
Four zone defined with markers, if necessary (shooting zone is also a zone) Player must move into another zone to receive the ball ie. P5 passes to P3, moving to the centre zone,P3 passes to P1 on the straight line. P1 passes to P3 on the circle edge, who passes to P2 for a shooting opportunity Progression: Add a defender in each zone
Pass ball effecively while working =to the circle edge. Balance the court by not being in the same area zone as the other attacker Pass on straight line wherever possible.
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.