Lacrosse has been around for hundreds of years. It’s said to have started as a game among Native Americans involving hundreds of players across a field of perhaps a mile or more. These days, the game has changed dramatically and involves a lot fewer players over a smaller field. There is no doubt, however, that the intensity has not changed and going by the professional associations around nowadays, the competition is getting more refined.
If you’re a lacrosse player and you’re eager to refine your own game, you’ll be familiar that sometimes it can be difficult to find another player to practice with. First, you have to find someone of similar ability and then hope that you both are not too busy to get together every other day to practice. A brick wall is a solution, but there might not be one close by. Plus, it doesn’t replicate playing conditions that well. Another solution is a rebounder. If you want to improve your game and want to be able to practice effectively as often as you want, then getting a rebounder is a fantastic solution.
Top Lacrosse Rebounders Comparison Chart
Not only will getting a rebounder give you extra motivation for you to practice whenever you want, but it will also enable you to improve your game. Being adjustable and portable, you can take it on the field, on a street, even in your backyard. The choice is yours and the beauty of it is that you can practice wherever and whenever you want in any condition. To help you find one, this review will give you more information about the types of rebounders out there and the best ones on the market right now.
Lacrosse Rebounder Buying Guide
Types of Rebounders
We mentioned the brick wall scenario just now. Players from many sports are familiar with this. The wall becomes your friend on many occasions as it is the only way to practice your chosen sport with any realism at all if you’re lacking a fellow human. This is an option for lacrosse too, but not a very effective one. Assuming there is one even close by, a wall will simply not give you a realistic rebound of the ball.
Luckily there are lacrosse rebounders available for your practicing pleasure. Generally, rebounders are made of a net about 3×4 foot square, stretched on an aluminum or steel frame about 6-7’ high. Think of a trampoline on an angle. They are adjustable to most angles and the idea is that they give the ball the right amount of rebound to best mimic play in real life. Most rebounders allow you to adjust the angle so you can play a defensive or offensive scenario, allowing for high pops and grounders. The frame can be folded and is made to be able to carry quite comfortably to your playing field. As well as this, the net itself, usually made of nylon, can vary in quality depending on your budget.
There can be a big range in size too, with larger ones better suited to an open field and smaller ones for environments more limited in size, such as your backyard. With a larger one, it’s possible to utilize it along with several other players, so you can happily practice your game in a group environment for extra benefit. There are in fact, many ways to get the most out of the rebounder and the different types will cater to what you want out of it.
Choosing the right Rebounder
One of the first considerations when buying a lacrosse rebounder will be your budget. How much are you willing to spend on a piece of equipment that is not really essential to you playing the game? That is a good question to ask yourself as you search for any sporting gear. However, most professional lacrosse players highly recommend getting one because they are adamant that the daily practice you can get at home or at your local park really improves your game.
If you have decided to buy one, there are many good options at different price points available on the market. Essentially, here is where your money can match it in the quality you can expect. Buying a better quality rebounder will not only result in a long lasting bit of gear, but it can also greatly enhance what you get out of your practice sessions. With a better quality rebounder, you will have a more realistic bounce back and sturdier frame. Going too cheap will yield expected results, with some frames and nets falling apart after a few sessions. This is the last thing you want when you’ve invested time and money into something that you feel will benefit you in the long run.
When selecting one, think about where you intend to use it. Will you be taking it to a large park nearby, or is it for your backyard? If you’re going to transport it regularly, is it foldable and not too heavy, while being weighty enough to hold steady on a windy day? Speaking of weather, make sure your rebounder can withstand not only wind, but also temperature and rain. When it comes to size, experts recommend 7-8 feet in height, but again that will depend on where you use it. If using it in a backyard but still want one of that height, consider getting a rebounder that dampens the bounce back so the ball doesn’t keep flying into the neighbor’s yard!
With this in mind, let’s review the top ten rebounders you can pick up this season to ensure you’re on top of your game.
Best Lacrosse Rebounders Reviews
Great for: Indoors and outdoors
Pros
- Super strong 17 gauge steel frame
- Can store flat
- Huge mat area
- Superior quality strings and mat
Cons
- Might be too large for some
- Quite expensive
If you want the very best rebounder with all the features, then this one is for you. EZ goal make excellent quality lacrosse gear from goals to rebounders and they know what you need in a professional rebounder. The frame is made up of 17 gauge steel to make it super strong – it’s going to stand up in any weather. The mat too is huge, and as it stands at 8’ tall, it is the best size mat you could hope for. Storage is a breeze too despite the strong steel frame, because they have designed it to fold up in a convenient manner. Add to this the rounded edges, and it slides into any space nicely. It can be used indoors and outdoors and of course you can adjust the angle widely, making it the perfect companion for the player looking to really step up their game. It is expensive and also is on the large side for some uses, but take it on a field and you will not find a better rebounder.
