Is ULTIMAGOAL ®
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It was a win-win all the way around.
Or was it? Let’s take a look.
I get a discount on their product. Check – I win.
My sons get a new soccer goal/rebounder/training tool. Check – my sons win.
ULTIMAGOAL, Inc. gets a great review/promotion of their product. Wait a second. Do they really?
You have to give them credit. They stand behind their product and are confident of its ability to perform or else they wouldn’t have sent it to me. Still, it’s not a slam dunk.
Just like the Beatles song, “Can’t Buy Me Love”, at Soccer for Parents you can’t buy a good review. You earn it. (Hey, isn’t that a commercial??)
So here it is. The low down. The scoop. The nuts and bolts. Fair and balanced reporting. Only from Soccer for Parents.
Table of Contents
BONUS: A Review from my 11-year old son |
There are five pieces to the ULTIMAGOAL ®:
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Also with the 5 pieces comes an instruction manual as well as a set of pages that runs through a recommended training session.
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To begin with the box weighed more than I expected. I can see where a larger rebounder/goal would be much more difficult to move and transport.
I unpacked the box and thought, “Wow, this is really simple.” – or something like that. No nuts and bolts to mess with or get lost. Everything – nets, Velcro straps, cones, bungee cords, was pre-assembled onto their respective frames.
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I also noticed the frame seemed to be well constructed with rounded corners and a weatherproof surface, either galvanized or some type of similar coating. Likewise the rebounding part seemed very sturdy with thick, red bungee cords as attachments.
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The instruction manual was attached to one of the frames with what I would call clear, packing tape. Not a problem until I tried to remove the manual and part of the front cover stayed with the tape. Just a little annoyance but something I would recommend ULTIMAGOAL, Inc. remedy in the future.
Instructions and Initial Setup
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In case you haven’t read about me, I am an engineer by training. Not only that, but a good part of my job includes writing detailed procedures for running chemical processes. Thus I am probably more critical than most when it comes to good instructions.
Having said that, though, the instruction manual for the ULTIMAGOAL ® is really quite good overall.
It would be a good idea to read through the entire manual (27 pages) before doing anything else. However, if you are like me, you will have a son or daughter driving you nuts to put it together, and thus proceed directly to the setup section.
The most basic, barebones review I can give you on reading the instructions and initial setup is this:
This number includes reading the instructions, doing the steps to setup Mode 1, scratching my ummmm, head once, and breaking up a fight between my two boys. Not too shabby. However, I have to admit that the next time I could easily do it in five minutes or less.
Not being the sharpest arrow in the quiver, I had just a little bit of trouble with the Velcro straps on the stabilizer bar. I would like to see a little better description of how these particular straps are wrapped around the frame. But like I said, I’m a little anal when it comes to instructions.
The bottom line is it’s really, really, simple to put together. No tools are required other than some low-wattage brain power. I explained how it goes together to my 11-year old son and he assembled it in 13 minutes. Enough said?
Besides instructions for setup and swapping modes, the manual includes information on the development and features of the ULTIMAGOAL ®, why it works, the training system, safety, use and care, a 30 day guarantee, and a limited warrantee.
First I guess is an explanation of "modes".
Modes are different configurations or ways of assembling the five main parts into a unit.
A better explanation may be to list the modes and how each one is used.
- MODE 1 – Small goal (you can also use the angled rebounding plane)
- MODE 2 – Training mode utilizing both a horizontal rebounding plane and an angled rebounding plane
- MODE 3 – Training mode utilizing the stabilizing bar as a back-passer and an opposite angled rebounding plane
- MODE 4 – Large Goal (also has an opposite angled rebounding plane)
MODE 1
click to enlargeMODE 2
click to enlargeMODE 3
click to enlargeMODE 4
click to enlargeI measured the following times to switch between the various modes. Remember, this was my first time so I had to read and follow the instructions as well.
FROM TO TIME Mode 1 Mode 2 2 min. Mode 2 Mode 3 3 min. Mode 3 Mode 4 2 min. Mode 4 Mode 2 3 min. I did find the instructions for switching to Mode 3 to be a bit confusing. The time above is only for switching modes after I figured it out. I think the instructions would be clearer if you disconnected the small frame and then turned or spun the ULTIMAGOAL ® onto its front cross members before reattaching the small frame. Anyway, it would work better for me. To each his own.
