If you want to get good at any sport – cricket included – you’ve got to put in the hours. There’s simply no substitute for practice. The thing is, cricket isn’t the easiest sport to practice on your own, particularly out of season. If you want to hone your bowling or batting skills outside of matches, you’ll need the right equipment.

Equipment like a cricket net or cage. These indispensable training tools allow you to refine your bowling and batting techniques in a safe, secure and controlled environment, be it indoors or out. They’ve been around for decades and they remain the best solution for those looking to practice without the risk of stray balls causing injury or damage. But because of their popularity, the market is flooded with different options. How do you choose the right cage or net for you?

That’s the question we’re going to answer in this article. Below, we’re going to compare the different types of cricket nets and cages, running through their stand-out attributes, pros and cons to help you identify the right product for your needs. Then, we’ll offer a selection of top tips to help you track down a quality net that lasts.

Types of cricket nets

Let’s kick things off by running through the various types of cricket nets and cages on the market. We’re going to cover off-the-shelf options below – products you can order online and set up yourself with basic, DIY tools.

Net and pole kits

Affordable, simple to set up and tough enough to take a beating, a quality net and pole kit is ideal for beginner cricketers looking for a way to practice safely in their back garden. Available in a range of sizes, net and pole kits are a great way to practice your batting skills without fear of smashing a window!

Here at 3D Sports, you’ll find net and pole kits ranging in size from 9 to 36 feet. The smaller, 9-foot kits are ideal for beginners looking to practice at home, while the larger Super and Deluxe kits are better suited for club training grounds.

Throw down nets

If you’re more of a bowler than a batter, a throw down net could be the ideal practice tool for you. Again, these sets are simple to put together and offer incredible durability – but they’re wider and lower than our standard net and pole kits, extending up to 60 feet in width. This makes them perfect for bowling practice, whether it be at your local training ground or in your own back garden. 

Mobile cricket batting cages

The go-to solution for cricket clubs or training facilities on a budget, mobile cricket batting cages are incredibly convenient and simple to use. Once they’re assembled, they can be wheeled from place to place with ease, allowing you to reconfigure your training space at a moment’s notice. Unlike with a fixed net and pole kit, there’s no need to disassemble a mobile cage: simply wheel it to wherever you need it.

Yes, mobile batting cages are more expensive than basic net and pole kits, but the sheer flexibility and convenience they offer easily justifies the higher price tag. Provided they’re well-maintained, mobile cages can last for many years; we even sell replacement cricket netting to help you keep your cage in tip top condition.

What to consider when buying a cricket net or cage

Installation location

Where do you plan to install the netting – indoors or outdoors? If you plan on building an indoor training facility, you’ll need to think about flooring too; most clubs and training grounds opt for cricket matting that simulates the feel of a real cricket pitch. We offer a range of indoor and outdoor cricket nets here at 3D Sports, so if you need a hand identifying the right products for your needs, let us know.

Size

How much space do you have to work with? Netting and cages are available in a variety of sizes, so make sure you measure your space carefully and choose the size that’s right for you.

Brand and durability

This is an important one. The last thing you want is to spend the time and money on buying and setting up a cricket net only for it to break just a few months in. Make sure you do your research and choose a quality brand with a solid reputation.

Portability and ease of assembly

Will you need to be able to move your net around on a regular basis? If so, a portable batting cage is probably the best option for you. 

Price

You can spend as much or as little as you want on cricket netting. With such a broad spectrum of options available, all at different price points, establishing a budget early on is a smart move.

Discover our complete range of cricket ground equipment

3D Sports is one of the UK’s leading cricket retailers, with a wide range of quality products in stock from renowned brands like Kookaburra. Our range of ground equipment includes not just netting, but other all-important accessories like cricket pitch covers, sight screens and more. Discover the complete range online today.