on recyclable materials. For a buyer, the simplest step is to choose a net that lasts and to look after it, so you replace it less often.

Conclusion

Choosing the right sports net means weighing materials, construction, the weather and what your sport needs. A good net makes games more enjoyable and keeps players safe.

Whether you are equipping a club or setting up a game in the garden, the principles are the same: match the net to how you will use it, set it up properly and look after it. Focus on value over time rather than the lowest price, and the net will do its job for many seasons.

Questions about our sports nets

What types of sports nets do you sell?

A badminton net, a volleyball net, a football tennis net, pop up football goals and a golf chipping net. We do not sell basketball, tennis court or cricket nets, or full-size football goal nets.

Are your nets suitable for official matches?

No. They are made for recreation and training. For sanctioned competition, check the net rules of your league or governing body.

Do you have nets for different sports?

Yes. Our range covers badminton, volleyball, football tennis, small-sided football and golf chipping practice.

How do the nets set up?

The volleyball, badminton and football tennis nets set up in about two minutes with no stakes or tools. The pop up goals open with no tools and come with four ground pegs, and the chipping net sets up in seconds and folds into a carry bag. If you have any trouble, email us with your order number.

Can I use the nets indoors and outdoors?

Yes, on any flat area with enough room, such as a sports hall, driveway, lawn or beach. Take portable nets down after use to help them last.

Can I order a net in a custom size?

No. We sell standard sizes only. The badminton net adjusts to three heights, up to 155 cm.

Do you sell replacement parts?

We do not list spare parts for sale. If a part is missing or arrives damaged, email us with your order number and we will put it right at no cost to you.

Can clubs buy nets in bulk?

Yes. Clubs, schools and groups buying several nets can request a quote through our wholesale page.

Can I get advice on choosing a net?

Yes. Email theteam@customersupport.care with the sport, the space and who will play, and we will suggest the right net. Most emails are answered within 1 business day.

Is there a warranty on your nets?

We do not publish a separate manufacturer warranty. If a net arrives faulty, damaged or not as described, we put it right at no cost to you, and your rights under Irish and EU consumer law are not affected.

Buying sports nets from Outdoor Sports Company

Here is what to expect when you buy a net from us.

Nets for the games people play at home

Our range is small and focused: badminton, volleyball and football tennis nets, pop up goals and a golf chipping net. They cover family games in the garden, park kickabouts, school PE and club warm-ups.

Built for regular use

Each product page lists what the net is made from and how big it is. The pop up goals use 420D Oxford fabric, and the three portable nets are 4.27 m wide. We describe what each net is made for rather than claim more than it does.

Standard sizes, no customisation

We sell standard sizes only and do not make nets to order. If you need a net cut to a special size, a specialist netting company is the right choice.

Help by email

Email the team with questions about sizes, setup or which net suits your space. Most emails are answered within 1 business day.

Clear pricing

Prices are in euro. Standard delivery across Ireland is free on orders of €75 or more after discounts, and €25 below that. Clubs and schools can request a quote for larger orders.

In short

If you want a portable net that goes up quickly and packs away after the game, browse the range above. If you are not sure which one fits your space, ask us before you order.