Netball is having a moment. The 2025 Super Netball Grand Final sold out 15,000 tickets and broke viewership records. The UK's Netball Super League saw a 229% increase in live viewing hours and a 40% rise in match attendances. The sport is professionalising rapidly, and 2026 promises to build on this momentum.
For coaches, this growth means more resources, more attention, and higher expectations. Here are the six key changes shaping netball in 2026.
1. Global Viewership Surge - The 15-20% Projection
Industry analysts project netball could see a 15-20% increase in global viewership and a 10% rise in merchandise sales by the end of 2026. This growth is driven by league expansion, improved broadcast deals, and brand partnerships.
What does this mean for grassroots coaches? More visibility means more young players inspired to take up the sport. Expect increased demand for coaching at junior levels. It also means more scrutiny on coaching standards - the professional game sets expectations that filter down.
Use this moment to professionalise your own approach. Better session planning, clearer player development pathways, and engagement with coaching education will all become more important.
2. Super Shot Strategy Reaches Maturity
The two-point Super Shot from outside the goal circle has transformed professional netball. In 2026, we'll see the second generation of Super Shot strategy emerge - coaches who've studied years of data and developed sophisticated shot selection models.
The early approach of "shoot from distance whenever possible" has given way to nuanced decision-making based on shooter form, defensive pressure, game state, and time remaining. Elite teams now have specific plays designed to create Super Shot opportunities.
For coaches at all levels: Even if your league doesn't use the Super Shot, the tactical principles apply. Creating space for shooters, managing game tempo, and understanding when to take risks versus playing percentages are universal coaching skills.
3. The Simultaneous Infringement Change
One of the most significant rule changes from World Netball: when simultaneous infringements occur, the umpire now awards possession to the team that last had the ball. No more toss-ups.
This might seem minor, but it has tactical implications. Teams with possession now have extra security. The defending team must be cleaner in their challenges - grabbing simultaneously when you're defending means you lose possession.
Training focus: Drill clean defensive contests. Teach your defenders to time their challenges to win the ball clearly, not just disrupt. Simultaneous challenges now favour the attacking team.
4. Enhanced Player Safety Protocols
World Netball has strengthened rules around head and neck injuries and suspected concussions. Umpires can now hold time without a request being made if there's an obvious or serious injury.
This aligns with growing awareness across all sports about brain injury management. Coaches must be educated on concussion recognition and follow return-to-play protocols strictly.
Coaching responsibility: Never pressure a player to continue after a head knock. Know your federation's concussion protocols. Create a team culture where players feel safe reporting symptoms. Player welfare is non-negotiable.
5. Tactical Substitution Windows Clarified
The rules around when tactical changes can occur have been clarified. Substitutions and position switches can be made at intervals, injury stoppages, or after a goal is scored. This is not a rolling substitution system.
Smart coaches will use these windows strategically. A goal scored against you is now also an opportunity to reset - change your defensive pairing, switch a tired player, or adjust your structure. Don't waste these moments.
Match preparation: Have your substitution strategy planned before the game. Know which combinations you want in which situations. When the window opens, act decisively.
6. Short Pass Rule Clarification
The definition of a legal pass has been refined: every pass should be legitimately able to be contested. The umpire uses discretion to determine whether a legitimate attempt to intercept could be made.
This targets the "hand-off" passes that were becoming common - tiny exchanges that no defender could realistically intercept. Expect umpires to be stricter on passes that are clearly designed to be uncontestable.
Coaching adjustment: Train your players to make proper passes, even under pressure. The shortcut of the hand-off will be penalised more consistently. Good technique and spatial awareness remain fundamental.
What This Means for Sportplan Coaches
Netball's growth is exciting for everyone in the sport. More viewers mean more players, which means more opportunities for coaches to make a difference.
At Sportplan, we're developing new tools for 2026 that will help you capitalise on this growth. From Super Shot training progressions to defensive contest drills aligned with the new rules, we're committed to helping you stay ahead.
The future of netball is bright. Here's to coaching success in 2026!
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