Short answer: a full-size cricket practice net is built around the 22-yard pitch (20.12 m / 66 ft). Each lane is usually 3–3.66 m (10–12 ft) wide. The netted tunnel is typically 20–25 m (65–82 ft) long, plus open run-up space behind the bowler. The side nets are usually 3–4 m (10–13 ft) high, with a roof net or a high ceiling above. Garden nets are much shorter, usually long enough for throwdowns or a bowling machine but not for full-length bowling.
The measurements every cricket net starts from
Every net is built around the pitch, so start with these. They come from the Laws of Cricket:
| Measurement | Metres | Feet |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch length (stumps to stumps) | 20.12 m | 66 ft (22 yards) |
| Pitch width | 3.05 m | 10 ft |
| Popping crease to stumps | 1.22 m | 4 ft |
| Stumps (height) | 0.71 m | 28 in |
A net shorter than 20.12 m can’t give you true bowling length. That’s fine for batting drills against throwdowns or a machine, but bowlers practising their length need the full distance.
Standard cricket net size: length, width and height
These are typical ranges for club and academy nets:
| Dimension | Typical size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lane width | 3–3.66 m (10–12 ft) | Wide enough for a full cover drive or a short ball outside off, narrow enough that the nets catch it |
| Netted length | 20–25 m (65–82 ft) | The full pitch, plus 2–3 m behind the batter’s stumps for the keeper’s area and back netting |
| Run-up space (open, behind the net) | 10–15 m (33–50 ft) for pace bowlers; 5 m (16 ft) is enough for spinners | Bowlers need their real run-up to practise their real action |
| Side net height | 3–4 m (10–13 ft) | Stops edges and pulls; outdoor nets often add a roof net |
| Clear height indoors | 4 m (13 ft) is a practical minimum; more is better | Lofted shots and high catches need room |
How much space do you need for one indoor net?
For adult pace bowling, plan for a strip about 33–38 m long (20.12 m pitch + 2–3 m behind the batter + 10–15 m run-up) and 3–3.66 m wide per lane. For spin or a bowling machine, about 25–28 m is workable.
Cricket net sizes for home and garden use
Most gardens can’t fit a full pitch, and you don’t need one to practise well at home. Choose the length by what you’ll actually do:
| Home practice | Minimum length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Throwdowns and side-arm drills | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) | 3 m (10 ft) | 3 m (10 ft) |
| Bowling machine | Distance set for the machine’s pace plus about 3 m. Check the machine’s manual | 3 m (10 ft) | 3 m (10 ft) |
| Spin bowling to a batter | about 23 m (75 ft) | 3 m (10 ft) | 3 m (10 ft) |
| Pace bowling | full length plus run-up (see above) | 3–3.66 m | 3–3.66 m |
Three things to check before you buy a home net:
- Leave room around it. A ball that clips the top of a side net needs somewhere safe to land. Keep windows, cars and neighbours’ walls well clear.
- Put a roof net on it if you’re near anything breakable. Top edges go straight up.
- Get the base right. A flat, even surface matters more than net size. A rough base gives uneven bounce, which teaches bad habits.
What size nets do academies use?
Academy nets use full pitch length so bowlers can practise properly, often with several lanes side by side. The surface is part of the “size” decision too: matting or synthetic turf for consistent indoor bounce, natural turf for real seam and spin.
Here’s how our own nets in Dubai are set up:
Dubai Investment Park (indoor)
- 4 nets on Uniturf: 3 seam pitches (one with our BOLA bowling machine) and 1 spin pitch
- About 10 m (33 ft) of clear height in the hall, so lofted shots and high catches aren’t a problem
Oud Metha (outdoor)
- 4 nets: 2 natural turf and 2 astro turf
- Each net is 25 m (82 ft) long and 3 m (10 ft) wide: the full 22-yard pitch plus room behind the batter
- Space behind the nets for a full pace bowler’s run-up
The DIP hall is air-conditioned, so the nets are usable through the summer. The Oud Metha nets are floodlit for evening sessions. Both are available to book by the hour from AED 100, and you can see what’s included in our coaching programs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard size of a cricket practice net in feet?
A full-size net lane is usually 10–12 ft wide, 65–82 ft long and 10–13 ft high, with 33–50 ft of open run-up behind it for pace bowlers.
What is the size of a cricket net in metres?
About 3–3.66 m wide, 20–25 m long and 3–4 m high, plus 10–15 m of run-up space.
How high should a cricket net be?
At least 3 m (10 ft) at the sides. Outdoors, a roof net is worth adding. Indoors, aim for 4 m or more of clear height above the pitch.
Can I practise in a net shorter than 22 yards?
Yes, for batting against throwdowns or a bowling machine. Bowlers need the full 20.12 m to practise their length.
How wide should a cricket net be?
3 m (10 ft) is the practical minimum, and 3.66 m (12 ft) gives batters more room for shots square of the wicket.