Revealed: The Winning Formula
- July 13th, 2018
- Eleanor Durr
A feeling of déjà vu this weekend as Wasps beat Loughborough Lightning 55-51, an identical scoreline to last year's Vitality Netball Superleague final! We have analysed just how Wasps managed to retain their Superleague title and how you can follow in their footsteps to come out on top!! From defending technique to attacking plays and movement, we have explained how to have it all.
Both teams entered the final off the back of a relatively season and having taken one win each from their two games during the regular season, there was little to split them. Wasps came out on top in a 60-49 victory back in round 5, with Lightning taking the points in similar fashion in a 60-47 win in round 14, so calling a winner would always be difficult. These two like-for-like squads carried much experience into the final. Lightning were bolstered at the back end of the season by the return from the Gold Coast of Peace Proscovia, recently named Vitality Player of the Season, Shamera Sterling and gold medal winner Beth Cobden. While Wasps welcomed back Cobden's gold medal team-mates Natalie Haythornthwaite and Jade Clarke ready for the run-in.
The final was tightly contested, with neither team leading by more than 6 goals at any point; but an early injury for Lightning in the opening quarter saw England star Beth Coben carried off the court after rupturing her ACL. The injury proved a big loss for Lightning, particularly as Cobden looked a huge threat in the early stages obtaining Lightning's first interception just seconds into the game. Coach Anna Carter rated Cobden highly, describing her as 'a leader' who 'calms down the defence', emphasising just how unsettling this devastating injury was for Lightning.
Although Lightning managed to stay hot on Wasps heels, levelling the score 45-45 with 10 minutes left to play, a combination of a strong Wasps defence and some unforced Lightning errors saw the win slip away from Lightning's fingertips. Player-coach at Wasps, Tamsin Greenway, claimed the game 'could have gone either way' and commended Lightning for their tough competition.
Let's break down how Wasps managed to secure this historic victory and how YOU can implement their style into your game.
Defensive Set-Ups
It was evident that Wasps defensive unit do not shy away from a challenge, especially that of skillful Loughborough Lightning. Wasps used a series of set-ups and positioning to keep Lightning under control.
Zoning Technique
1) Here, Wasps create a triangle zone set up, with the Knights (GD), Flanaghan (WD) and Candappa (C) making it hard for Lightning to get the ball down court, ultimately resulting in a turnover. Within this set up, Joseph (WA), drove for the ball, however Candappa (C) and Flanaghan (WD) closed her down, with Candappa (C) getting a tip and Knights (GD) supporting for the pick up.
2) Wasps defence also used a triangular set up on Lightnings centre pass. Both the Flanaghan (WD) and Knights (GD) are on the inside of their players, forcing Clark (GA) and Joseph (WA) out towards the sidelines. If either player manages to cut in the C is set up centrally so can play onto any angle. This setup forced Lightning to look back to Nicholls (WD) and Oyesola (GD).
3) Even the attack use a zone! Greenway (WA), Haythornthwaite (GA) and Candappa (C) come slightly off their players to produce a triangular zone. In this position Wasps can keep Lightning up court and close down any drive down court.
You can do this too: Zone Defence
Around the Circle Working Together
All four defensive players are work together to put pressure on Lightning to cause an unforced error or turnover.
This setup can be very successful and force either a tip/turnover, which due to the defenders positioning, is likely to land in the hands of the Wasps defence, or force a long shot.
High and Wide
Flanaghan (WD) does a fantastic job at keeping Joseph (WA) high and wide - forcing her towards the sideline and away from the circle edge. This was particularly crucial during the final as it prevented an easy feed to Proscovia.
You can do this too:Keeping your player high and wide
Attack
Centre pass
Dunn (GS) comes out of the circle to support the centre court and open up the circle for Haythornthwaite (GA). Wasps centre court make sure they get down court so they can support their shooters on the circle edge and get them close to the post.
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Centre pass
Wasps demonstrate slick passing and clean movement to get the ball down court quickly from a centre pass.
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Shooter Movement
Natalie Haythornthwaite (GA) and Rachel Dunn (GS) always seem to be in sync, reading and moving off each other. Building these shooting partnerships are crucial to being successful within the circle - one shooter may pull out to take a defender away and create space.
It looks as though the Sterling (GK) and Oyesola (GD) have Dunn (GS) and Haythornthwaite (GA) in a good position and 'trapped'. However, Dunn and Haythornthwaite split, which splits the defence, allowing Dunn to come out and pop back for an easy pass under the post.
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You can do this too: Shooter Rotation
Movement
Wasps have clearly been working on their footwork in training, maintaining a narrow foot base and fast feet to enable them to move off quickly and get round their players.
In defence May (GK) demonstrates her fast footwork skills, not allowing Proscovia (GS) to set up her well known hold. Wasps know all too well how Proscovia can be a serious threat when holding her back space, especially a height of 1.92m compared to May at 1.84m. Therefore May ensures she keeps tight on and moves back and forth around Proscovia, analysing play ready for an interception.
You can do this too:
In a similar way Wasps centre court, Tamsin Greenway (WA), Sophia Candappa (C) and Jade Clarke (WD), use fast feet to get over the line first on centre passes, as well as, repositioning around the circle edge to support their shooters.
You can do this too:
These drills will help get you quick on your feet just like the pros!
Favourite Play of the Game
Wasps demonstrated really just how fast they can get the ball down court. May (GK) turned the ball over, passed it off to Candappa (C) and once it was in the hands of the veteran Greenway (WA) it was soon into the circle, with a one two, with Dunn (GS).
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You can do this too: Quick passing and moving
A wonderfully competitive Superleague season concluded with a nail biting final between the two rightful teams. Can Wasps make the hatrick and secure the Vitality Netball Superleague Champions title 3 consecutive years? With Tamsin Greenway stepping down as Wasps director of netball and Anna Carter stepping away from Loughborough Lightning, who knows what the future may hold!!!
Score Breakdown