Setting up your SKLZ golf net is the first step toward building a better, more consistent swing from the comfort of your own home or backyard. Forget trying to decipher tiny diagrams, this guide will walk you through the entire process, from opening the box to hitting your first shots. We'll go step-by-step through the assembly and I'll also share some insights, as a coach, on how to do it safely and get the most out of your new training space.
Taking a few minutes to prepare before you even start connecting poles can save you a lot of hassle. A little planning now ensures a smooth, safe, and successful setup.
The first order of business is identifying the perfect spot for your practice station. Whether you're indoors or outdoors, space is your biggest consideration - and not just the net's footprint.
Once you’ve got your spot, open the box and lay out all the components on the ground. It’s like a chef’s mise en place - getting everything organized first makes the real work go much faster. Don't just dump it out of the bag, arrange the pieces so you can see what you're working with. You should have:
Doing a quick inventory check ensures you're not halfway through the assembly before realizing a piece is missing. It's a simple step that can prevent a lot of frustration.
With your space chosen and parts inspected, it's time to build. The SKLZ net design is clever and intuitive, relying on the tension of bent poles to create its shape. Follow these steps methodically, and you’ll be ready to practice in no time.
The long, flexible poles are shock-corded, meaning they're connected by an internal elastic cord. This makes assembly very straightforward. Simply connect the sections of each of the two long poles. They will "snap" into place as you fit the ends together. Once assembled, lay them on the ground in a crisscross “X” shape. This is the skeleton of your net and laying it out first helps you visualize how it will stand.
Now, unfurl the net and lay it on top of the frame poles you just assembled. Your goal here is to attach the net's sleeves to the poles.
It’s very similar to putting a fitted sheet on a bed, get the corners right first and the rest becomes simple. Locate the sleeves or loops at the corners of the net. SKLZ often uses color-coded tabs to make this easier. Slide each of the two frame poles through its corresponding sleeve on the net, running from one corner to its diagonal opposite. The SKLZ logo on the net should be oriented at the bottom center. Don’t worry about standing it up yet, just get the poles fully slid through their respective sleeves.
This is the part that brings the net to life. It requires carefully bending the poles to create tension.
First, locate the base frame or the metal grommets on the net's bottom strap. Start with one of the poles. Insert one end of the pole into its designated pin or pocket on one side of the base. Now, holding the pole, walk toward the other side, allowing the pole to bend into a high arc. With some steady pressure, bend the pole down and insert its other end into the opposite pin. The pole is now under significant tension, forming one arch of the net.
Repeat this process with the second pole, creating the overlapping 'X' shape. This part might feel like it requires a bit of muscle, but be slow and deliberate rather than using brute force. You don’t want a pole snapping back at you.
Your net is standing, but it’s not finished. Securing it properly is critical for safety.
If you're outdoors, this is where the ground stakes are essential. Feed a stake through each of the fabric loops around the base of the net and press it firmly into the ground. Even a light breeze can turn your unsecured net into a giant sail. Staking it down prevents it from tipping over or, in a stronger gust, flying away.
If you’re indoors on a hard surface, you obviously can't use stakes. The net will be mostly stable on its own, but for added security, you can place sandbags or other heavy, stable objects (like dumbbells) on the base frame to prevent it from sliding or tipping, especially if you plan to hit driver.
With the net up, the temptation is to immediately grab your driver and let it rip. As a coach, I'd ask you to pump the brakes. A great practice session in a net is about quality, not just quantity.
Before hitting any balls, take a few slow, easy practice swings to re-confirm your spacing. Then, begin your session with your most Lofted wedge, like a sand wedge or pitching wedge. Make small, controlled fifty-percent swings. The goal is to get a feel for making solid contact in your new environment. Check that your follow-through isn’t hitting the net. Gradually work your way up to longer clubs after you feel comfortable and warmed up.
One of the biggest pitfalls of practicing in a net is that you lose the feedback of ball flight, which can cause your alignment to drift over time. You think you're aimed straight, but you have no way to verify it. To combat this, lay an alignment stick (or another golf club) on the ground, pointing directly at the center of the hanging target. Now, set up to the ball so that your feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel to that stick. This forces you to practice with good alignment, making your practice far more transferable to the course.
Don’t just mindlessly bash a bucket of balls. A net is the perfect place to work on one simple, specific aspect of your swing because you're freed from worrying about the result. Maybe you focus entirely on your setup - leaning over from your hips and letting your arms hang naturally. Or maybe you want to practice what we talked about in the swing guide: that feeling of rotating your torso back and then unwinding through the ball. A practice session with 25 purposeful swings is better than one with 100 mindless ones.
Position yourself about 8 to 10 feet away from the net. This is the sweet spot. It's close enough that a mishit shank still has a good chance of being caught by the wide net, but far enough away that you can swing freely without any fear of your hands or the club hitting the net after impact.
Takedown is simply the reverse of assembly. The most important part is releasing the tension from the poles carefully. Remove one end of a pole from its base pin and slowly let it straighten out before removing the other end. Do this for both poles before trying to slide them out of the net sleeves.
Here's a small tip that will save you a headache later: take 30 extra seconds to vaguely fold the net instead of just stuffing it into the bag. A neatly folded net is much easier to unpack and set up next time. When storing it, keep the bag in a dry place to prevent the netting from getting mildew or the poles from getting damaged.
Setting up your SKLZ net is a quick process that opens the door to hugely convenient practice, allowing you to groove your swing mechanics whenever you have a spare moment. Following these clear steps ensures you can go from box to backyard safely and efficiently, building a solid foundation for better golf.
Consistent practice is what builds reliable mechanics, but a technically sound swing only pays off if you can pair it with smart decisions on the course. While you're working on that takeaway feel in front of the net, situations can arise where you need more than just good form. That’s why we built Caddie AI. As you practice, you can ask us any questions about swing theory or cause-and-effect that come to mind. Then, when you head to the course, you'll not only have a more trusted swing but also an expert source for course strategy right in your pocket.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