Great for: Backyards and fields
Pros
- Dampened rebound surface
- Folds up for easy storage
- Durable and sturdy aluminum frame
- Fully adjustable angle
Cons
- Smaller mat area than the EZ goal
A step down in price and size from the EZ goal, the Deluxe Pro from Champion Sports is nonetheless another fantastic product. It is perfect for the younger player looking to become pro and the quality will ensure you will have many years’ usage. The mat area is smaller, however it contains a really great dampener meaning you can use it in small yards. Of course it is also home on a large field and the fact that it can be angled many ways means it is just as user friendly as any top of the line rebounder. With the price set a little lower, it certainly comes into the affordable category for younger or more casual users.
Great for: Schools, parks and backyards
Pros
- Can be used across a variety of sports
- Lightweight
- Adjustable angles
- Quick and easy assembly
Cons
- Netting is not the best quality
Into the more budget-priced category, this multi-sport back screen offers good value if you or your children play different sports and need a practice net to cover them. It is made of a lightweight but sturdy aluminum frame that uses bungee cords to attach the 6’x3.5’ mat. It can be angled multiple ways to ensure you get the full spectrum of shot types and it also folds up for easy storage. While the mat is nice and large, some customers have complained of the poor quality both of the net itself and the bungee cords that attach it. Still, at this price range and the fact that it can be used across multiple sports, we recommend it as an excellent value product that delivers what you’ll be looking for in fundamental lacrosse practice.
Great for: Advanced players/professionals
Pros
- Heavy-duty aluminum frame
- Fully adjustable
- Quick and easy assembly
- Folds flat
Cons
- Expensive
Brine have a reputation for making top quality gear and this rebounder is no exception. It has a heavy duty aluminum frame that is sturdy enough to stand up to any weather, while its folding mechanism will delight the practical at heart who appreciate clever storage. As you’d expect at this price range, the mat and all fittings are top quality for extended usage. It is easy to assemble and the poles are very strong. However, we honestly couldn’t find anything more exceptional to warrant the hefty price tag. If you want the excellent quality from Brine and don’t mind paying for it, then this might be your next rebounder.
Great for: Beginner to advanced; Backyards
Pros
- Durable steel pipes
- Fully adjustable
- Surface dampener
- Limited edition
Cons
- If you consider “less than perfect” assembly (clarity) instructions, then this is about the only negative we could find in our research
When you’re presenting a product, especially sports products, it helps to have the backing of a pro. This one is no exception and in fact, not only is it backed by 2014 MVP Casey Powell, it was actually designed by him. This fact alone pushes this pitch back into the spotlight of a top creation. It also includes a training guide from him to help improve your game. The rebounder itself is great, with a durable steel frame that locks into place for easy assembly. The netting is designed with a special dampener to enhance the pitch back and also so you can easily use it in the backyard. The only gripe is that it’s on the expensive end which may put it out of reach for many people, especially as it’s marketed for youths/beginners. Still, customers love it and the quality is undeniable so check this one out if it falls into your budget.
Great for: Beginner to advanced; Backyards
Pros
- Durable steel pipes
- Adjustable frame
- Surface dampener
- Cheaper than the limited edition
Cons
- Heavy
Another entry from Gladiator Lacrosse, this pitch back is very similar in overall design to the previous one by Casey Powell. This rebounder is ideal for beginner to advanced players and also contains the dampener in the netting to allow use in backyards large and small. It has an extra heavy duty frame to let it take powerful shots from any player during shooting drills as well as whatever the weather throws at it too. Not having the Casey Powell name on it might disappoint some, but delight others searching for a lower price tag. This is an excellent bit of gear in its own right and rightfully has ‘professional’ in the label.
Great for: Backyards/multiple sports
Pros
- Light
- Double-sided
- Sturdy, adjustable A-frame
Cons
- Challenging to put together
- Shorter than the average rebounder
If you’re looking to improve your skills across a number of sports, then this training rebounder is a great start. With this net by Lacrosse Scoop, you’re sure to get something that has been produced (and most importantly, improved) with a history of trial and error over time. While this rebounder is not the ideal net for everyone playing the game, it certainly will give you enough practice with a very good quality rebounder.
