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center DRILLS
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1 v 1 - Actual Defending

Two feeders stand in middle of the court, either side of the center circle. The attacking player passes the ball out to the feeder and then runs out, looking for the return pass. The defender must react and look to push the attacker wide and/or intercept the ball.

Interception

Ball catching skills and quick movement

Two players stand two meters apart. The receiver turns their back on the feeder and awaits their instructions. When the feeder gives the command, shouting left, right, above (their head) or center (into the player's body) the receiver must quickly turn around and be prepared to receive the ball, where necessary taking two to three small but fast steps to the side in preparation for receiving the pass.

Ball skills

Channels to Feed the Circle

Set up: Shooting circle, 4-7 players, 1 ball, cones. Divide three channels across the court (you can refer to these as channel 1, 2 or 3 or first, second, economy class). Use cones to determine channels for players that are learning the areas. One channel in front of center transverse line (center pass area). Another channel between transverse line and top of circle. Final channel is from top of the circle to baseline (shooting area). Center feeder to pass ball to first attacker who will drive from WA position to middle of the first channel. Attacker to turn and pass to second receiver who will drive circle edge and pass the ball into the shooter. Shooter to shoot.

Movement

Follow your player

Players work in pairs (one defender, one attacker). The court is divided into 3 channels along the length of the court. The ball is placed in the center court channel. Players must jog, sprint and dodge their way through each outside channel - with the defender trying to stay between the attacker and the static ball in the center of the court.

Defence

Into center and back pass and follow

Players on the wing pass the ball into the centre. They then run towards the cone and cut to the top of the D to receive back the pass. Then replaces and passes the ball to the centre.

Passing

Numbers Game

When the teacher calls out a series of players' numbers they should run onto the court. The players' whose numbers have just been called then play using normal netball rules until a goal is scored.

Group practices

Passing and reactions: Listen, drive and receive

Two Players, One ball. The receiver Stands on the center cone, facing AWAY from the feeder. The feeder, standing three meters away from their partner is standing in a forward stance, ready to pass the ball. The feeder will give a command, directing the receiver the either stay, run left or run right. Depending on the command, the receiver must make a quick and decisive 180 degree turn to face their partner before then driving to receive and return the pass from where they have been directed to by their partner. This drill will ensure your players drive onto the ball and don't dawdle.

Ball skills

Piece of Cake

Every player is involved in this defensive exercise. The first player in the center passes to an outside player. After passing the ball the passing player drives forward and defends the player who has just received the pass. Once the defender is in place the player to the right of the player who has received the ball should sprint into the center and look to receive a pass (bounce, chest or high) from the outside player. Once the player in the center has the ball the drill can begin again.

Defence

Running Drills - 3 part warm up

Drill 1. Start with a gentle jog around the court, throwing in some sidesteps, high knees and heel flicks. Drill 2. Line up two teams on opposite sides of the court and give each player a number or position. On the coach's call the players who has had their numbers called spint into the center, touch the cone and then run back to their touchline. Drill 3. Finish with some back and forth running. Players complete 10 runs (there and back) as quickly as possible.

Warm ups

The Bow

Set up: Five cones set up as a square with one cone in the center, 1 ball, 4-6 players. Two feeding players are set up in between cones in line with the center cone. Two attacking players start on the centre cone and choose a corner cone to drive out to, each driving to opposite cones. Attackers time their drive so they receive their pass on the centre cone. Attackers are to create a ‘bow’ shape by driving to the outer cones one at a time and receiving a pass on the middle cone between each drive.

Movement

Centre Roles & responsibilitie...

Where can they go? Centres are allowed to move in all 3 thirds except in both circles.

General

Set Play - Attacking Centre Fo...

WA starts wide drawing the WD with her. GA also starts wide. The GA drives should time their run in court to receive the ball. The WA drives in court to receive the pass from the C who then runs up court to receive the return pass. The C then catches the ball and plays to the GA who has made the run to the other side to lose their marker and then passes to the GS to complete the move. C - WA - C - GA - GS

General

Double marked Centre Pass Set ...

