Two feeders will set up on the third line with a ball each (RED F)
In front of each feeder two attackers will stand side by side (approximately 2-3m away from the feeder)
There will be one shooter and one defender in the circle
Taking it in turns, the two attackers will split and both offer for the ball from the feeder
One player will receive the ball (RED A, 1)
The other player will drive circle edge and receive the second phase ball (RED B, 2)
They will then feed the shooter who can take a shot (3)
The pair retrieve their ball and the other set of attackers will go
Work for a set number of reps for each pair (for example 5 each side)
Swap sides, so each attacker gets to practice both sides of the circle
The attackers offering for the ball should drive hard at a strong angle
The player who does not receive the ball should put their outside foot down and drive hard to the circle edge - they are aiming to receive the ball on the circle edge
The shooter can practice their hold - they should return the ball quickly and set up for the other pair
PROGRESSION
Add a defender, they will stand in front of the pair of attacker and choose one player to mark - you can choose how vigorously they defender. If your players struggle you may want to build up the defenders intensity starting at 50% to ensure success
in more ways than one
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.