Quick answer
You can set up a safe, useful floorball practice spot at home with a smooth surface, a goal, a net behind it and a pack of balls. Start with 1 m² for stickhandling, add a rebounder for passing, and add the goal and net once you have a clear 3 m shooting line. Choose a place where balls cannot reach windows, cars or neighbours, keep the floor free of clutter, and agree simple rules with your child before the first shot.
Key takeaways
- Start small. A hallway, balcony or basement corner of 1 m² is enough for stickhandling and ball control.
- Safety comes first: a backstop net behind the goal, a clear floor and a stick that stays below waist height.
- A smooth surface protects your floor, helps the ball roll true and wears the blade less.
- Build in steps over a season. Tiles first, then passer, then goal and net.
- Agree house rules together: when, where, how loud and who collects the balls.
- Keep sessions short and fun. Ten to twenty minutes a few times per week is enough for most children.
Where should you set up a home floorball zone?
Parents often ask whether they need a garage. They do not, though a garage makes things easy. Almost any space can work if you match the activity to the room. The table below shows what each space allows and what to add.
| Space | What it allows | Suggested setup | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hallway or corridor (1 m²) | Stickhandling, quick hands | 8 tiles, stickhandling trainer | Walls, doors, noise |
| Basement corner (2–3 m²) | Stickhandling and passing against a rebounder | 15–30 tiles, passer | Low ceilings, storage boxes |
| Garage bay (4–6 m²) | All skills, including shooting at a goal | 30–45 tiles, goal, backstop net | Cars, tools, bikes |
| Garden or patio | Shooting and passing in good weather | Goal, net, shooting pad | Rain, uneven ground, neighbours |
| Balcony | Stickhandling only | 8 tiles, trainer | Falling balls, noise |
Each floor tile measures 33 x 33 cm, so you can plan any area by counting tiles. Eight tiles cover about 0.9 m², 15 about 1.6 m², 30 about 3.2 m² and 45 about 4.9 m². Our guide to building a floorball training zone in your garage shows layouts in more detail, and drills for small spaces covers the tightest setups.
What equipment do you need, and in what order?
Buy in the order you will actually use things. Better Floorball is a Swedish brand that sells its own products without middlemen, which keeps prices low. Everything is designed in Sweden and tested for maximum durability. The tiles, passer and stickhandling trainer are also Made in Europe.
| Step | Product | Price | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Extreme Floorball Tiles 8-Pack | €79 | A smooth base for stickhandling in the smallest space |
| 2 | Extreme Floorball Stickhandling Trainer | €69 | Obstacles and drills for ball control |
| 3 | Extreme Floorball Passer | €129 | A rebounder for solo passing and receiving |
| 4 | Extreme Floorball Goal (160 x 115 cm) | €149 | Real shooting distances and angles |
| 5 | Extreme Backstop Net 5x2,5 m | €129 | Stops balls before they reach windows or neighbours |
| 6 | Floorball 50-Pack | €89 | Enough balls to shoot without stopping to collect |
If you have a wide space or want extra protection, the Extreme Safety Net 7,5x2,6 m (€139) covers more area. For a ready-made option, the Extreme Floorball Skills Kit (€569) includes a 45-pack of tiles, the Passer Pro and the Stickhandling Trainer. Orders above €300 ship free within the EU. Browse the goal and backstop collection for more.
How do you make the area safe?
A floorball ball is light (about 23 g, 72 mm) and softer than many other sports balls, but a hard shot still travels fast and bounces unpredictably because of its 26 holes. These checks keep your home zone safe.
- Net first. Put up the backstop net before the first shot. Hang it 1–2 m behind the goal so the ball slows before it hits a wall or fence.
- Clear the floor. Remove toys, shoes and cables. Loose items cause most home injuries.
- Check the surroundings. Windows, glass doors, car paint, plant pots and pets should be out of the line of fire.
- Stick below waist. Make the rule the same as in matches: the backswing and follow-through stay below waist height, especially when two children play together.
