Attacker 1 starts with the ball in the centre of the court. Defender positions themselves 3ft from the attackers with arms up. The attacker then proceeds to pass the ball to their attacking team mate on their right. Once the attacker has passed the ball the defender must step up to the attacker, blocking and opening themselves up to the ball. The Attackers aim is to clearout and drive straight to the top of the circle to recieve another pass.
- A second defender could be added to the 2nd attacker, who would then also clearout and enter the cirlce to recieve a pass also.
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.
