Indoor Cricket Training in Hoppers Crossing: Lanes, Bowling Machines and Coaching

Melbourne’s cricket season is short and the weather is unpredictable. For players in Wyndham who want to train consistently, indoor facilities make all the difference. Elite Cricket Academy Hoppers Crossing, at 87 Elm Park Drive, has been a training base for cricketers across Hoppers Crossing, Werribee, Tarneit, Point Cook and Truganina for years.

Here’s what’s available at the centre and how to make the most of it.

Indoor lanes

The centre has indoor cricket lanes suitable for individual practice, small groups and club training, including 40-metre lanes that let bowlers use a proper run-up. Full-length lanes matter: a bowler who trains off a shortened run-up has to relearn their rhythm when they get back outdoors.

Lanes can be booked by the half hour, hour or 90 minutes through our booking app, and you can book two slots back to back for a longer session.

Bowling machines

Bowling machines are one of the most efficient ways for batters to groove technique. A machine delivers the same ball again and again, so a batter can repeat a shot until it’s automatic, then gradually increase the pace or change the line and length.

A few things to know:

• For a bowling machine booking, the lane, stumps and machine balls are provided.
• Bring your own bat and personal safety gear.
• A helmet and appropriate safety equipment are mandatory. Nobody uses a bowling machine without them.

Coaching

Facilities only go so far without good coaching. At Hoppers Crossing you can choose:

• Junior squads for boys and girls aged 5 to 12, seven times a week (Saturday 9:00am and 10:00am, Sunday 9:00am and 10:30am, Tuesday 6:00pm, Thursday 6:00pm, Friday 5:30pm). Squads are $235 a month for one session a week or $435 for two (incl. GST).
• One-to-one coaching, starting with a free 15-minute assessment so a coach can see where you are and recommend the right plan.

Every junior squad player gets experienced, qualified premier coaching, a fitness plan, a diet plan and access to Pathfinder, our online platform with coach notes, skill ratings and session video.

Club and group bookings

Local clubs use the centre for pre-season and winter training. If you’re organising training for a club, team or school group, call us and we’ll help you plan it.

Opening hours

Hoppers Crossing is open Monday to Friday, 4:00pm to 9:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am to 6:00pm. There are no weekend evening sessions at this centre. If you need a weekend evening lane, our Pakenham centre is open until 10:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

On-site sports store

Need a new bat, gloves or a helmet? The on-site sports store at the centre stocks cricket gear, and our team can help you choose the right size and weight. You can also shop online at elitesport.au.

Book now

Everything (lanes, bowling machines, squads and coaching) is booked through one link:

Book at Elite Hoppers Crossing

New to junior squads? Your child’s first junior group session is free.

Questions? Call 0485 043 094.