How to Make a Homemade Soccer Rebounder

A soccer rebounder allows you to practice kicking and receiving techniques in one exercise. You might invest the time and expense to make a rebounder with PVC or steel pipe and fit it with bungee cords and resilient nylon mesh, similar to manufactured units. A more cost-effective method is a homemade rebounder made from plywood and utility lumber. The unit requires no maintenance and is easy to move. The average do-it-yourself enthusiast can make an adjustable soccer rebounder in a relatively short time.

Measure and cut a piece of 3/4-inch plywood as the rebound board with a circular saw. A small board is 36 inches wide and 24 inches high. A larger board is 48 inches wide and 36 inches high.

Cut a piece of 2-by-4-inch utility lumber 24 inches long as a ledger. Position the ledger flat against the board, flush with a wide edge. Center the ledger from side-to-side.

Set up a power drill with a screw-tip attachment. Attach the ledger to the board by driving 1 1/2-inch wood screws through the plywood board and into the ledger. Space the screws 3 inches apart.

Insert a 3/8-inch drill bit in the power drill. Drill 3/8-inch holes in the top edge of the ledger, 3 inches from each end for machine bolts that serve as pins for diagonal support legs.

Measure and cut two lengths of 2-by-4-inch utility lumber 60 inches long as diagonal support legs. Place the pieces flat and drill a 3/8-inch hole, 1 inch from the end of each piece.

Stand the rebound board on edge with the ledger at the upper side. Align the 3/8-inch holes in the support legs with the 3/8-inch holes at the top edge of the ledger. Push a 1/4-by-4-inch machine bolt into each hole by hand.

Position the legs perpendicular to the board with the ends of each on the ground behind. Tilt the bottom of the board out for rebounding balls in the air. Tilt the top out for rebounding balls on the ground.

Tips

For added support, drill 3/8-inch holes at the base of each support leg and drive 1/4-by-6-inch steel spikes into the ground with a mallet. Pull the spikes with a nail bar when you move the rebounder.

Warnings

Wear protective goggles during this project to prevent wood dust or other particles from getting in your eyes.