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Ever hit a shot and watched it sail into a neighbor’s garden, or had to chase cricket balls for half an hour after practice? A sturdy practice net is like a loyal training partner: it takes the hits, keeps the ball in play, and lets you focus on improving your technique. Whether you practise golf drives in the back garden or fine-tune cricket batting or bowling, the right net saves time, reduces stress, and helps you build consistent reps. Think of it as a safety blanket for your practice sessions — it protects property, reduces interruptions, and gives you the freedom to swing harder and train smarter.
Shopping for practice nets in the UK? You’ve got options. Retailers range from specialist suppliers to mainstream sports stores and even quirky gadget shops. Each has its strengths: some offer rugged, tournament-quality nets, others focus on portable convenience or budget-friendly choices. Here are a few you should consider checking out when hunting for a net that fits your training style and space.
Menkind is known for gadgets and novelty sports gear, and you’ll sometimes find practice nets like the Links Choice Large Driving Net listed in their lineup. These picks often cater to backyard golfers and casual hitters who want an easy, compact solution that can be set up in minutes. If you want something more playful and portable rather than pro-level, Menkind can be a quick stop for an instant training boost.
If you’re serious about training, Net World Sports is a go-to. They offer robust, heavy-duty nets and frames suitable for club use, coaching setups, and repeated daily sessions. Expect options sized in feet — from small 6 ft practice frames to large 12 ft by 10 ft nets — and a range of accessories like weighted bases, replacement netting, and cricket cages built to last season after season.
Decathlon is famous for delivering quality at accessible prices. Their in-house brands cover multi-sport nets and portable options that suit beginners and budget-conscious athletes. You’ll find easy-to-assemble driving nets, cricket practice nets, and multi-use backstops that fold down to a few inches for storage. If you want balance between durability and price, Decathlon tends to be a reliable bet.
These bigger sports retailers stock a mix of branded and own-label practice nets. Sports Direct and Pro:Direct often carry nets aimed at football and cricket training, while Wiggle specialises more in cycling and running but does list multisport training gear from time to time. These shops can be handy if you want to browse multiple brands in one place or pick up accessories like tees, poles, or net anchors alongside the net itself.
Not all nets are created equal. Choosing the right type depends on your sport, available space, and how portable you need it to be. Below are the common categories and what each is best for.
Golf driving nets are designed to absorb the force of full-speed drives and prevent golf balls from escaping. Sizes commonly range from about 7 ft by 7 ft for short game practice to 10 ft by 7 ft or bigger for full drives. Look for nets with dense netting and a reinforced top edge to handle repeated 150 mph-ish impacts. If you’re practising full swings in a garden, a driving net with a steel or reinforced pole frame and a catch pocket is a solid investment.
Cricket nets often come as cage setups with a batters’ area and a bowler’s run-up. Typical home nets measure around 10 ft wide and 10 ft tall for a single bay, although club setups can be much larger. The netting should be a strong twine or synthetic fibre with a mesh size small enough to stop balls but big enough to avoid unrealistic rebound behaviour. Portability varies: some nets fold into a compact frame, while heavy-duty options remain fixed but offer superior durability.
Multi-sport nets are the all-rounders: they work for football drills, tennis practice, baseball soft toss, and more. Portable nets collapse down to a compact disc or bag and often weigh under 15 lb, making them ideal for park sessions or moving between back gardens. While they won’t withstand constant pro-level impact, they’re perfect if you need versatility and easy storage.
When choosing a net, you’re not just buying a sheet of mesh — you’re buying safety, durability, and ease of use. Here are the must-check features to make sure you get good value for your money.
Measure your practice area in feet before buying. For golf drives, allow for at least 10 ft of height and 10 ft of width for confident full swings. Cricket nets should give a batter around 9 ft to 12 ft of width and a similar height to avoid balls flying over the top. Don’t forget to allow clearance behind the net for anchors and support poles — an extra 2 ft to 3 ft is often needed to secure the frame properly.
Net material drives longevity. Polyethylene and nylon blends are common — they resist rot and handle UV exposure better than basic rope. Mesh sizes vary: golf driving nets benefit from tighter mesh so balls don’t poke through, while cricket nets may use slightly larger mesh for durability and airflow. If you’re after fewer rebounds, a thicker yarn and smaller mesh are your friends.