You can really just go by the pictures and diagrams in the instruction manual. They are quite good and easy to follow.
Also, the system that has been devised for switching modes on the ULTIMAGOAL ® is quite unique in my experience and rather ingenious. Once again there are no tools, just Velcro straps and cones/holes for alignment.
The two pictures below should help illustrate the simplicity. All you do is insert the cones into the proper holes and secure with the Velcro strap.
Before Securing
click to enlargeAfter Securing
click to enlargeSIDEBAR
Actually there is no way to put the ULTIMAGOAL ® together incorrectly. Provided you use all of the parts, whatever you do ends up in one of the modes – nearly idiot-proof!Lastly, it only takes a few times switching modes to realize that the only thing being rearranged is the small rebounding frame and the stabilizing bar. The large rebounding frame and the side frames stay together in the original position at all times.
Bottom line here: The mode switching gets a big thumbs up from me – extremely versatile and easy.
FRAME
The ULTIMAGOAL ® frame is made of 1 3/8” thin steel tubing with an “all-weather steel coating” according to the users manual. I emailed the company for some specifics and they said it has a “weatherproof zinc coating”.
This matches my observations and will give the frame outstanding durability.
Netting
According to their manual, ”ULTIMAGOAL ® has black all-weather netting to stand up to the elements, giving the netting a longer life span.” Elsewhere in the manual is stated ”The netting is black in color, because it is specially treated to last longer in the elements (sun, rain, snow, etc…).”
Again, durability is a test of time and cannot be determined with any specific data or numbers. Speaking generally from observation, the rebounding netting seems to be of a very high quality and I have a high level of confidence that it will continue to perform well for many years. It looks and feels great!
click to enlarge The netting on the side frames seems a little flimsier but then I realized, “Who cares?”. The side frames are only for support and to keep the ball in the goal when in Mode 1 or 4. I’m not worried about this netting. It sees very little action and still has the all-weather coating. Besides animals and small children, the sun is the hardest on goals and netting in particular. With the coating on it the netting should last for several years.
Frame Assembly Parts
The various frames are put together by inserting cones on one frame into holes on another frame and securing the two frames together with Velcro straps. (see the pics under Changing Modes)
I initially had some concerns about the durability of the Velcro straps. After some correspondence with the company, I now understand the issues and have a higher degree of confidence in their durability. For a deeper discussion on the straps, read the section, Spare Parts.
Testing and Using the Apparatus
I will limit the following discussion to Modes 2 and 3.
Mode 1 and Mode 4 are primarily soccer goals. Not much to say there. They’re soccer goals. They work. For the goal sizes and further discussion see Portability.
Mode 2 is my personal favorite. The ULTIMAGOAL ® manual lists the following soccer skills that can be developed when using this mode:
- HORIZONTAL REBOUNDING PLANE
- For in-step drive shot practice
- ANGLED REBOUNDING PLANE
- For trapping high incoming balls and ball control practice
- For headshot practice
- For high ball goalie save practice
I would certainly add ball control practice to the horizontal rebounding plane list as well.
To be honest, testing was a lot of fun. The first time I kicked a soccer ball into the horizontal rebounding plane the ball flew by me about 20 ft. My son and I looked at each other and said, “WOW!” To say the rebounding surfaces are responsive is an understatement. They are fabulous!
Not having played much soccer in my youth, I have been working on my weak side quite a bit. The ULTIMAGOAL ® has made a huge improvement in my ability to make an accurate in-step kick with my left foot. Ok, there was nowhere to go but up. But still I have been very pleased with the results. Using the “STEP-BACK METHOD” as outlined in the ULTIMAGOAL ® training session documentation does work.
Interestingly, when shooting with a different foot I discovered that there wasn’t time to always setup to receive and control the rebounding ball in my preferred manner - meaning I was in a rut and always using one particular foot to receive the ball. The rebounder forced me out of that habit.
SIDEBAR
There is a recommended training daily session outline with the instruction manual that goes into the details of how many repetitions to take for each rebounding surface and mode and how to work the step-back method. However, it doesn’t describe the proper technique for any of the shots. To get more detail on technique, go to the ULTIMAGOAL website and click on the BASICS button.
