coaching two different age groups

Archie DunnillCoach, England

Hi Chloe,

Here are some strategies to tailor netball training for each age group while considering players who participate in multiple teams:

Under 13s:

Fundamental Skills Development:

Emphasize basic skills such as passing, catching, footwork, and shooting. Ensure that players have a strong foundation before progressing to more advanced techniques.

Game Understanding:

Introduce basic netball rules and game strategies. Focus on positioning, court awareness, and teamwork.

Engaging Drills:

Use fun and interactive drills to keep younger players engaged. Incorporate games and activities that promote skill development in an enjoyable way.

Shorter Sessions:

Keep training sessions relatively short to accommodate the attention span of younger players. Break down complex skills into manageable steps.

Positive Reinforcement:

Provide positive feedback and encouragement. Boosting confidence is crucial at this stage, and positive reinforcement helps create a positive learning environment.

Archie DunnillCoach, England

Under 15s:

Skill Progression:

Build upon the fundamental skills introduced at the under 13 level. Start incorporating more advanced techniques in passing, defensive strategies, and shooting.

Tactical Understanding:

Introduce more complex game tactics and strategies. Help players understand the importance of different positions on the court and how they contribute to team success.

Increased Conditioning:

Implement more comprehensive fitness and conditioning drills to enhance endurance and strength. Netball involves a significant amount of running and agility, and players should be prepared for the physical demands.

Position-Specific Training:

Tailor some drills to specific playing positions. This helps players understand their roles and responsibilities within the team.

Archie DunnillCoach, England

Under 17s:

Advanced Skills and Tactics:

Focus on refining and mastering advanced skills such as feints, dodges, and more sophisticated defensive strategies. Enhance players' tactical understanding of the game.

Game Simulation:

Incorporate realistic game scenarios into training sessions. This helps players develop decision-making skills under pressure.

Individualized Training Plans:

Recognize that players at this level may have specific strengths and weaknesses. Provide individualized training plans to address areas for improvement.

Leadership Development:

Encourage leadership skills within the team. Older players can take on mentoring roles for younger teammates, fostering a sense of responsibility and team cohesion.

Goal Setting:

Work with players to set individual and team goals. This can motivate players to push themselves and contribute to a sense of achievement.