Looking for some training ideas for defending the lob pass?

Lee-annes NetballCoach, Australia

a good lob is almost impossible to defend as the point is to go right over the top of the defence (who is standing in front with the attack standing almost side on blocking/zoning their defence player) and drops in the space behind.  standing on a side on defence position will help as they can come back with the attack, or standing behind stops the lob completely (but then opens up the option for a straight in pass).  as a defence it doesnt matter where you stand you are always opening up another option for a pass.  but as i tell my girls, that it is better for your player to get a ball as far away from the goal as possible so its always best to shut down that lob as it gets them close to the goal, and the defence is standing behind the player so takes time to get around and defend in a good rebound position.

hope that helps

Janet Coach, Australia

Defence should focus on keeping goal side of goaler and force player out wide in circle or holding to base line if they manage to get around defender or already close to goal ring. Stance should be side on, body turned towards opponent, outside arm at the ready and eyes up to view goaler and passer.  Playing off the player can encourage the lob in but defender must watch path of ball and be capable of intercepting it e.g. height/vertical leap matched to or greater than opponent.  Going up with one arm can assist with more reach to pull ball down or tip out to team mate. As Lee-anne says good lobs are almost impossible to intercept particularly if there is a height/vertical leap disadvantage.