I found the angled rebounding plane to be fun and challenging. As I said, my soccer skills aren’t great so you have to keep that in mind. With the angled surface you can serve yourself high balls for heading, balls for chest trapping or thigh trapping, or work on goalie skills. However, it takes more ball control than the horizontal rebounder. To work on thigh trapping you have to fairly accurately control both the height and speed of the ball. Kick it too hard and the ball rebounds too high - same with kicking it too high.Dustin using Mode 2 
click to enlarge The good side to this is that you must learn to control the placement and speed of the soccer ball. Also, you must learn to quickly react to the ball.
Mode 3 uses the stabilizing bar and the opposite angled rebounding plane for training. The ULTIMAGOAL ® manual lists the following soccer skills that can be developed when using Mode 3:
- STABILIZING BAR - BACKPASSER
- For one-touch passing practice
- For smooth ground pass practice
- OPPOSITE ANGLED REBOUNDING PLANE
- For low bouncing ball control practice
- For muscle building and conditioning practice
- For low-ball goalie save practice
When using the stabilizing bar as a backpasser I found it important to use a smooth, flat surface for the training such as concrete, blacktop, wood floor, or very short grass. If the grass is very high the ball will not return to you. Using a smooth surface is mentioned in the training session documentation but is not mentioned in the ULTIMAGOAL ® manual.
The opposite angled rebounding plane is simply the small rebounding plane slightly angled down so balls tend to return directly at your feet and bounce. You can vary the amount of bounce by where you hit the rebounding surface and by the speed. Again, there is great action from the rebounding surface. I also found the workout with this surface to be good conditioning due to the faster pace.
Again, what you get out of the ULTIMAGOAL ® depends on what you put into it.
Bottom line: If your child uses the ULTIMAGOAL ® with any regularity their soccer skills should see a dramatic improvement.
Time is the true test from a couple of angles.
- Durability - As a parent one of my key concerns when buying something for my kids is “How long will it last?”
Testing the durability takes – you guessed it – time. I have been leaving the ULTIMAGOAL ® outside in the weather for about 10 days so far. The weather is warm. The sun is hot. It has rained once. We have dew nearly every evening. My son and I continue to use it either as a soccer goal in games we play or in training.
After just a couple of days I noticed a light residue on the frames. I think this was probably a zinc oxide from the coating. Not to worry. This is normal for a metal coating and actually aids in the protection process.
I have seen no fading of the netting or adverse effects on any other parts due to weather.
So far – thumbs up on durability.
- Usefulness - Another key question I always ask myself is “After the newness wears off, will it really get used?”
Well, I really can’t answer that question for you but here’s my personal opinion.
If you are a parent/coach the answer is absolutely yes. You will want to take the ULTIMAGOAL ® to the soccer field for practice. I haven’t had the chance yet, but I know the kids will love it. You set the ULTIMAGOAL ® up in Mode 2 or 3 and rotate kids between training on it and doing another activity. The kids will see it as a fun and challenging activity while you are actually improving their basic soccer skills.
SIDEBAR
A small word of caution – Some kids may get frustrated with the angled rebounding plane. I think the angled rebounder is age appropriate at about 10 years old. Of course the appropriate age will vary with a kid’s skill and size – just have them try it.I think the other surfaces are appropriate for all ages.
If you are buying the ULTIMAGOAL ® just as a parent trying to help their child with soccer, I can’t tell you if he or she will use it for an extended length of time. It depends on the kid.
- Does he/she love to play soccer?
- Is he/she self-motivated?
- Are they constantly asking to play soccer?
- Are you as a parent going to play with them?
Bottom line: If you answered YES to at least two of the four questions I think the ULTIMAGOAL ® will see many hours of use in your yard.
If you have more than one child that either plays soccer or will play soccer when they are old enough, this soccer goal/trainer should be a good investment.
The manual states that ” ULTIMAGOAL ® is portable and detachable into compact mode for convenient portability.”
Let us see, shall we?
Broken down into individual components as specified in the manual, the following approximate values were obtained:
- Weight: 38 pounds
- Dimensions: 43” x 53” x 6”
Yes, it is portable.
No, it won’t fit in a small trunk. It IS a soccer goal, after all.
The weight seems very reasonable, not too heavy but heavy enough that the device doesn’t shift around when a ball is rebounded.
Personally I like the size. But if you are one of the rare families anymore that doesn’t own a truck, SUV, or minivan you will probably have to put the goal in the back seat or on top of the vehicle with a rack.
