TRANSFORM YOUR TEAM'S SEASON WITH PROFESSIONALLY PLANNED SESSIONS
Use our expert plans or build your own using our library of over 700+ drills, and easy-to-use tools.
JOIN NOW
I have a older goal defense and she is playing alot younger quicker goalies, how can I get her to slow them down?
Asked using Sportplan on Mobile
Hi Ange,
It can always be difficult for older defence to mark young, quick players, however it is important to remember that your older players have experience on their side and they should use this to their advantage. If your GD is not quick enough to go out for the centre pass and get back on the GA, you can make the decision to let her get the first phase centre pass as she is not a threat outside the circle. This will allow your GD to conserve her energy and and get back, as the GA will inevitably be driving down court towards the circle and your GD can pick her up there.
I would also advise your GD keeping her high and wide where possible, this is high up the court (away from the circle) and wide towards the sidelines to stop her being a threat. As soon as the GA has released the ball get your GD to step in, to mark man on man, and position her body to push her towards the sidelines and prevent her getting down court, this will definitely slow the GA down.
Ultimately if your GD does lose her tell her to get back to the circle edge and prevent the GA entering, as you know that is where the GA wants to be.
Using these tips will allow your GD to work smarter, not harder.
Hope this helps.
Hi Ange,
It can always be difficult for older defence to mark young, quick players, however it is important to remember that your older players have experience on their side and they should use this to their advantage. If your GD is not quick enough to go out for the centre pass and get back on the GA, you can make the decision to let her get the first phase centre pass as she is not a threat outside the circle. This will allow your GD to conserve her energy and and get back, as the GA will inevitably be driving down court towards the circle and your GD can pick her up there.
I would also advise your GD keeping her high and wide where possible, this is high up the court (away from the circle) and wide towards the sidelines to stop her being a threat. As soon as the GA has released the ball get your GD to step in, to mark man on man, and position her body to push her towards the sidelines and prevent her getting down court, this will definitely slow the GA down.
Ultimately if your GD does lose her tell her to get back to the circle edge and prevent the GA entering, as you know that is where the GA wants to be.
Using these tips will allow your GD to work smarter, not harder.
Hope this helps.
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.
Use our expert plans or build your own using our library of over 700+ drills, and easy-to-use tools.
JOIN NOW