Red attacking have to use their knowledge of passes to move the netball up and down the alley without the defensive blue players intercepting. The defensive blue players must stay in line with the central cones but can move freely along them. Once the attcking team have got up and down the alley twice then swap teams over and repeat.
Condition players to just chest pass/bounce pass or shoulder pass to progress Ensure players are taking the lazier option by counting a successful run up or down an alley as both attacking players stood between the end cones
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
sportplan_netball
Split circle defence is the system the top three NSL teams have built their identity around in 2026. The Goal Keeper and Goal Defence divide the circle into zones, switch in synchrony, and make every passing option look risky. Here is how to coach it.
Most netball shooters know how to shoot. The difference at the top is who can shoot when it counts. A structured 10-minute pre-game mental routine is the most under-used performance tool in club netball - and it is the simplest to teach.
The best Goal Defences in the 2026 NSL season are intercepting more than ever. The reason is not raw athleticism. It is a deliberate shift from chasing the attacker to driving into the flight path of the ball. Here is how to coach it.
