
In groups of 4 working in small space (1/4 badminton court) A1 marked by D1 are both static A2 and D2 are working, focus on activity of D2 D2 is focussed on driving A2 high and wide, and preventing any balls landing in the middle at the back Work for 10 passes, then swap Have at least 2 turns, increase intensity In the sketch, D2 is successful as the 3 passes are all taken without gain of space down the court. Progression: Team defence work can be encouraged by D2 calling to D1 (1) so that she knows how to angle her body for effective hands over ball marking (2) calling for the drop if D2 has been effective in encouraging A2 up high enough that D1 has a chnace to drop and intercept
Defenders movement on and off the player to âencourageâ the next movement Recognising when not to over run the ball Ensuring the job is done, and not dropping off the player too early which would allow them to cut through Thinking ahead, positioning for the next move Out of 10 passes, might only intercept 1, but recognise that forcing the short pass is a victory!
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
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.