Quick answer
A goalie target is a training aid that stands in for a goalkeeper in a full-size goal (160 x 115 cm), so you practise choosing where to shoot instead of just hitting the net. The Extreme Floorball Goalie (€129.95) is built for this and turns a normal goal into a more realistic training partner. If you only want something to aim at, the Extreme Floorball Shooting Targets (€34) are cheaper. If you want measured data, the Xtreme Shooting Targets 4-Pack (€379.95) connects to an app. You need a goal, a smooth surface and a net behind it for any of them.
Key takeaways
- A goalie target adds a defender-like obstacle to your goal, so shooting becomes a decision, not just a swing.
- It works for all levels: beginners learn to aim at open space, advanced players practise quick release and shot fakes.
- Goalie target (€129.95), shooting targets (€34) and smart targets (€379.95) answer different questions. Choose by what you want to train.
- You need a full-size goal, such as the Extreme Floorball Goal (€149), and a net behind it to catch misses.
- Start with slow, accurate shots. Add speed only when 7 out of 10 shots hit the area you called.
- Always shoot with a purpose: name the target before each shot, then check the result.
Why train against a goalie target?
An empty goal is easy to hit, and it teaches you very little. In a real game, a keeper covers most of the goal, the defender blocks the lane and you have a second or less to decide. Most players I coach can score into an empty goal from 4 m with their eyes closed, but they struggle when something is in the way. A goalie target creates that problem at home.
- It trains decisions. You scan the goal, find the open space and choose a shot type. That is the whole point of finishing.
- It gives honest feedback. A shot that hits the target is a shot a goalkeeper could have stopped. You learn quickly which corners you tend to miss.
- It keeps solo sessions interesting. Shooting at an empty goal for 20 minutes becomes boring. Aiming around an obstacle does not.
The Extreme Floorball Goalie is a goalie target from Better Floorball that is made to fit any full-size goal. The product page has the details on how it fits, and you should always check it against your goal. It is a Swedish brand product, designed in Sweden and tested for maximum durability.
Which target should you choose?
Three different products solve three different problems. This table shows how I think about them as a coach.
| Product | Price | What it trains | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extreme Floorball Shooting Targets (set of 3) | €34 | Aiming at corners and spots in the goal | Beginners and anyone on a budget |
| Extreme Floorball Goalie | €129.95 | Reading the goal and shooting at open space | Players who already hit the corners and need decisions |
| Xtreme Shooting Targets 4-Pack | €379.95 | Accuracy, shot speed and reaction, recorded in an app | Data-driven players and teams |
You can use them together. For example, start a session with the Shooting Targets to warm up your aim, then switch to the goalie target for the decision part. The Shooting Targets set of three fits any full-size goal of 160 x 115 cm and is installed in about 10 seconds. The targets are Made in Europe. Read more about smart targets in our guide smart shooting targets: training with an app.
What do you need around the target?
A goalie target does nothing without a few other things.
- A full-size goal. The Extreme Floorball Goal (€149) is the official 160 x 115 cm size, foldable and weatherproof, weighs 9 kg and is suitable for year-round outdoor use. See the floorball goal buying guide.
- A net behind it. Misses still fly past the goal. The Extreme Backstop Net 5x2,5 m (€129) or the Safety Net 7,5x2,6 m (€139) catches the rest. See the net buying guide.
- A smooth surface. The Extreme Floorball Tiles 8-Pack (€79) or a Shooting Pad 120x60 cm (€59) lets the ball roll true when you shoot wrist shots and drag shots.
- Balls. At least 20 for a proper round. See the floorball balls guide.
Looking for a bundle? Browse the shooting collection and compare the kits in which floorball shooting kit is right for you.
A 20-minute goalie target session
Stand 4 m from the goal with at least 20 balls in a bucket. If your space is smaller, move closer, but keep the same structure.
- Warm-up round (3 minutes). 10 slow wrist shots at the open space. Aim for accuracy, not power.
- Call-your-corner (5 minutes). Before each shot, say "top left", "low right" and so on, out loud. Take 20 shots. Count how many hit the area you called. Cue: eyes up to find the space, then down to the ball, then shoot.