One great aspect about this rebounder is that it is easily adjustable for various angles as well as for the degree of tightness or rebound. Another thing to note is that the training rebounder is light, making it easy to carry around the backyard for younger kids and to take it to the field – so no more excuses that it’s too heavy! This is a good all-rounder that will fulfil your practicing pleasure at a reasonable cost.
Great for: Kids/small and large yards
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Affordable option
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Coarse Netting
The budget range in Champion Sports still deals an excellent dedicated lacrosse pitch back. It is easy to assemble and the strong frame will ensure it stands up to most hits. As with the other rebounders higher up the price bracket, it is adjustable to different angles and folds up easily for convenient storage. The coarse netting is a bit of a disappointment though as some customers have noted that it doesn’t adequately return the ball as finer netting. All in all, this is a great option for young players looking to get some decent practice in the backyard, and for this it is excellent.
Great for: Backyards and fields
Pros
- Quick assembly
- Made for baseball, softball, soccer, football, basketball, volleyball and lacrosse
- High-quality netting
- Easily folds
- Made in USA
Cons
- Big and Heavy, so some purchasers were concerned about their kids moving the unit (too hard to move)
- Can be SIX TIMES more expensive than a “normal” rebounder
Players that complain that their pitch back takes too long to set up need to look no further. The All Ball Pro’s prompt playability starts from the box. It features 3 screen positions and the ability to tilt to any angle. It boasts a 95% ball return rate (that’s higher than any I’ve seen) and its American-made construction ensures it not only lasts a long time, but it’s extremely sturdy. I would know since I own 2 ball return units of the “less pricey” kind. They both fail when anything bigger than a golf ball is pitched at them and they are not sturdy.
The Stinger X will fit into most cars so portability won’t be an issue. Of course, the REALLY big negative is that it costs $700 compared to most others that range from $70 – $120 or so. Do you get what you pay for? Well, yes – sort of. The AllBall Pro is definitely heads and shoulders above its competitors, but the question of the day is “is it really $600 better??!” Only you can decide, but if budget is not as big a restriction, then I’d suggest this one for pure quality and performance.
Great for: Any backyard or field
Pros
- Sturdy, adjustable frame
- Dampened rebound surface
- Can be used for other sports
- Good quality netting
Cons
- Heavy
This rebounder is one of the most popular and best ones that STX makes. As you’d expect from a pitch back at this price, the quality of the framework is excellent. It is made of steel and can absorb hits on it at most speeds and angles. The netting is of a high-quality mesh that has a dampening feature on it to rebound balls accurately and moderately. Some people have said it’s quite heavy, making carting it to and from the field a bit of an issue. Also, we feel the price is on the steep side when you can get the likes of the EZ Goal for around this price, which is a lot bigger. But nonetheless, the brand and quality speak for themselves and the rebounder comes highly recommended for its durability and the potential for improvement in your game.
Conclusion & Recommendations
When it comes to purchasing a good rebounder, there’s honestly not much difference among the different types. There are your dedicated, top-quality pitch backs that have high-quality netting, can be adjusted and have a solid steel frame. Then you can buy ones with coarser netting that are more suitable across a range of sports. These are usually cheaper and offer good value if you or your children play multiple sports. They can also simply be fun for kids’ parties and get-togethers, or for schools and clubs that cater to a variety of sports. The budget-conscious out there will also appreciate that they can have a great product to practice lacrosse drills for a reasonably low price. For this latter type, you really can’t go past the Champion Sports Multi-sport net or the STX double sided training rebounder. They’re both excellent quality all-rounders that are able to cover a few sports as well as being light and foldable.
For a more professional lacrosse rebounder, the EZ Goal is far and away the best you can get. If not the reasonable price for top quality, but for the fact that it’s simply the biggest net on the market! The ability to practice all manner of shots will be useful in the long run and you won’t regret having this in your backyard or in the car on the way to the training field. There are other excellent alternatives like the Champion Sports Deluxe and the Casey Powell designed pitch back from Gladiator Sports. They both offer excellent workmanship and durability for those driving hits as well as the weather they will inevitably find themselves in.
In the end, it comes down to your budget and what you’re prepared to get out of your game. If lacrosse is king in your house, it’s really recommended to buy a dedicated rebounder. In the end, the purpose of you buying it is to mimic the game as accurately as possible so that you will see results on the field.
