How Tall Is a Soccer Goal?

When you think about it, soccer goals are just an extension of the field. The sizes and shapes vary depending on what the league requires. So, how tall is a soccer goal?

How Tall Is a Soccer Goal?

A soccer goal measures 8 feet tall (2.44m) and has a width of 8 yards(7.32m). The height is from the lowest point of the crossbar to the ground. On the other hand, the width is calculated from a distance between the inner side of the goalposts.

According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) laws, the goalposts must have the same depth of not more than 12cm (5 inches). The criteria used in choosing the correct height of goalposts generally depend on the soccer organizations for different age groups and players’ professionalism.

The Age Group of the Players Playing Soccer

Young children playing soccer are usually shorter than their older counterparts, so they have an inherent advantage when using low goal height. This is because it’s simply easier for them to shoot over a short distance.

Older players need to use taller goals to have a better chance of scoring. Additionally, more senior players usually have more skill and experience behind their shots. This makes it easier for them to score with the added height that a tall goal provides.

Soccer Goal Governing Bodies

Soccer goal dimensions depend on the organization using it and their specific needs. However, there are general guidelines and regulations around what makes up an ideal height of a goal.

FIFA Regulations

According to Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), a soccer goal comprises two horizontal posts joined together by a crossbar. The goalposts are at the same distance from each corner flags from either side of the soccer pitch.

Goalposts should be set at least 8 yards apart, with the crossbar measuring 8 feet from the ground. Both the crossbar and goalposts should have the same depth and width of not more than 12 centimeters (5 inches).

Goal nets are like the icing on top of your goal. They shouldn’t be too distracting or in a position that interferes with the goalkeeper’s actions.

NCAA Regulations

According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the requirements of a soccer goal are almost the same as those of FIFA. The goal has a crossbar and two goal posts made of similar material.

The lower point of the crossbar should be 8 feet above the ground. The goalposts should be 8 yards apart; from the inner parts of the goalposts. The crossbar and the two goalposts should have a diameter of around 4 to 5 inches.

NFHS Regulations

According to the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS), the soccer goal has two horizontal goalposts with a diameter of 4-5 inches. The crossbar joins the two goalposts at equal dimensions.

The height of the crossbar from the ground should be 8 feet tall. This is the distance from the goal line to the lower edge of the crossbar. The goalposts on the other side should be 8 yards apart, distance obtained from the inner edges of the goalposts.

The only difference here is that soccer goals use metal pipes between 3 to 4 inches instead of normal goalposts. A pad of one-inch thickness, not more than 72 inches high, is used as an alternative to the goal net.

Beach Soccer

The beach soccer goals are a bit smaller than their full-size counterparts. They measure 18 feet wide and have a height of 7.25 feet. This makes it easier for goalkeepers in sandpit fields to cover up their intended targets with these less difficult playing surface conditions.

Futsal

Futsal goals are a bit more complicated than they seem. You need to make sure your goal has dimensions of 9ft 10in wide by 6ft 7in, high with 3ft 7 in-depth behind it all put together.

Youth Soccer

The height of the goal varies by age group. The following is a breakdown of each age group’s required dimensions.

• For Age 12 and Above – The dimensions are 8 feet tall by 24 feet wide.
• Between 8 and 12 Years – The goal should be at a minimum of 6 feet tall and 18 feet wide or a maximum of 7 feet tall and 21 feet wide.
• Age 6 to 7 – The goal should have minimum dimensions of 5 feet tall and 9 feet wide, while 6 feet tall and 12 feet wide as its maximum.
• Age 4 to 5 – The minimum dimensions for this age group are 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide, with a maximum of 5 feet tall by 10 feet wide.
• Age 2 to 3 – The dimensions should be 3 to 4 feet tall by 6 feet wide.

How to Make a Regulation 8’ X 24’ Soccer Goal

A soccer goal is composed of two posts and nets. The posts are the upright bars that the netting attaches to at either end of a rectangular pitch. They can be made from any material; however, aluminum is usually chosen for durability.

The post should extend at least two feet underground to be stable and sturdy once filled with sand or water. It’s also essential to consider playability when designing your goal because you don’t want it to be too heavy or difficult for players of different ages and abilities.

A regulation soccer goal is eight feet tall from the ground up, plus another four feet extending into the netting. For a U12 game, measure from the bottom of the post at six feet two inches in height.

Related Questions

How Tall Is a Soccer Goal?

The rules state that the goals must be 3 meters wide and 8.5 to 9 feet high at the crossbar, with 2-inch sides and 4-millimeter netting attached to ensure no balls go into the spectators.

How Tall Is the Crossbar?      

The crossbar shouldn’t be higher than 3 centimeters (1.2 in). It should also have an additional 7 centimeters (2.8 in) of space between its top edge and the goalposts.

How Tall Is a Full-size Soccer Goal?

The dimensions of a full-size or 11-A-Side soccer goal are 8 feet tall by 24 feet wide for senior players. For youth players, the dimensions are 7 feet tall by 21 feet wide.

Conclusion

Soccer goals come in a variety of sizes depending on age and skill level. To determine how tall your goal should be, it would be best to consult a coach or league organization.