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If you play soccer, football, lacrosse, or just want to level up your fitness, agility cones are one of the simplest and smartest tools you can buy. They’re like tiny coaches that don’t talk back — set them up and they force you to move, change direction, and think faster. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or coaching a youth team, cones are inexpensive, portable, and effective. They help improve footwork, acceleration, balance, and spatial awareness, and they’re used by pros and kids alike. Think of them as the swiss army knife of training gear: small, light, and endlessly useful.
Not all cones are created equal. You’ll find a variety of shapes and heights, and each serves a different training purpose. From flat marker discs that hug the turf to tall stackable cones that are visible from across the field, understanding the differences will save you money and make practice sessions run smoother. Below I break down the main options so you can pick the right tool for your training goals.
Flat marker discs are thin, flexible pieces usually about 6 inches in diameter and less than 1/8 inch thick. They lie flat on the ground and are great for marking boundaries, drill lanes, and foot-placement spots without being a tripping hazard. Coaches love them for quick setups and drills that emphasize footwork rather than obstacle negotiation. If you train indoors on hardwood or have limited storage space, marker discs are a perfect choice.
Stackable cones commonly range from 9 to 18 inches high and are often made of soft PVC. These are the iconic funnel-shaped cones you see on soccer fields and schoolyards. Their height makes them visible from a distance, and because they stack, they’re easy to transport. Tall cones are ideal for marking turning points, lanes for sprint drills, and small goals. If you need visibility on a windy field or across a football practice field, go with 12-inch or 18-inch cones.
Slalom poles and folding cones add variety to your training. Poles are great for weaving drills and can be inserted into bases or the ground, while folding cones collapse flat for storage and travel. Folding cones often stand about 7 to 12 inches when in use and are handy for coaches who travel to games or practices. If portability is your priority, a set of folding cones or poles with weighted bases is a smart pick.
Shopping for cones in the US is easy thanks to a mix of big-box stores, specialty retailers, and online marketplaces. Each outlet has strengths: some are best for budget buys, others for specialty brands or pro-level gear. Below are popular options and why you might choose them. I’ll highlight price ranges, typical shipping convenience, and who each store serves best.
Amazon is the go-to for variety and fast delivery. You’ll find everything from five-dollar marker discs to pro-grade cones and full training kits from brands like SKLZ and Champion Sports. Prime shipping often means you can have cones at your door within a day or two, which is great if you’re prepping for a practice on short notice. The downside? Sifting through hundreds of listings can be time-consuming, and quality varies, so check reviews and photos closely.
Dick’s carries a mix of economical options and team-quality gear, plus in-store pickup for many locations. They stock well-known athletic brands, and you’ll often find bundled sets for soccer or football training. If you prefer seeing and touching gear before you buy, their stores make testing sizes and materials easy. Prices are usually competitive, and seasonal sales can bring good discounts on larger kits.
Academy is a favorite for coaches and parents who want solid gear without a premium price tag. They carry marker discs, stacking cones, and accessories like hurdles and poles. If you need bulk quantities for a league or school program, Academy often has value packs that stretch your budget further. They also run frequent promotions and offer in-store returns, which gives peace of mind for first-time buyers.
Walmart is ideal for budget-minded shoppers who need basic cones quickly. You’ll find low-cost marker discs and small cone sets both online and in stores. While products at Walmart may not be as durable as pro-level gear, they’re perfectly suitable for casual drills, backyard workouts, and youth practices where loss or damage is likely. If you just need a quick set for a weekend camp, Walmart is convenient and affordable.
Target offers a small but functional selection of training gear, often featuring family-friendly and youth-oriented options. Their cone sets and training kits tend to be colorful and designed for multi-sport use, which makes Target a decent spot for parents setting up backyard practices. Expect decent quality and attractive packaging, but fewer brand choices compared with specialty retailers.
REI and similar outdoor stores sometimes stock training equipment geared toward trail running, bootcamp workouts, and fitness circuits. You won’t always find the cheapest cones here, but you will find durable options built for outdoor conditions and athletes who prioritize quality. If you’re training on rough fields or need cones that stand up to weather, specialty outdoor stores can be worth the investment.
For performance-oriented training, look at specialty stores like Sports Unlimited and Rogue Fitness. They carry pro-grade cones, weighted bases, and modular systems that integrate with other training tools. These places cater to serious athletes and trainers, so expect higher price points but better durability and product warranties. If you coach competitive teams or run a training facility, these stores are a solid bet.
Choosing cones isn’t just about price. Size, material, and color all affect how usable the cones will be in different settings. Think about where you’ll train, who will use the cones, and how visible they need to be. For youth practices, bright colors help kids follow drills. For field markings that must be seen from a distance, go taller and choose fluorescent or neon hues. Material matters, too: soft PVC is flexible and safe for contact, while heavier rubber bases increase stability.
