Hiring a cricket net is one of the most effective ways to develop your game outside of match play. Unlike a structured coaching session, net hire gives you the freedom to set your own objectives, work on specific technical areas, and train at your own pace.
At HECC Cricket in Sawbridgeworth, indoor net hire is available seven days a week from 9:00am to 10:00pm. The facility has five wide lanes with full 20-metre run-ups, ECB-approved shock-absorbing flooring, and powerful lighting throughout. Whether you are a club player maintaining form over winter or a junior pushing for the next level, the setup is built for serious practice.
Booking and Pricing
Lanes are booked online through the HECC website. You select your date, time, and lane preference, and a deposit is taken to secure your slot. The booking system is straightforward, and availability updates in real time.
| Session Type | Price Per Lane Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Adults (18+) or mixed nets, max 8 per lane | £36 |
| External coach with client | £36 |
| Under 18s, family hire, solo bowling lane (pre 5pm weekdays) | £28 |
| Solo Batting Special with Bola machine and auto feeder (adults, pre 5pm weekdays) | £30 |
Clubs can also block-book the full hall across a winter block, with discounts available for ten or more sessions.
The Bowling Machine
The Bola bowling machine is available as an add-on and is one of the most valuable tools in the facility. Paired with an automatic ball feeder, it allows batters to face high volumes of deliveries with a consistent line and length, which is difficult to replicate with human bowling in a short session. You can adjust speed and trajectory to target specific technical weaknesses, whether that is playing late against pace or driving on the up.
The Solo Batting Special is tailored to exactly this kind of focused work. It is designed for adult batters who want a disciplined, uninterrupted practice environment before 5pm on weekdays.
What to Bring and What to Expect
Bring your own bat, batting pads, gloves, and a helmet. Cricket shoes or rubber-soled trainers with good grip are recommended on the specialist indoor surface. If you are not hiring the bowling machine, bring your own balls for bowling drills.
When you arrive, you will be shown to your lane and can begin immediately. The wide lanes give you full range of motion for all shot types, and the 20-metre run-ups mean pace bowlers can work at full effort without restriction. If you are new to the game and want a grounding in the basics before your first visit, the ECB’s beginner’s guide to cricket is a useful reference point.
Adding Coaching
Net hire is self-directed, but HECC also offers one to one and small group cricket coaching with ECB-qualified coaches. If you have identified technical areas to address during your net sessions, pairing that with structured coaching is the most efficient route to improvement.
To book a lane or find out more, contact the HECC team on 01279 724782 or at enquiries@heccsport.com. HECC is located at Tharbies Farm, Sawbridgeworth, CM21 0LL, and is well placed for players travelling from across Hertfordshire and Essex.