A 1-to-1 cricket net session is one of the highest-value hours you can buy in youth sport — if you get the structure right. A slog of throwdowns for 45 minutes isn't it.
Batting — insist on video
Side-on and front-on video is the single biggest lever. A good coach will film 6-ball sets, show the player between overs, and make one adjustment at a time. If your child leaves without a clip to review at home, the money's been half-spent.
Bowling — action and workload
Pace bowlers under 15 should have a strict ball count. Any 1-to-1 coach who ignores the ECB fast bowling directives is a red flag. Spin bowlers can bowl more freely but need feedback on release, not just line.
Wicketkeeping
Under-coached in most club settings. If your child keeps, seek out a coach who specialises — general "cricket coaches" often can't diagnose keeper-specific footwork.
Facility
Indoor nets in winter (October–March in most of the UK), grass nets from April. Session prices for private cricket coaching typically sit £35–£65/hour, and net hire can be included or added separately depending on the venue.