Netball attacking drills: getting free, feeding and scoring

Quick answer

Good netball attacking drills train three things: getting free from a marker (a dodge, a change of pace and a well-timed lead), using the space so attackers don't crowd each other, and moving the ball quickly into the circle for the shooters. Start unopposed, add a defender, then finish with an overload game such as 3 v 2.

How to build an attacking session

  1. Warm up the footwork. Landing, pivoting and short sprints first, so players can stop on the catch and release the ball within the footwork rule.
  2. Teach one get-free move. Practise a dodge or double dodge into a strong lead, with the feeder timing the pass onto the move, not after it.
  3. Add a defender. Bring in a passive marker, then a full one, so attackers learn to read the space instead of running a pattern.
  4. Work the circle edge. Drill the drive to the top of the circle and the feed in to a shooter who is holding space.
  5. Finish with an overload game. Play 3 v 2 or 4 v 3 to score, so attackers make real decisions under pressure.

Common questions

What are good attacking drills in netball?

Drills that join getting free to a pass and a finish: dodge-and-lead work with a feeder, circle-edge driving, centre-pass set plays and overload games such as 3 v 2 to score. Add a defender as soon as players know the movement.

What are the attacking skills in netball?

Getting free from a marker, timing the lead, catching on the move, landing and releasing the ball quickly, passing into space and, for shooters, holding position in the circle. Spacing and calling for the ball tie them together.

How do you get free from a defender in netball?

Move the defender before you move to the ball: a dodge one way and a sharp lead the other, or a change of pace. Time the lead for when the passer is ready, and drive towards the ball so the pass is short.

How do you stop attackers crowding the ball in netball?

Give each attacker a channel or a space to work in, and coach one simple rule: if a teammate is leading for the ball, clear the space. Overload games make crowding obvious, because the spare attacker goes unused.

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Create scoring opportunities with attacking movement.
GA GS WA C All Levels
Why These Drills Work
Getting Free
Master dodges, leads, and changes of pace to lose your marker and receive the ball.
Circle Entries
Develop patterns and timing for effective ball movement into the shooting circle.
Team Attacking
Build understanding with teammates for coordinated attacking movements.

This category focuses on attacking movement, getting free, and creating shooting opportunities.These drills help attackers develop movement patterns, timing, and combination play.Perfect for attacking players from U12 through Senior level.Ideal for coaches building fluid, dynamic attacking units that create consistent scoring chances.

HOW TO USE THESE DRILLS...

Attack in netball involves players keeping possession and passing the ball across the centre and goal zones to the shooting circle (court linkage), also known as the D.

Use the attack drills below to improve your players' ability to attack the D, move off the ball, compete for the ball, and pick the right passes for better court linkage (passing of the ball around the court) and practise 3 v 2 and 2 v 2 game situations.

Using these attack drills your players will understand court linkage and feeding to the shooting circle to create opportunities for your Goal Shooter (GS) and Goal Attack (GA).

The GA and GS are the only people from your team allowed in the shooting circle. It is only place your team can score from.

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