WA receives, Centre pass in Centre Third. C cuts down middle of the court to top of the circle. GS leads out from circle, to receive second pass from WA. GA leads out into Centre Third before cutting back to run into the circle, where they receive third pass from GS on the fly. GS returns to the circle to box out. Timing - C, WA and GS must move quickly to ensure that GA receives ball at the post on the fly.
GA and WA should position themselves on the inside of their opposing players for centre pass set up. This enables them to either cut off their defenders, by leading out; or allows them to get the jump on their defenders by leading in. GS should always position themselves in the centre of the circle, in the top half of the circle. WA and C should be at 45 degree angle on the circle to each other at all times. They should not leave circle edge until ball has gone through the net, or there is a turn over. Once ball is released into the Attacking third, WD and GD should position themselves on the transverse line, dropping back only when the ball is turned over and heading back down the court.
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.
