Professional soccer wouldn’t be possible without the use of certain basic equipment. The soccer net is one of them. On every pitch where soccer is played professionally, the soccer net stands out.
White nets are always attached to goalposts on both sides of the pitch in all soccer variations. Nets are used not only during professional soccer matches but also by players during their training sessions.
Nets prevent the ball from crossing over to a neighboring field or hitting a passerby or an unsuspecting spectator. Professionally, it was introduced to help referees in deciding when a goal is scored.
Before their introduction, the ball can scrape the side of the vertical bar and be erroneously judged as a goal. However, with the introduction of nets, referees can now tell when the ball is in the net and when it just scraped the side of the net.
Like every other piece of equipment in existence, soccer nets are also prone to wear and tear which can cause defects in their use and function—or even render them useless in some cases.
For example, a torn soccer net can allow the ball to move from the side of the net into the net and create a false-goal scenario.
A similar incident happened in 2013 during a game between Bayer Leverkusen and Hoffenheim. In the 70th minute, Kiessling of Leverkusen headed the ball which hit the side of the net and crept into the net via a hole.
The referee Felix Brych awarded the goal to Leverkusen to compound an already poor officiating night. It was a costly decision as Leverkusen went ahead to win the game 2 – 1.
A similar incident can happen if the soccer net is not properly fixed to the ground behind the goal post. Balls can roll from behind and enter the net from the bottom creating a false goal scenario.
So, what do you do when you notice a defect in your soccer net? Do you throw it away and get a new one? What about trying to fix the problem with the net?
If you have been wondering how to fix a damaged soccer net, you don’t need to wonder any longer. We will give an explicit step-by-step guideline on how to fix damaged nets in this article.
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How to fix a soccer net?
The soccer net is not just like any other out there, it is intentionally designed from tough materials to serve the purpose of making soccer more organized and pleasant to watch. But, like every other piece of equipment, the soccer net can also be affected by wear and tear.
Soccer nets are mostly constructed from three major materials which are nylon, polyethylene (PE), and high tenacity polypropylene (HTPP). They come in multiple knot styles and sizes, nylon and PE are the most commonly used choices available.
Most soccer fields have no cover. Also, the nets are not removed from the goalposts after every game. Consequently, the sun and other natural elements act on the net leading to the loss of integrity over time.
Another form of defect can occur when a cut is mistakenly made on the net with a sharp object by kids or adults. Initially, this tear might look subtle and insignificant but it can cause the net to rupture with continuous use.
Also, soccer nets are frequently hit by fast traveling balls. The constant bombardment of nets may cause the knots on the nets to become weaker or the net may start to loosen from its attachment to the goalpost.
A tear in a net (no matter how small or big) does not condemn the net to the trash can. Torn nets can be fixed and there are different methods of fixing different nets. Below are some reliable methods you can apply to fix a torn net.
Tying method
Materials
- The net to be fixed
- A spool of twine
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Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Step 1
Start this method by trimming the torn part of the net to make it look even, then cut a line of twine that is long enough to cover the entire torn area of the net.
Step 2
Locate a good spot above any end of the torn part of the net and start tying your knot from there.
Step 3
Start tying the twine by tethering two half hitches in opposite directions on a square above the torn part of the net. Both hitches will help in properly securing the first knot.
Step 4
After making sure that the first knot is adequately secured, move down to the next closest angle on the square and perform another double half hitches.
Step 5
Move your twine to the corner and do the same type of hitch, don’t forget to fasten the knot tightly before moving to a new angle. Remember that you are to reconstruct the squares that are completely torn from the net.
Step 6
While traversing through the entire span of the torn area, make sure that you are mimicking the original size, shape, and design of the net.
Step 7
Cut off extra twine after fastening the last knot and stretch out the net.
Pros of the tying method
- This method does not only replace the torn section of the net but also reinforces the strength of the net with the twine
- It makes the net durable
- It is cheap and effective compared to buying a new net
- It is easy to carry out
Cons of tying method
- Recreating the net’s square sizes is tough
- If the knot is not properly tied, the twine will easily become loose
Sewing method
Materials
- Medium netting needle
- Spool of twine
- The net to be fixed
Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Steps to follow
- Fix the twine to the needle
- Make sure the twine is properly wrapped on the needle’s alternating sides
- Allow some space on the top of the needle
To repair a smaller section
- Trim off extra piece on the torn part of the net to make the torn part look clean and even
- Find a strong angle above the torn part of the net and tie a slip knot on it
- Make sure the knot is tightly secured, then add an extra knot there to reinforce it
- Take the twine and wrap it around the knot, hold it down, then stretch the diagonal points to maintain the square shape
- Tie similar knots on 3 sides of the knot
- Repeat this process until you are done with the entire torn portion of the net
- Stretch out the net and cut off any extra twine
To repair a bigger section
- First cut out a suitable length of twine and attach it to the needle
- According to the length of the tear, cut the entire affected area into a square, rectangle, or any preferable shape
- Find a mesh of similar size with that of the torn net. Copy the exact shape of the hole on the torn net and cut the mesh one mesh smaller in width and depth
- The mesh must be cut one mesh smaller so that it can be properly merged with the hole on the net
- Using half mesh knots, mend the net from left to right or vice versa until you have gone round the entire hole
- Tighten the last knot properly using two or three half mesh knots and then cut the twine and trim any extra twine on the net to make your work look neat.
Pros of sewing method
- Makes the net more durable
- Reinforces the strength of the net
- Once you follow the steps, it is easy to achieve
Cons of sewing method
- It takes time, especially when working on a large section
- Getting a replacement net patch can be tough
For more details on how to sew the broken net, check out the video below:
Conclusion
Nets are prone to damage due to over-exposure to weather elements and also recklessness like allowing children to play with them. It is proper that you always obey accurate maintenance measures to prolong your nets’ lifespan.
When your net gets damaged whether it is old or new, you need to fix it immediately rather than discard it. This helps you reinforce the strength of the net and at the same time save the cost of getting a new one.
By following this article diligently, you will not only be able to fix damaged soccer nets, but you can also teach those facing similar issues.
Hi there, I’m Jay.
Soccer is everything in my life! My friends and I have created this blog with all our enthusiasm, passion, and understanding after years of playing pro soccer. Hope you will enjoy it!