Netball Answers

HiRecently I was umpiring a very challenging game.I was questioned about a decision i had made during the game, to which I said that if a further explanation was required that the player should approach me at quarter time. This particular player and a number of others on court continued to be extremely challengingAt quarter time this player approached me not to ask for an explanation but to challenge my decision and it would seem the tone that I had put on my decision, which she seemed to think was made by me with a harsh tone.I explained that i would not tolerate her attitude on court. She then said that as i had made my point that she wanted to make hers. My understanding of this is that, although I do not have to give an explanation I did because sometimes it helps with the attitude of players if they know what they had done wrong. On this occasion the player concerned wanted to make her point, this is what I need clarification on.She said that she was going to report me to the league as I did not allow her to have her say.I was not aware that my tone was harsh, and did ask the other team if they felt I was, to which they said that they absolutely did not.This player was a defender, and the only thing I can think of is that when she asked for an explanation for my decision I was running back to the centre line as a goal had been scored, I was at this point running back, entering the score, calculating whose centre pass it was, so may be my tone may have been a little rushed.Although I feel that I am was happy with my decisions on the day, I was wondering where I stand when something like this happens. Are players allowed to voice their opinion, I didn't think they were, but can not find anything in the rule book that definitively says one way or the other.I am a firm umpire, and feel that I know the rules thoroughly having played at a very high level myself int he past.I am a grade C umpire and the team was in one of the higher divisions, so really should know better.

Our girls have recently become unmotivated and bored with netball, i want to make training tonight fun and exciting, does anyone have any ideas of what we can do. Drills and or bonding excersies? xx

Hi there.I am looking for a session to help me with my 9 year olds to teach them to find space on the court. At this point the ball is a chip and they are the hungry sea gulls squawking for it. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance

Hi there, I need help with one of my teams. They are u/12 and a very good side but I would love to get them to start playing faster. They tend to wait too long before passing the ball which in turn makes the receiver also wait longer before leading or dodging to receive ball. Any drills?Tx Minette

When coaching first timers (U11) I am focussing on trying to get the basics of passing, catching, footwork and creating space right but do you think I should be pushing them harder and with more tricky drills or keep sticking to the core basics first - some are taking a while to get solid with these basics! Don't want to turn them off our beautiful game! Any good ideas to get the girls to learn basics would be welcomed - I am trying everything!!

My girls all huddle up rather than spread out. It is so frustrating. HOw do you teach them to spread out for the ball and keep in their side of the court. Any drills you can direct me to? It is also about getting free. They to lob passes rather than flat passes.

what would you create or arrange eg planned situations

Are there any good practises that will help my team be more aware of others on the court. As our game is speeding up we are tending to become more focused on the ball rather than the whole game. I know that we will improve with time, but in the meantime, are there any recommended practices that will help to develop player awareness?

Is there a session plan for the above, if not can you make some suggestions

I am due to take over from a long established coach at a club taking the 14-16 yr old category. I've been helping out and taking half the session for a few weeks now and come Sept the other coach will step back and leave it to me most weeks. The group is mixed ability with up 20-30 coming each week to an hour long session. Some do play in league games and a number come for the social aspect. One thing I have noticed is that I sometimes struggle to get them to listen and carry out instructions properly. I also think there is a bit of testing on their part as I am new and they want to see what they can get away with! Any tips for building up a bit more trust and rapport with the group? I think my lesser experience comes through at times (have been a coach for 2 years now and mainly taken ladies groups who are at a lower level player wise).