- Supervise the younger ones. Children under about 8 should have an adult nearby when they use a goal and net.
- Warm up for five minutes. Light jogging, arm circles and a few lunges protect wrists and knees.
Coach Erik's tip: Stand where the shooter stands and look at the area behind the goal. Imagine the ball missing by a metre in each direction. If anything breakable is in the way, move the goal or add netting. A 5-minute check beats a broken window.
How do you keep the neighbours and family happy?
A home zone only lasts if the household likes it. Agree on rules together, and write them on a sheet near the practice spot.
- Times (5 minutes to agree). Pick hours for shooting, for example after school until early evening, and quieter work such as stickhandling later.
- Noise. Plan loud shooting for daytime and keep quiet stickhandling for the evening.
- Ball patrol. The shooter collects balls after every set, so the area is clear for the next person.
- Storage. A bucket or bag for balls and a shelf for the stick keep the area tidy. A foldable goal can stand against a wall.
- Talk to neighbours. A short chat before the first session avoids misunderstandings. Offer to adjust times if needed.
What should your child practise in the home zone?
Give your child a simple plan so the zone stays useful. Four areas to rotate: stickhandling, passing and receiving, shooting, and movement. The table below shows a week with 20–30 minute sessions.
| Day | Focus | Time | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Stickhandling | 20 min | 5 min warm-up, 4 x 2 min figure-eight touches, 7 min free play |
| Wednesday | Passing | 20 min | 3 x 4 min forehand and backhand passes against the passer |
| Friday | Shooting | 25 min | 4 sets of 10 shots at marked corners |
| Saturday | Game-like play | 30 min | Challenges with a friend or sibling |
For a longer plan see the weekly floorball training plan and, for shorter sessions, the 20-minute daily routine. And remember to keep it fun: if your child asks to play something else, say yes. For more on supporting practice read how to support your child in floorball.
Common mistakes
- No net behind the goal. Lost balls and broken things end the project. Fix: install the net before the first shot.
- Training on rough or sticky floors. The ball does not roll and the blade wears. Fix: use tiles or a shooting pad.
- Buying everything at once. Interest may change. Fix: buy in steps and add items when your child asks.
- Too little space for the shooting line. Fix: plan about 3 m between shooter and goal, or practise stickhandling until you have room.
- Ignoring the neighbours. Fix: agree times and talk to them early.
- Making sessions too long. Fix: keep them short, regular and fun.
FAQ
How much space does a child need for floorball at home?
For stickhandling, 1 m² is enough, for example in a hallway or on a balcony. For shooting at a full-size goal, plan roughly 3 m between the shooter and the goal, plus a net behind it. A garage bay or garden gives room for all skills.
Is it safe to shoot floorball balls at home?
Yes, with preparation. Use a backstop net, clear the floor, keep fragile items out of the line of fire and keep the stick below waist height. Supervise younger children and warm up first.
What should I buy first for home practice?
A pack of floor tiles and a stickhandling trainer are the best start because they work in any small space. Add a passer for solo passing and a goal with a backstop net once you have room to shoot safely.
Do I need a goal at home?
Not at first. Stickhandling and passing do not need one. When your child wants to shoot, a full-size goal (160 x 115 cm) with a net behind it makes training safe and realistic.
How do I stop the balls from going everywhere?
Put a backstop net 1–2 m behind the goal and keep the area enclosed where possible. Store balls in a bucket and ask the shooter to collect them after each set. A larger net covers more width if you have space.
How often should my child practise at home?
Three or four sessions of 20–30 minutes a week works well for most children. Include at least one full rest day and keep sessions playful. Short regular practice beats occasional long sessions.
Summary
A home floorball zone does not have to be big or expensive. Start with a smooth surface for stickhandling, add a passer, then a goal and net when you have a safe shooting line. Set simple house rules, check the area for safety and keep sessions short and fun. For more parent guides visit the Floorball Parents hub.
