Improving your cricket game requires plenty of practice and cricket cages. allow you to do this safely. They provide a space to practise without the worry that your cricket balls will go too far. You don’t want the ball to hit anything it isn’t meant to and the nets will contain the ball to a large degree especially if combined with suitably located boundary netting.
How Big is a Cricket Cage?
Cricket cages come in a range of sizes but typically each lane will be between 3m and 3.66m wide and similarly 3m and 3.66m high. the length can vary but the minimum is 7.32m and this can be increased in 3.66m bay lengths up to a full 30m or more! the most common size is 11m or 14.64m. You need to bear in the mind the less space you have or nearer you are to fence or boundary , the longer the cage really needs to be to contain a fast rising or diagonal ball exiting the open end of the cage! It may be necessary to install a separate boundary netting section at the open end of the cage behind the bowler to stop balls exiting the cage in that direction going to far.
There are smaller portable, nets that you can set up and practise anywhere. However, for the best batting practice, you’ll want to create a permanent larger space that allows for a proper swing. These tend to utilise nets, which are set up around a steel pole frame or may be hung from steel wires supported on poles which allow the net to be retracted and stored when not in use.
You must have enough room to swing the bat and to make the movements you need to practise and if you want a wicket keeper in there too enough space behind the wicket for them to. Cricket cages can have several lanes so multiple people can practice safely at the same time.
How to Set Up Cricket Nets
The net itself is soft, so you need a framework to hang them on. In general, these frames are made of metal poles but some use strained steel cables. The posts are set in concrete if the cage is permanent but these may be socketed to allow the cage to be dismantled and stored over winter. Some are portable or retractable being mounted on wheels which are generally required for use on natural grass wickets.
From there, you’ll need to add the nets and these should be attached securely to the framework using netting twine, hook and loop straps or UV resistant cable ties, . Some nets only run up the sides, but in most cages, the netting goes all the way around three sides to prevent any balls from escaping and generally It will need to cover the roof as well. To avoid balls escaping through gaps its generally good to use a one piece net where the sides, back net and roof are all joined to form one piece.
Do Cricket Cages Use Turf?
The answer to this depends on a few things. If you’re using a portable net, you may just set it up on the turf or existing grass wicket. However, for regular use an artificial grass cricket surface laid onto a specially laid stone base is the answer.. This gives you the perfect consistent, hard wearing surface that you need for practising.
Cricket carpets come in a range of types and sizes, so you can choose the one that works best for your use or budget.
It’s also possible to use multiple products, for the batting end bowling end or surrounds, although they must be carefully installed to avoid trips or bumps in the surface which may cause the ball to fly up and hit the players.
Considering installing your own cricket cages? Whether you want one for residential use or for a sports club , Sportsmark has what you need. From cricket wickets to bowling machines, we can help you with all your cricketing needs.