Best Soccer Cones & Pop-Up Goals for Kids

If there’s one thing Coach Grandpa always says, it’s this:

“You don’t need a fancy field to build great players. Just cones and a ball.”

And after raising soccer-obsessed kids in our backyard, driveway, and living room (oops), I can confirm — cones and pop-up goals are the MVPs of at-home training.

Whether your player is 5, 7, 11 or 13 like mine, simple equipment makes soccer fun, fast, and frustration-free.

So today I’m breaking down the best soccer cones for kids — plus the pop-up goals we use in the front yard, at the park, even inside when it’s raining.

Best Soccer Cones for Kids (Coach Grandpa Approved)

Coach Grandpa divides cones into three categories — each with its own purpose.

1. Flat Disc Cones — Best for Dribbling & Speed Work 

(Budget-Friendly Pick)

These are the classic low-profile cones you see at practice.

✔ Safe for little feet

✔ Stackable + easy to store

✔ Perfect for dribble races, toe tap ladders, and “don’t touch the cone!” games

👉 Shop on Amazon: Flat Disc Cone Set

2. Tall “No-Tip” Cones — Best for Obstacle Courses & Visual Boundaries 

(Mid-Range Pick)

These work great for younger kids who need visual targets — like my 5-year-old who sometimes just... keeps running.

✔ Easier to see

✔ Don’t blow away in Texas wind (been there)

✔ Great for running drills, turn-and-go, or “shoot between the cones” finishing games

👉 Shop on Amazon: Tall Cone Set

3. LED Cones — Fun / Splurge Option for Night Games ✨ (Splurge Pick)

If you want extra motivation, these are kid magnets.

✔ Great for evening backyard sessions

✔ Add instant WOW factor

👉 Shop on Amazon: Light-Up Cones

Best Pop-Up Goals for Backyard Soccer

You don’t need goals — but trust me, goals change everything.

Kids go from “Do I have to?” to “Let’s go again!”

Best Overall: Portable Pop-Up Goal Set (2-Pack)

✔ Folds flat → toss in trunk, take to grandma’s

✔ Pops open in 2 seconds

✔ Works indoors if you don’t mind chaos

👉 Shop on Amazon: Pop-Up Goal Set

Upgrade Pick: Weighted Metal Frame Goal

✔ Stays in place (good for power shooters)

✔ Looks more like a “real” goal

✔ Still light enough to move

👉 Shop on Amazon: Metal Soccer Goal

Coach Grandpa’s Backyard Tip

“Don’t overthink it. Two cones and one goal can become 10 different games if you call it something fun.”

Name everything.

“Shark Attack Dribble.” “Sneaky Ninja Passes.” “No Cone Zone.”

Boom — instant engagement.

Want FREE Cone Games You Can Print & Use Today?

I’m putting together Coach Grandpa’s 3 Favorite Backyard Cone Games — in a one-page cheat sheet you can stick on the fridge.

Sign up for my newsletter & I’ll send it as soon as it’s ready!

Note: Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support more soccer content for parents like us