Best Side Nets for Golf Simulator: Protect Your Practice Space With Shank Nets

When practicing golf indoors or in a limited space, side nets add an essential layer of safety and performance. Side nets, especially shank nets, help contain wayward shots and protect walls, furniture, and bystanders while you work on timing, accuracy, and ball flight. This guide reviews five highly relevant side nets and attachments designed to fit popular golf hitting nets and simulator enclosures. Each option emphasizes durability, adaptability, and easy setup for both indoor and outdoor practice.

Product Brand Key Benefit
GoSports Elite Shank Net GoSports Secondary catch net for sideways shots; heavy-duty construction
GoSports Shank Net Attachment (Black) GoSports Fits 10×7 or 7×7 nets; versatile left/right placement
ParPeak Shank Net Attachment ParPeak Durable nylon; connects to 7×7 or 7×10 nets; indoor/outdoor use
Obokidlyamor Golf Shank Net (2-Pack) Obokidlyamor Strong polyester side nets with sandbags for stability
Net Return Side Barriers Net Return Safety extensions for Home/Pro Series nets; quick setup

GoSports Elite Shank Net Golf Accessory

GoSports Elite Shank Net

Check Price on Amazon

The Elite Shank Screen attaches to compatible GoSports ELITE Golf Hitting Nets or GoSports Simulator Enclosure Nets to create a secondary net that catches errant sideways shots, commonly called shanks or hosel rockets. It uses hook-and-loop fasteners for quick attachment, enabling rapid setup or removal as you switch practice drills. The net is constructed from heavy-duty material, about 2.8 times thicker than comparable options, delivering durability for powerful swings and high ball speeds. This makes it a focused safety add-on for players who want to protect nearby walls or screens without compromising the main hitting net’s effectiveness.

GoSports Shank Net Attachment for Golf Hitting Nets (Black)

GoSports Shank Net Attachment Black

Check Price on Amazon

This shank net attachment is designed to fit most 10×7 ft and 7×7 ft golf hitting nets, providing a robust secondary barrier to capture sideways mis-hits. It supports both left- and right-handed golfers and encourages practice sessions with potentially risky shots without risking the main net or surrounding space. For scenarios requiring protection on both sides, stacking two nets is a practical approach. The attachment can be weighed with sandbags for indoor or outdoor use, adding stability on varied surfaces.

GoSports Shank Net Attachment for Golf Hitting Nets

GoSports Shank Net Attachment

Check Price on Amazon

This shank net attachment provides a straightforward solution for catching errant sideways shots when paired with 10×7 ft or 7×7 ft golf nets. It is designed to be installed on either side of the main net, making it flexible for individual players who prefer left- or right-handed setups. The product emphasizes indoor or outdoor use with a weighted sandbag option, enabling stable performance on various flooring surfaces while practicing at home or in a training area.

ParPeak Golf Shank Net Attachment (7x10ft)

ParPeak Shank Net Attachment

Check Price on Amazon

ParPeak’s shank net attachment enhances safety by adding a secondary barrier to catch sideways shots when connected to 7×10 ft or 7×7 ft nets. The fabric is described as durable nylon with reinforced construction, designed to tolerate powerful drives and chipping. It supports indoor and outdoor usage and is compatible with multiple sports setups beyond golf, making it a versatile choice for multi-use practice spaces. A key feature is the option to anchor the net securely using sandbags to prevent displacement during high-speed swings.

Obokidlyamor Golf Shank Net (2 Pack)

Obokidlyamor Shank Net 2 Pack

Check Price on Amazon

Obokidlyamor offers a two-pack of shank nets made from durable polyester, designed to fit standard golf hitting nets and provide robust protection against sideways shots. The package includes two sandbags to stabilize the nets, which helps prevent movement on various surfaces when practicing indoors or outdoors. The reinforced material enhances longevity under repeated contact from aggressive swings, contributing to safer practice while protecting surrounding areas from stray balls.

Net Return Side Barriers

Net Return Side Barriers

Check Price on Amazon

Net Return’s side barriers are designed to extend existing Home and Pro Series nets, offering a safety extension that catches mishits and prevents balls from escaping practice zones. The system uses heavy-duty polyester netting rated for high-velocity golf balls and features quick, tool-free setup with Velcro tabs. The barriers extend up to 10 to 11 feet, maximizing coverage for safer, more comprehensive practice. A pair of sandbags is included to stabilize the setup, and the product is fabricated in the USA, ensuring consistent quality and support availability.

Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Side Nets And Shank Attachments

  • Compatibility: Confirm that the shank net or attachment fits your specific hitting net size (commonly 7×7 ft, 7×10 ft, or 10×7 ft) and enclosure system. Some products are brand-specific or require compatible net models to function correctly.
  • Durability: Look for heavy-duty materials (polyester or reinforced nylon) with thick netting and robust edge borders. Higher mesh density can better catch stray balls while maintaining airflow and visibility.
  • Stability: Indoor and outdoor use often requires sandbags or weighted anchors. Ensure the product includes or supports ballast options to prevent movement during powerful swings.
  • Left/Right-Handed Flexibility: Many shank nets can attach to either side of the main net, supporting different practice layouts or two-person setups. Consider models that allow dual sides if you train with a partner.
  • Installation Time: Quick-attach systems with Velcro or hook-and-loop fasteners save setup time between drills. Weight and bulk are also factors for portable practice areas.
  • Maintenance: Check whether the nets are easy to clean and dry after outdoor use. Reinforced borders reduce wear at stress points where balls strike the net.
  • Versatility: Some options also function with multiple sports nets. If you have a multi-sport practice area, consider attachments that are compatible with different nets and surfaces.
  • Safety Standards: For home gyms, ensure that the barrier system effectively reduces risk of rebound or escape paths, especially when practicing with high-speed balls or mis-hit drives.
  • Regional Availability: Some brands offer US-based support and warranty coverage, which can be beneficial for ongoing use in a home or commercial setting.

In practice, a combination of a primary golf hitting net and one or two side net attachments can deliver a well-rounded practice space. The GoSports Elite Shank Net provides a dedicated sideways-shot catcher that integrates with GoSports enclosure nets, while ParPeak, Obokidlyamor, and Net Return options expand compatibility across different setups. Indoor or outdoor use, stability features, and easy assembly are common themes among the top selections, helping players build a safer, more focused practice environment without sacrificing swing speed or shot feedback.