Indoor Cricket, Futsal or Nets? How to Pick the Right Court for Your Group
Not sure whether to book indoor cricket, a futsal court or a net session? Here's how to pick the right court for your group, budget and numbers.
Every group has that one person who ends up organising the game. If that's you, the first decision isn't where — it's what. Indoor cricket, a futsal court, or a net session are three different experiences, and picking the right one for your numbers, your budget and the time you've got is what makes a game happen instead of fizzling out. Here's a straight comparison to settle it quickly.
The quick answer
| Indoor cricket | Futsal / five-a-side | Net practice | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | A hit with friends, small-sided games | A proper team game, football crowd | Batting/bowling practice, skill work |
| Typical group | Smaller groups | ~5 a side + subs | 1–4 people |
| Session length | Often ~60 min | Often ~90 min | Flexible, often shorter |
| Vibe | Social, competitive | High-energy, full game | Focused, repetitive |
| Book it for | "Let's play cricket tonight" | "Get the football lads together" | "I want to work on my batting" |
If you already know which one fits, you can jump straight to browsing courts and filter by sport. If not, read on.
Indoor cricket — for the social game
Indoor cricket is the flexible option. You don't need exact numbers, the enclosed cage keeps the ball in play so there's less standing around, and an hour is usually enough for a good hit. It's the natural pick when the group is mixed-ability, when you can't guarantee ten people show up, or when you just want a fun, competitive evening without the commitment of a full match. It also travels well across skill levels — a serious club player and a mate who hasn't held a bat in years can both enjoy the same session.
Futsal and five-a-side — for the team game
If your group is football-first and you can reliably field five a side (plus a sub or two), futsal is the one. The longer session length suits a proper game with rotations, and the pace is relentless in a good way. The trade-off is coordination: you need the numbers, so it rewards a group that can commit. If you're the organiser, lock the slot early and confirm your five before the day — futsal falls apart faster than cricket when two people drop out.
Net practice — for the players working on their game
Nets are a different intent entirely. This is for the person who wants to bat, bowl or work on technique rather than play a social game. It suits smaller numbers — one to four — and it's ideal for students between lectures or someone squeezing in a session after work, because you don't need to organise a crowd. Some venues offer bowling machines or throwdowns for structured practice. If your "group" is really just you and a couple of keen mates, a net session is often the better value than booking a full court.
How to actually decide
Run your plan through three filters:
- Numbers. Confirmed five-plus and football-minded? Futsal. Small or uncertain group who want cricket? Indoor cricket cage. Just you and one or two serious players? Nets.
- Time. Short window on a weeknight? A one-hour cricket or net slot fits neatly. Got a proper evening free? Futsal earns its longer session.
- Budget. Price varies by venue, court type and time of day. Splitting a court across a bigger group brings the per-head cost down, which is worth factoring in when you choose. You'll see each court's price before you book, so compare like for like.
Whatever you land on, the mechanics are the same: pick the sport, find a court that's free for your slot, and book it. The decision above is the hard part — the booking takes about a minute. If you want the details, here's how to find and book a court, what net practice involves, and what a court costs.
FAQ
Is indoor cricket or futsal better for a big group?
Futsal (five-a-side) suits a larger, football-minded group and runs a longer session. Indoor cricket is more flexible for mixed or uncertain numbers.
What's the difference between an indoor cricket court and a net session?
A court is for playing a game; a net session is for practising batting and bowling, usually with fewer people and sometimes a bowling machine.
How many people do I need for futsal?
Five a side, so around ten plus a couple of subs for rotations. Confirm your numbers before you book, because futsal needs the full crowd to work.
Can I book any of these online?
Yes — indoor cricket, futsal and net sessions can all be found and booked by choosing the sport, checking availability and confirming a slot.
Which is cheaper?
It depends on the venue, court type and time. Splitting a court across more players lowers the per-person cost; you can compare prices for each option before booking.
Made your call?
Now you know what you're playing, find a court that's free for your slot on CricBook and lock it in.