While we are talking about size let me give you the dimensions for the two soccer goal modes.
MODE 1: The small goal is 36”H x 50”W
MODE 4: The large goal is 55”H x 50”WEither size is very good for small-sided games. Either size allows you to play without a goalie and also focuses the kids on accuracy and keeping the ball low.
SIDEBAR
You will see many, many kids try to over kick the ball when shooting on goal. The result is a ball that isn’t even “on goal” but goes wide or way over the crossbar. A British soccer coach that stayed at my house last year couldn’t get over how consistently wild American kids were at shooting on goal. Placement is more important than power. Small goals help treat this disease.Spare parts are available if needed. I had a small problem with one of the Velcro straps tearing at the point where it attaches to the frame. I emailed ULTIMAGOAL, Inc. about the problem and received this reply:
We understand about the Velcro straps tearing from the screw head. It has only been a problem with a few customers. FIX: We are now including a plastic washer under the screw head which has gone through testing and has stopped the tearing of the Velcro straps. Also, we provide replacement parts when needed. If you need a replacement strap, let me know and I will ship one out this week. I can also ship out the plastic washers if you want to install them.
I have not had any other problems with the Velcro straps and the new washers seem to be a good fix.
As you can see from the above note my experience with their customer service was excellent.
The parts were promptly shipped and received as requested.
So just why did I get a goal without the washers already installed?
I suspect that my goal was old inventory and as a cost and time saving measure this particular inventory was not retrofitted with the “fix”. My bad luck.
Nevertheless, I was personally satisfied with the response. They were frank and open about the problem – a refreshing change. Many companies will never admit a problem. Instead you will get a response like, “Huh? We are not aware of any problems. You must have done something wrong. However, since we’re such nice people we’ll ship you a replacement part this one time.” Sound familiar?
As a final note to this story, installing the washers myself was easily done.
SUMMARY
Pros - Easy & fun to use, versatile, well built with great rebounding surfacesCons - For people with small cars, portability will be an issue
OVERALL -
Two Thumbs Up!Information about the company is sketchy on their website.
I received the following information in an email. This was unsolicited information originally not meant for public consumption. I have since received permission to reprint a portion of the email here.
As the inventor and Owner of ULTIMAGOAL – (qualifications omitted by request) I wanted to give the youth of the U.S. a platform to advance them past the most important stage in any player's career in Soccer. That stage is SKILL.
Youth around the rest of the world and especially in Europe, blow U.S. youth away when it comes to the element of Skill. Why? How? There are many reasons of Why? and How?
I have traveled the world over and studied the training techniques of some of the greatest Soccer/Football Clubs in the world, from South America (Club Boca Juniors - Buenos Aires, Argentina), to Central America, to the Eastern/Western Block of Europe and studying at one of the oldest Soccer/Football Clubs in the world (Homefarm Football Club - Dublin, Ireland). Through this knowledge and experience I have pursued a vision of a better, faster and more efficient way to advance youth athletes past this important level - Skill. Once a youth athlete passes this level, they can do anything on the field of play and they become a Coaches and Team’s dream come true. I have been through a lot of coaching experiences and many years ago I made a vow to myself, that I would not go back to coaching youth soccer unless I had a way to rapidly advance players past this most difficult element (Skill) of the game.
What I have discovered - "ULTIMAGOAL"
It has become my life mission and has turned my life upside down. But, the light of this mission is beginning to appear.
Any great athlete, from any sport will always tell you the same thing. What separates them from any other athlete - is the desire to practice, train and work harder than any one else.
It is the power and desire from within that separates us.
Due to my extensive work and feedback during this review process, the generous people at ULTIMAGOAL, Inc. have agreed to give my visitors an exclusive offer:
Yes, this is an amazing deal and I can’t guarantee how long it will be offered.
To receive these savings simply fill out the discount request form and I’ll immediately send you the instructions on how to “cash in” on this offer.
We had to take this “offline” approach, so to speak, to limit this offer to Soccer-for-Parents visitors only.
No gimmicks, just a straight $50.00 savings.
If you want to read more about it, clickthrough to the ULTIMAGOAL website (a new browser window will open).
Take your time. It's a big decision. Just remember to return here when you’re ready to buy.
On second thought, maybe you should bookmark this page?
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- HORIZONTAL REBOUNDING PLANE