HOME Netball Answers Netball COACHING Q&A

Netball: even amount on court and off

How to give fair court time to 9 players?

Jorja Coach, Australia

1 answer

ANSWERS

Megan HorneCoach, Australia

My U11 team has 9. Each week 1 player gets a full game, the other 8 play 3 quarters each with 1 quarter off. I have my girls grouped into defence, mid court and shooters and, unless we are miles ahead, they usually stay in those areas (if we are ahead, I often mix them into their non preferred positions to help the other team out and give my girls some fun).

I try to give my GK and GS at least one quarter at GD/GA or WD/WA to give them a run and then rest them the following quarter. When C is off, WA or WD get a chance to play C for a quarter.

I usually play my best team for the 1st qtr and make sure I always have one strong shooter and defender on at all times. While it`s nice to have subs for when the kids get sick or tired, sometimes it`s easier when only 7 turn up!

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

Second-Generation Super Shot: How Data Is Changing Shot Selection in 2026

The early 'shoot from anywhere' era is over. Smart teams now use data-driven decision models to decide when the two-pointer is worth it.

March 2026

Sportplan Coaching

Coaching the Short Pass Rule: Building Composure Under Pressure

The short pass is being penalised more consistently in 2026. Here's how to train proper passing technique and eliminate hand-offs under pressure.

March 2026

Sportplan Coaching

Simultaneous Infringement: The Rule Change That Rewards Clean Defending

No more 50/50 toss-ups. When simultaneous infringements occur, possession now goes to the team that last had the ball. Here's what it means for your coaching.

February 2026

Sportplan Coaching

VIEW ALL COACHING TRENDS