How to Anchor a Practice Net So It Stays Put in Wind

By the targetnets.com editorial team · Updated 6 October 2026 · Setup & Care · 6 min read

If you have ever found your golf net upside down in a flowerbed or your goal halfway across the garden, you already know the problem. Practice nets are designed to catch balls, and a large sheet of netting also catches wind. Learning how to anchor a practice net in wind protects the net, your property and anyone nearby. This guide covers anchoring on grass, concrete and patios, the main types of anchors, and the point at which it is better to take the net down.

Why practice nets move in wind

A net looks see-through, but every strand of twine creates drag. The larger the net and the finer the mesh, the more wind it catches. Target sheets, solid backstops and nets with printed panels catch even more because they block airflow almost completely.

Common problems include:

• Lightweight frames lifting at one side and tipping over.
• Pop-up nets rolling or flipping when not pegged down.
• Goals sliding or toppling forward, which can be dangerous.
• Repeated flexing that loosens joints and wears netting.

Goals in particular need care: a goal that tips forward can cause serious injury. Anchor them properly, and never let anyone climb or hang on the crossbar.

Anchoring on grass

Grass gives you the most options because you can drive anchors into the ground.

Ground pegs and stakes

Most nets come with basic pegs. These are fine for calm days but may pull out in soft or wet ground. Upgrades include:

• Longer steel pegs that reach deeper into the soil.
• Corkscrew (auger) anchors that screw into the ground and resist pulling out.
• U-shaped stakes that hold a frame tube flat to the ground.

Drive pegs at an angle away from the net, so the pull from the net works against the angle. Before you drive anything into the ground, check for buried cables, pipes or irrigation lines.

Guy ropes

Tall nets and goals benefit from guy ropes running from the top of the frame down to pegs set well back. Use them on the side facing the prevailing wind, and ideally on both sides. Adjustable tensioners make it easy to tighten ropes when they slacken. Mark guy ropes clearly so people do not trip over them.

Anchoring on concrete, patios and driveways

Hard surfaces rule out pegs, so you need weight instead.

• Sandbags. Purpose-made sandbags that drape over the frame base are one of the most common solutions. Fill them with sand or gravel and place them on each back corner and along the base.
• Water or sand weights. Some frames have bases that can be filled with water or sand.
• Plate weights or heavy blocks. These work if they can be secured to the frame so they can't slide off. Avoid anything with sharp edges that a ball could deflect from.
• Wall anchors. If the net sits next to a wall or fence, you can tie it to fixed points. Check that the structure is strong enough and that you have permission to drill.

Place weights on the back and sides of the frame, not in the hitting area, so balls do not ricochet off them.

Anchoring different types of nets

For more on the differences between pop-up and frame nets, see pop-up vs frame practice nets.

Reduce wind load where you can

Anchoring is only part of the answer. You can also reduce how much wind the net catches:

• Remove target sheets and solid panels when you finish practising.
• Loosen the netting slightly or unhook it from the top bar if your design allows, so it can flutter rather than act like a sail.
• Position the net sensibly. A spot sheltered by a fence or building often sees less wind than open ground.
• Choose suitable mesh. Very fine mesh catches more wind. Our mesh size guide explains the trade-off.

For tall barrier netting around gardens and small pitches, see our guide to ball stop and barrier netting.

When to take the net down

There is no single wind speed at which every net becomes unsafe, because it depends on the net, the anchoring and the location. As a practical rule:

• If a storm or strong winds are forecast, take the net down, fold a pop-up net, or lay a goal face down on the ground and secure it.
• If you are going away for several days, store the net or at least remove the netting.
• After any windy spell, check stakes, ropes, joints and the netting before using it again.

Taking nets down more often also reduces UV and weather wear. See how to store and care for sports nets for more.

A quick anchoring checklist

1. Pegs or anchors at every anchor point the frame provides.
2. Pegs angled away from the net and fully driven in.
3. Guy ropes on tall nets, tensioned and visible.
4. Sandbags or weights on hard surfaces, placed outside the hitting area.
5. Target sheets removed after practice.
6. Weather forecast checked before leaving the net up overnight.
7. Regular checks for loose joints and worn ropes.

Our safety page has more general advice on setting up practice areas.

Frequently asked questions

How do I stop my golf net blowing over?

On grass, use longer pegs or screw-in anchors at every anchor point and add guy ropes from the top of the frame. On hard surfaces, use sandbags on the base. Removing any target sheets after practice also reduces the wind load.

Are sandbags enough to hold a soccer goal?

Sandbags can work well for smaller goals on hard surfaces, especially when several are placed at the back of the frame. Larger goals usually need proper ground anchors or a counterweight system. Follow any anchoring instructions that come with the goal.

Can I leave a pop-up net outside all the time?

You can, but pop-up nets are light and easy for the wind to move. Peg every loop, fold the net in bad weather, and store it when not in use to help it last longer.

What is the best anchor for soft ground?

Screw-in or corkscrew anchors usually hold better than straight pegs in soft or sandy soil because they resist pulling out. Longer pegs set at an angle also help.

Should I anchor an indoor net?

Usually indoor nets are not exposed to wind, but they can still shift from repeated impacts. Weights on the base or ties to a solid fixed point can stop the net creeping across the floor.

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