HOME Netball Answers Netball COACHING Q&A

How to defend Tall goal shooters

How to defend tall goal shooter and tall goal attack

Brad SorrellCoach, Australia

1 answer

ANSWERS

Eleanor DurrPlayer, England

Hi Brad,

A tall GS can always be a particularly hard task. Due to their height it is likely they will be holding their back space and asking for the ball over the top - this can be hard to defend, especially if your GK cannot compete on height. I would therefore advise your GK to force (without contact) the GS high in the circle - towards the edge. As shown by the diagram, the GK should get behind the GS and keep her high, do not let her inside the red cones. Therefore if the GS does receive the ball they will be forced to shoot from far out or pass.

Also make sure you have a small foot base and fast feet, keep moving round the GS so she cannot set up a hold.

Hope this helps.

GK force high

This drill has no description.

GK force high

This drill has no description.

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