DIY Network

Building a Soccer Field Michael Strahan builds a backyard soccer goal and some unique practice hazards that are sure to improve soccer skills. From "Backyard Stadiums" episode DBYS-104

(Continued from page 1)

Hanging the Net

The soccer goal wouldn't mean much if it didn't have a net, so now that the structure is built, it's time to attach the net.

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Materials:

one appropriately sized net (for this particular project it was 6-1/2' x 12')
12" cable ties

1. Lay out the net on the ground in the proper direction. Goal mouth forward.

2. Lift your net up over your structure and attach it using a 12" cable tie every foot or so.

3. Continue around the top and sides of your goal until the net is completely secured.

Host Michael Strahan and carpenter (right) show the Goldberg family how to create a unique free-kick soccer wall.

Building a Free-Kick Wall

David Beckham is famous for his "Bend It Like Beckham" move so Michael Strahan and Amy Wynn Pastor have designed a free-kick wall that will help the Goldberg children learn how to do just that. By placing the 12'x5' wall in front of the soccer goal, the kids will have to practice kicking around or above the wall to improve their shooting skills.

Materials:

one 12' pressure-treated 4x4
one 12' pressure-treated 1x2
3 sheets of 3/4" pressure-treated plywood
twenty 2" screws
four 8" rubber wheels (to roll in grass)
bolts
5' high cut out of soccer player (can be made at any photocopy store)

Tools:

jigsaw
circular saw
scissors
tape measure
drill and drill bits
pencils

	Figure A
	This fun free-kick wall will help the Goldberg children hone their soccer kicking skills.

1. Select a photo of a soccer player standing straight up as if they're blocking a penalty kick, and have it blown up to the appropriate size for your child at a local print shop. We chose to make our blowup 5' tall. Next just follow the lines and cut out the player.

2. Place the cutout player on the 3/4" plywood and trace his or her outline. One 4x8 sheet of plywood is big enough to trace three players. Once all three are traced, use a jigsaw to cut them out.

   Note: You can make your wall as wide as you like. Our figures were just less than 3' wide, and we used four — making the wall 12' wide.

   Carpenter's Tip: When using a jigsaw to cut out something with sharp turns, its good to use a narrow blade. This will make for smoother cuts. Also make sure the blade is always moving at full speed — just slow down your movements, not the blade, around turns. Using a jigsaw is like driving — look ahead and follow the line.

3. Once the four players are cut out, you can prime and paint (figure A) them any way you like. This is an optional step, but it will make the free-kick wall more enjoyable.

4. Next you'll need to build the stand to support the players. Since our cutouts were approximately 3' wide, they all fit nicely on one 12' 4x4. Attach the wheels to the 4x4 so it can be easily rolled around your yard. Using a 1/2" bit drill holes 6" from both ends of the 4x4. Place one 8" wheel on a 1/2"x8" lag bolt and insert it through the hole. Add the second wheel on the other side and secure.

5. Screw the feet of the cutout figures equally across the base of the target.

6. Cut two 36"x6" pieces of 3/4" plywood. Find the center of the board and cut a 4" notch in the center. Slip the notch in each board over the end of the 4x4 perpendicular to the figures. This wood will ensure that the wall won't fall when hit by an errant soccer ball.

Note: You may wish to make the braces more decorative by cutting the boards at an angle as we did. Measure up from the bottom two inches and across to the center of the board. Connect the dots and cut the angle. Paint as desired.

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