Where to look
Nets range from club outdoor lanes in summer to hired indoor lanes in winter. Start with the ECB club and programme finder, which lets you search by location and includes indoor and junior categories, then contact venues directly. This page does not list or endorse specific venues, because availability and prices change.
Questions to ask a venue
- Are lanes bookable by the hour, or is it a fixed coached session?
- Are bowling machines used, and who operates them? The ECB advises that no one under 18 operates a bowling machine.
- What ages are accepted, and is there a junior session with a named safeguarding contact?
- Which ball is used, and what protective kit is required?
- What is the total cost, including any facility charge and travel?
Net etiquette and safety
The ECB's safety guidelines advise bowling only when the batter is ready, shouting "stop" if there is a safety problem, never turning your back on a batter and never leaning headfirst into netting to retrieve a ball. Helmet rules for juniors are summarised in junior helmet and kit rules. Source: ECB Recreational Cricket Safety Guidelines.
Nets or a private lesson?
Nets suit players who want repetition and know what they are working on. A private 1-to-1 lesson suits players who want observation and a plan. Many players combine both, for example working on one change in a lesson and repeating it in nets. See winter cricket coaching for off-season options, coaching costs, or the North London area guide.