HOME Netball Answers Netball COACHING Q&A

Effective ways to stop my Year3/4s from bunching?

Good drills/explanations for younger players to stop bunching, and spread out/get free.Thanks :-)

Netball CoachCoach

3 answers

ANSWERS

Lee-annes NetballCoach, Australia

they are young and all want to be part of the play. it is a very long road to teach them to spread out. teach them court corridors, (split the court into 3 from goal to goal, then have the GK in the centre third, the GD in a side line third the WD in the other sideline third, the centre in the centre third, and so on) practise getting the ball down the court by staying on your side of the court. once they are doing this, then allow them to move into each others third but if say the centre moves into the WD third then the WD must move into the centre third. but be prepared that on game day that they will still tent to bunch up until it becomes more ingrained because that is what the other teams will do as well. just be patient with them. it is a skill that takes time.

Netball CoachCoach

Thanks Lee-Anne. This is very helpful :-)

Mel TurdeichCoach, New Zealand

Thanks for the question and advice, I'm going to try this with my y4/y5 team

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

Wing Attack Masterclass: Creating Space in the Attacking Third

The Wing Attack is the critical link between midcourt possession and circle feeding. This masterclass breaks down the movement patterns, timing, and spatial awareness that separate elite WAs from the rest, with practical drills to develop these skills at every level.

April 2026

Sportplan Coaching

Footwork Fundamentals: Landing, Pivoting and the Stepping Rule

Footwork is the foundation of every skill in netball. This guide provides a clear explanation of the stepping rule, the mechanics of one-foot and two-foot landings, pivoting technique, and progressive drills to build footwork confidence from junior level upward.

April 2026

Sportplan Coaching