Landing and foot work

Megan HorneCoach, Australia

I coach U11s, so not sure if this will help.

Drill 1 - place "spots" on the ground. Girls jog forward and when their foot hits the spot, that`s their landing foot and they pivot 180deg and run back. Then add a feeder to pass the ball as they approach the spot, so they catch, foot hits the spot, pivot 360 and pass back.

Drill 2 - at walking pace, feeder passes and receiver has to call out "right" or "left" depending on which foot hits the ground as she catches. Stand on that landing foot only for balance exercise and pass back. Then progress to jog, then run, making sure they bend their knee on landing to help stop without dragging or stepping.

Drill 3 - at walking pace, receiver catches, steps on to non landing foot (landing foot in the air) and passes before landing foot touches the ground again. Progress to job then run.

Hope that helps?

Megan HorneCoach, Australia

I coach U11s, so not sure if this is too simple for your team.

Drill 1 - place "spots" on the ground (we have rubber circles, but chalk would work too). Girls jog forward and when their foot hits the spot that`s their "landing foot" and they pivot 180 and jog back. Increase speed and a "jump" onto the spot. Once they are stopping and pivoting correctly, add a feeder to pass the ball as they approach the spot, so they catch, one foot lands on the spot, they pivot 360 degrees and pass back.

Drill 2 - at walking pace, in pairs, one girl passes and the other has to call out "left" or "right" depending on which foot was the landing foot as they caught the ball. They have to stop on that foot and pivot, then pass back. Increase pace to jog, then run making sure they recognise the landing foot and bend their knee to stop without dragging or hopping.

Drill 3 - at walking pace, the receiver catches the ball, calls out the landing foot (eg "left") then steps on to other foot (holding landing foot in the air) and passes back to the feeder. Speed up as they get the hang of it so they are catching and passing on the run.

Hope that helps.

Tori Coach, Australia

Netball Australia has a KNEE program to assist teaching players how to land properly on either foot and better absorb impact- I found this really helps with player`s balance and footwork. Less stepping and less wear and tear on knees and ankles is always a good thing.