TRANSFORM YOUR TEAM'S SEASON WITH PROFESSIONALLY PLANNED SESSIONS
Use our expert plans or build your own using our library of over 700+ drills, and easy-to-use tools.
JOIN NOW
I played netball last night against a team that used zone defence. It worked very well for them, but I'm not sure how to try and stop them and get the ball through.
besides getting help from your other players to help block the block and you run around them, you are just going to have to use fast footwork, and lot of dodging and change of directions to get around them.
besides getting help from your other players to help block the block and you run around them, you are just going to have to use fast footwork, and lot of dodging and change of directions to get around them.
The biggsest thing is teams often panic when another puts it into play. They make silly errors and rather than it being excellent defence it is a rushed attack.
I have coached against it a few times. I usually get the players to man up on each of the zoners, then quickly move off. Often short, sharp leads and passes works to start getting it out of defence then look long. Get your GA to hang back mid goal third and if you have someone with a good long pass, get it out of the centre third (and most of the zoning players) by passing it over the top.
Like I said, often teams panic. Get your players to expect it and know what to do.
in more ways than one
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.
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.
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.
Use our expert plans or build your own using our library of over 700+ drills, and easy-to-use tools.
JOIN NOW