How close should a Goal Defence stand to their shooter?

Closer is not always better. A half-step of distance, with the body angled side-on, allows the defender to see both the ball and the attacker at the same time. Standing body-on-body locks the defender into reacting to the shooter's first move and removes the ability to read the pass. The exception is when the shooter is in a clear shooting position close to the post - then tight, on-the-body coverage with arms over makes sense to contest the shot itself.

How do I stop my GD from giving away contact penalties when intercepting?

The contact almost always comes from going for the player instead of the ball. If the defender's first movement is into the attacker's body, contact is inevitable. If the first movement is into the flight line of the ball, the body comes second and contact is much less likely. Drill the "ball first" principle in every intercepting session - hands and feet move into the lane, the body follows.

Should a GD always go for every intercept?

No, and this is one of the most important pieces of decision-making in the position. A GD who commits to every flicker of a pass will be drawn out of position, beaten on the second phase and punished under the simultaneous infringement rule. The best intercepters are selective. They go when the read is clean and they hold their position when it is not. Coaches should reward the smart "do not go" as much as the spectacular intercept.

What is the difference between intercepting and deflecting?

An intercept wins the ball cleanly and gives your team immediate possession. A deflection disrupts the pass but does not necessarily win the ball. Both have value, but intercepts are more valuable under the current rules because they bypass the contested possession battle entirely. Train your GDs to aim for clean catches, not slap-downs. The hands should be open and ready to receive, not closed into a fist.

HOME Netball Community Passing Drill

Community | Feed in front beginner level/kids

Madeline Anderson Coach, England

Created 2 days ago

DESCRIPTION

An attacker drives forward to receive pass from player behind as shown in diagram. The next player times their run so they are ready in the right place for the next ball to be received.

COACHING POINTS

Progressions: Make area bigger, add defenders at receiving point, speed up passes, change direction.

This practice has no coaching points

PROGRESSION

This practice has no progressions

READ MORE

READ LESS

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

search our library of 700+ Netball drills
create your own professional coaching plans
or access our tried and tested plans

MORE COMMUNITY Passing DRILLS

Attacking Zones

19 MAR 2023

pass and move

23 JAN 2023

Team Passing Skills

14 AUG 2018

Shout and Pass

30 MAR 2021

Passing Drill (Adding Movement)

10 MAR 2021

Milkshake

14 JUL 2021

Feed in front beginner level/kids

12 FEB 2020

Pass and Receive

30 MAR 2021

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

search our library of 700+ netball drills
create your own professional coaching plans
or access our tried and tested plans

Netball

STAY CONNECTED

in more ways than one

sportplan_netball

LATEST COACHING TRENDS

Split Circle Defence: Zoning the Goal Circle to Trap Attacks

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.

June 2026

Sportplan Coaching

The 10-Minute Pre-Game Mental Routine for Shooters

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.

June 2026

Sportplan Coaching

Goal Defence Intercepting: Driving Into the Ball, Not Chasing the Player

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.

May 2026

Sportplan Coaching

VIEW ALL COACHING TRENDS

;