- Change the shot type (4 minutes). Take 5 wrist shots, 5 drag shots and 5 backhand shots at the open space. Compare which shot you control best. Watch for: lifting the ball too high; keep the stick below waist height in the follow-through.
- Fake and shoot (4 minutes). Move a ball to your left, show the shot with your shoulders, then change direction and shoot at the other side. 10 reps. This copies a real finishing situation.
- Speed round (4 minutes). Now shoot as hard as you can at the open space. Take 15 shots, and count the hits. If your accuracy drops below half, go back to the call-your-corner round next time.
Coach Erik's tip: Score yourself with a simple "7 out of 10" rule. When you hit 7 of 10 of your called shots at slow speed, move to a harder shot. If you can't hit 7, stay at the slower speed. This keeps the session honest and stops you from rewarding yourself for luck.
How should you progress over weeks?
| Week | Focus | Distance | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Slow, accurate wrist shots | 4 m | 7 of 10 hit the called space |
| 2 | Add drag shots and backhand | 4 m | 6 of 10 with each shot type |
| 3 | Add a fake before the shot | 4 m | 6 of 10 after the fake |
| 4 | Increase power and reduce time on the ball | 5 m | 6 of 10 at game speed |
These are my coaching targets, not official standards. Adjust to your age and level. For deeper technique, read floorball shooting accuracy, floorball shot fakes and floorball quick release. If you are a coach, floorball goalkeeper drills shows the other side of the goal.
Goalie target or a real goalkeeper?
A real goalkeeper moves, reacts and learns your habits. A goalie target does not. If you can train with a goalkeeper, do it, and use the target for the many days when nobody is available. In floorball the goalkeeper plays without a stick and has to cover a 160 x 115 cm goal quickly. Shooting against a real person teaches timing in a way no equipment can. The target is the daily practice, the keeper is the weekly test.
Common mistakes
- Shooting hard from the first minute. You lose accuracy and train bad habits. Fix: start slow and add power only after you reach 7 of 10.
- Not choosing a target before the shot. You simply swing and hope. Fix: name the corner or space before every shot.
- Always shooting from the same spot. A real game never gives you the same angle twice. Fix: change position every 10 shots.
- Using only one shot type. Fix: rotate wrist, drag and backhand during each session.
- No net behind the goal. Fix: add a backstop net first, then train. It saves time and avoids damage.
- Forgetting to rest. Fix: stop after 20 minutes when accuracy drops, and finish with something easy.
FAQ
What is a floorball goalie target?
It is a training aid placed in a full-size floorball goal to stand in for a goalkeeper. It forces you to find open space and choose a shot instead of shooting at an empty net. The Extreme Floorball Goalie costs €129.95.
Does the goalie target fit any floorball goal?
It is described as suitable for any full-size floorball goal, which is 160 x 115 cm. Check the product page for details and compare it with your own goal before you buy.
Goalie target or shooting targets: which should I buy first?
If your aim is not yet reliable, start with the Shooting Targets set (€34), which gives you corners to aim at. When you hit them regularly and want to practise decisions around an obstacle, add the Goalie target (€129.95).
Do I need a net with a goalie target?
Yes. Misses will fly past the goal. A backstop net such as the Extreme Backstop Net 5x2,5 m (€129) behind the goal protects property and saves time collecting balls.
How long should a session with the target be?
15 to 20 minutes is enough. Shoot slowly at first, call the space before each shot and count your hits. Stop when your accuracy drops, because tired practice builds bad habits.
Can a goalie target replace a goalkeeper?
No. A goalie target is a daily solo tool, but a real goalkeeper reacts, moves and learns your habits. Use the target when you train alone and shoot against a goalkeeper at team practice or with friends.
Summary
A goalie target turns shooting into a decision. Choose it when you can already hit your corners and want to practise finding space, and pair it with a full-size goal, a net and a smooth surface. Call your target before each shot, use the 7-out-of-10 rule to progress and stop when accuracy drops. For more guides, visit the Equipment Guides hub.
