Indoor cricket is a game played indoors, in an enclosed area. Indoor cricket is a distinct sport of its own as opposed to regular cricket which may be played in an enclosed stadium with a closed roof. The game generally follows the laws of cricket but it is a sport in its own right so there are some distinct differences.

The net is there to stop the ball from leaving the field of play but it also has clearly marked scoring zones. If the batsman hits the ball into these zones, they add the designated amount of runs to the team total.

Zone B is placed on each side of the court, in front of the batsman, starting from the crease and extending half way down the wicket. One run is scored if the ball hits the net on Zone B.

Zone C extends from Zone B, at each side of the wicket. It runs from half way down to the back net. Two runs are scored if the ball hits the net in Zone B.

Zone D is at the very back, behind the bowler. If the ball hits this and it has bounced, four runs are scored. However, if the ball hits Zone D without bouncing, six runs are scored.

Any runs that are accumulated by hitting these zones are known as bonus runs. Batsmen can also score physical runs by running between the wickets. If the ball hits a scoring zone, the batters must complete a physical run in order for the bonus runs to count.

Note that there is also a Zone A which is behind the wicket keeper. However, no runs are scored if the ball hits Zone A.

Try to keep the ball down when you are batting. If the ball hits scoring zones B or C on the full, you can still be caught by one of the fielders. You cannot be caught if the ball hits zone D on the full.

Batsmen can also be bowled and run out so watch the ball and be careful when running between the wickets.

Know the rules: Perhaps the most important law relating to indoor cricket is the one relating to bonus runs. A physical run must be taken in order for the bonus to count so, as a batter, do not sit back and admire your shot as it hits the net.

For fielders, the tip is to remember that you are still in the game even if the ball hits one of those scoring zones. Batsmen can still be run out and they can be caught if the ball remains in the air. It’s a fast paced game so stay alert at all times.

Fitness is important too. Because indoor cricket is so quick, don’t be tempted to take part if you are nursing any type of injury. Simply wait until you get back to full fitness.