HOME Netball Answers Netball COACHING Q&A

7-8 yr olds struggling to understand obstruction rule

I coach a high level u7-8s team, overall they are well rounded players who get the idea of a drill very quickly so I'm not scared to try harder drills. But I'm stuck in getting them to get back their 3ft to be able defend without getting pulled up. I've tried putting dots on the ground away from transverse lines and getting them to jump back. Any other ideas??

Lahni CCoach, Australia

1 answer

ANSWERS

Eleanor DurrPlayer, England

Hi Lahni,

This can be a common issue with young players. A simple idea may be that when their player receives the ball they must take one BIG step back before they put their arms up - this is likely to take a while to get use to but after a while they will begin to remember and hopefully do it automatically.

Hope this helps.

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