The skinny side of the court is the side where most of the players are. It is congested and leads are not often honoured as the defenders can intercept passes in this area. In light of this, we need to pass to the 'Fat Side' (where there is a lot of space)
Red Team is Attacking.Red GK starts off with the ball and passes it to the Red GD. There a few players lined up on the green cone.The Red GD looks to pass to a hard lead from the Red GA or the Red WA.The Red WD needs to protect the space and start in line with the Red GD. The Red WD needs to stay on the wing side of the red cones.The Red WA then looks to pass to the lead of the Red GS. The Rec GS wants to keep the Black GK on the 'Skinny side' to protect the space. The Red GA takes the shot and then runs the ball back down to the green cone. Players move to the position they passed to. Red GA and WA back
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.