For marker tasks and indoor drills use 6-inch discs or 4 to 6-inch cones. For visibility across a practice field, opt for 9 to 18-inch cones. Tall 18-inch cones work well for turning points or mini-goals; they’re like beacons on the field. If you’re coaching sprinters, 12-inch cones are a good middle ground for visibility without being bulky.
Soft PVC cones bend on contact and are safer for kids, while tougher polymer or rubber-based cones resist cracking on rough fields and last longer outdoors. If you train on asphalt or gravel, choose thicker materials and consider weighted bases. For indoor sport or turf, thin flexible cones and discs reduce damage and tripping hazards.
High-visibility colors — neon orange, yellow, lime green — improve sightlines, especially in twilight or overcast conditions. Mixing colors lets you assign lanes or drill steps easily: red for start, blue for pivot, yellow for finish. Contrast helps players react faster, so don’t underestimate color when designing sessions.
Cones are endlessly versatile. You can set up a dozen different drills in under five minutes and train speed, agility, footwork, and conditioning. Here are drill ideas that work for individual athletes, small groups, or full teams. Each drill can be scaled by intensity, distance, or repetition to suit age and fitness level.
Place cones 10 to 20 yards apart and sprint to each one, focusing on quick starts and powerful arm drive. Shuttle sprints build explosive acceleration and recovery. For short-burst speed, set cones 10 yards apart; for sustained acceleration practice, stretch them to 20 or 30 yards. Do multiple repetitions with 30 to 90 seconds rest to simulate game-like bursts.
Line up cones 2 to 3 feet apart for tight weave drills that force rapid lateral movement and knee lift. This is perfect for soccer dribbling or agility training. If you want more space for long strides, widen the cone spacing to 4 to 6 feet. These drills sharpen foot placement, balance, and coordination like a comb sliding through tangled hair — smooth and controlled.
Set cones in a T or Y formation to practice cutting and reactive movement. Start at the stem of the T, sprint to the top middle cone, then cut left or right at full speed. COD drills teach deceleration mechanics and quick, efficient re-acceleration — essential for almost every field sport. Emphasize body lean, foot placement, and controlled deceleration to reduce injury risk.
Budget varies with quantity and quality. A basic 10-pack of marker discs can cost as little as $10 to $20, while a set of 50 stacking cones can range from $30 to $80 depending on brand and material. Pro-level weighted cone kits and training bundles can top $150. As a rule of thumb, casual users or families need 10–20 markers; teams and coaches will want 30–50 cones to build full-field stations and rotate multiple groups. Buying in bulk almost always reduces per-unit cost.
Cones are just one part of a training toolkit. Add a speed ladder to tune cadence, hurdles for plyometrics, slalom poles for weaving, and resistance bands for strength-plyometric combos. A good carrying bag or cone carrier makes transport easy, and weighted bases or sandbags add stability in windy conditions. Think of cones as foundation gear — build the rest around them.
Cones are low-maintenance, but a few habits extend their life. Store them out of direct sun when possible; UV exposure can make plastic brittle over time. Rinse muddy cones with water and mild soap after rough field sessions and allow them to air-dry before stacking. For long-term storage, keep cones in a ventilated bag or crate and avoid heavy loads on top that can warp shapes. With a little care, a good set of cones can last multiple seasons.
Cones are ideal for coaches, youth teams, physical education teachers, personal trainers, and athletes looking to improve sport-specific skills. They’re also fantastic for home-use fitness enthusiasts who want to create circuit workouts in the yard. If you run camps or clinics, purchasing durable, colorful sets in bulk will pay off quickly by speeding setups and reducing lost pieces. In short — anyone who wants to move better and train smarter can benefit from cones.
Before you check out, run through this quick checklist: How many cones do I need? What heights suit my sport? Are they durable enough for the surface I train on? Do I need weighted bases or a carrying case? Have I compared price, warranty, and reviews? Answering these will steer you to the right purchase. Keep in mind that visibility, material, and portability usually matter more than brand name when it comes to everyday training.
Whether you’re picking up a cheap set for weekend drills or investing in pro-grade markers for a training facility, cones are one of the highest value purchases in athletic gear. They’re cheap, portable, and versatile — a tiny investment that returns big improvements in speed, coordination, and confidence. Ready to set up your first drill?
Conclusion: Agility cones are simple but powerful tools that belong in every athletes’ bag. Choose the right type for your sport and surface, buy from a retailer that matches your budget and needs, and use them consistently to see real gains in performance. Happy training!
