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Marking drills and getting free

I've just taken over coaching a team of 10/11 year olds in a once a week school netball club. A player myself I havent done much coaching (but this site is fab!). Does anyone have any drills for 1) helping the girls to mark their opponents and 2) how to get free to receive a pass? Thanks

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ANSWERS

Lee-annes NetballCoach, Australia

Hi Julia...congrats on the coaching role...is a lot of fun, but can be frustrating at times. there are lots of drills on this site for exactly what you are looking for. there is also a lesson plan someone devised about getting free which i found helpful. i just made up some palm cards that had the different ways to get free for the girls. they only like to use one...the straight drive, so getting them to easily use different ones takes a lot of practise.

as for one on one marking (zoning) id just practice shadowing at this age level. getting the girls to stay close to their opponents and read play is a tough lesson, but working on footwork would be the place to start. without it they will never be able to mark a player.

hope you have some fun.

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