Frames are usually steel, aluminium, or fibreglass. Steel frames are heavy but stable — expect them to weigh 30 lb or more for larger nets. Aluminium offers a lighter alternative that still packs good strength, often in the 10 lb to 25 lb range depending on size. Fibreglass poles are flexible and work well for pop-up nets that need quick assembly. Think about whether you need something that stays put or something you’ll haul around.
Leaving a net outdoors exposes it to rain, sun, and wind. UV-resistant netting and powder-coated frames extend life dramatically. If you live in a windy area, choose nets designed to breathe — meshes or panels that allow wind to pass reduce stress on the frame and anchors. For maximum life, store portable nets indoors when you’re not using them.
First rule: measure twice, buy once. Know the ceiling height if you’re practising indoors, and the fence line if you’re outdoors. Ask yourself: Do I need to practise full-power drives or just chipping and pitching? Do I need the net to be mobile? If your garden is only 20 ft deep, a 10 ft by 7 ft driving net gives you safer clearance. For multi-use training on a local pitch, a larger, more durable net will give you the flexibility to practise multiple sports without feeling like you’re scraping the limits of your equipment.
Setting up a net seems simple, but a few tips will keep it secure and safe. Proper anchoring prevents it from toppling and keeps balls contained — and it’s especially important if children or pets will be around.
Use heavy-duty ground stakes or weighted bases. For soft ground, long stakes driven at an angle increase stability. If you’re on paved surfaces, sandbags or water weights rated at 20 lb or more are recommended. A frame that’s not anchored properly is a flying hazard in high winds, so don’t skimp on anchors even for lightweight pop-ups.
Place the net so that balls hit the centre area most often — direct hits distribute stress evenly and extend the life of your net. For golf practice, angle the net slightly upward to catch high trajectories. If you use a backstop behind the net, position it about 2 ft behind to reduce frame strain and avoid net abrasion from repeated strikes.
Want your net to last seasons, not months? It’s mostly common sense: keep it clean, dry, and stored away from harsh weather when possible. A small amount of upkeep goes a long way.
Brush off mud and leaves with a soft broom, then hose down the net occasionally — no need for strong detergents. Let it dry fully before folding to prevent mildew. For winter, consider storing the net indoors if you can; the freeze-thaw cycle is brutal on synthetic fibres. If you must leave it out, check anchor points and tension regularly to avoid gradual damage from wind and snow loads.
Small tears can be patched with heavy-duty twine or net repair kits that most suppliers sell. Keep spare cord and a few mending clips in your garage. For frame damage, many brands sell replacement poles — swapping a bent pole for a new one is cheaper than replacing the whole net. Treat repairs early: a small nick left unchecked will get worse fast once under repeated impact.
Prices vary widely. A basic pop-up driving net for occasional backyard use can start as low as £30 to £50. Mid-range nets suitable for regular practice often fall in the £80 to £200 bracket, offering better frames and tougher mesh. At the upper end, dedicated club-grade nets or multi-bay cricket cages can cost several hundred pounds but are built to withstand heavy use. Think about how often you’ll use the net and how much abuse it will take — that will guide whether to lean budget or premium.
If you practise just a few times a month, a lightweight pop-up net will do the job and save cash. But if you train regularly or coach others, investing in a robust steel-framed net with UV-resistant netting pays off: fewer replacements, less downtime, and ultimately less expense over time. Consider the lifetime cost, not just the sticker price.
Here’s a short checklist to keep in your pocket when comparing options: measure your space in feet; decide whether you need portability or permanence; choose netting with good UV protection and a tight mesh for high-speed sports; pick a frame that balances weight and stability; and budget according to frequency of use. If you’re torn between two models, lean slightly towards durability — a stronger net will reward you with more consistent, stress-free practice sessions.
To recap: Menkind and shops that stock items like the Links Choice Large Driving Net are useful for quick backyard solutions, while specialist retailers such as Net World Sports, Decathlon, and other mainstream sports stores offer a wider range of sizes and quality levels. Match the product to your training goals and space, and you’ll be hitting more confident shots in no time.
Ready to make the purchase? Take your measurements, think about how and where you’ll use the net, and pick a retailer that offers the balance of price, durability, and customer support you value most. A well-chosen practice net turns frustrating, interrupted sessions into efficient reps, steady improvement, and more fun on the range or in the yard.
Good luck, and happy practising — may your ball stays inside the net and your swings become straighter and stronger.
| Practice Nets & Screens | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Tee Off Golf Globe Game | £ 15,- | |
| Links Choice Large Driving Net | £ 89,- |