It is common that the defending C will drop back and double mark either the WA or GA, if that happens... <br><br>The WA has been double marked and therefore will pull wide taking both the WD and C with her - this has now left room for the GA Both the WA and GA will drive out and offer for the ball, however the GA will receive the ball from the CAs the defending C has been pulled wide, it will allow the atttacking C the central channel to drive hard and get the ball from the GA at the top of the circle The GS will be holding their front space and receive the ball from the C ready to put up a shot

General

Stack Set-Up Centre Pass Set P...

The WA and GA will start in a stacked position, so one player will be on the line (GA in this example) and the other player approximately 1-2 meters directly behind (WA)Both the WA and GA will offer for the centre pass, however the player on the line (GA) will lead the movementIf the GA chooses to go right, the WA must go in the opposite direction, so they would go left as shownThe WA receives the ball from the COnce the WA has received the ball the GS will time their movement and drive out of the circle at an angle to receive the ball from the WAThe GS will then do a 'give-and-go' with the C, who would have drive to the top of the circle and landed circle edgeThe GS will receive the ball from the C and can put up a shot<br>ORThe GA can receive the ball from the GS under the post

General

Defensive Triangle Set-Up Cent...

The GD and WD will set up on their outside of the opponent and force them inwards towards the centre of the courtThe C will drop back to the line to close down the attackers spaceWhen the whilstle blows, the attckers will try to drive straight out but will be forced into a small space and closed down by all 3 players

General

GA Receive Centre Pass Set Pla...

The WA and GA will start in a staggered position, with one player (GA in this example) on the line and the other (WA) positioned off the lineBoth the WA and GA will offer for the centre passGA receives the ball from the CWA recognises that they did not receive first ball and drives deep down court to receive the second phase ball from the GAThe GS will hold their space until the WA has released the ball and the GS will receive the ball into spaceThe GS will put the ball up for a shot

General

Wide Set-Up Centre Pass Set Pl...

The WA and GA will set up at opposite sides - in this example above, the WA is set up on the right and GA on the leftThe WA and GA will both provide an offer for the ballThe WA will receive the ball from the CThe C will then drive hard to get depth into the goal third and receive the ball from the WA on the circle edgeThe GS will hold their space ball side (in front) until the C has received the ball and is ready to pass in - they will then drive onto the ball, driving towards the edge of the circle to leave space for the GAThe GA should be able to receive the ball from the GS under the post

General

Defence 3 over the line Centre...

The WD and GD will set up close to the lineAs soon as the whistle goes they will jump over the line and set up a defensive zone with the CThis means the defensive players will mark the space, forcing the attackers out of the centre channel, rather than individually man-to-manYour WA and GA can also come into the centre third to flood the area to increase pressure

General

3 vs 3 Backline Pass to Centre...

Dividing the court in half lengthways and widthways, players are aiming to get the ball from a backline throw into the centre third.Simple 3 vs 3.The player starting the drill is a GK and so cannot enter the centre third.

General

WA/GA Cross Centre Pass Set Pl...

The WA and GA will set up centrally and off the line - ensuring they are both ball side (with their defenders on the outside, as shown)The player slightly in front, in this case the WA, will lead and drive out for the ball but cross over to the GA's sideLikewise, the GA will go the opposite way and cross over into the WA's sideThe GA will receive the ball from the CThe WA recognises they haven't been used and will put their outside foot down and drive hard to receive the second phase ball on the circle edgeThe C will clear wide, to give the WA space, but then drive hard at an angle to receive the ball at the top of the circle ready to feed inThe GS will hold their space until the C has received the ball and is ready to pass in - they will then drive onto the ball, receive it from the C and put up a shot

General

Centre Pass Set Play (GD) Atta...

C passes back to GD – delivers a straight pass to WA – GS comes out of circle to receive pass in goal third – GS passes to C at top of circle – C passes into GA to put up shot.

General

Screen Set-Up Centre Pass Set ...

The GA will set up on the line ensuring their defender is on their inside (as shown)The WA will start off the line and not directly behind the GA - you need the defence to believe you are going to offer straight for the ballThe WA will go around the GA, as they are holding this space, and receive the ball from the CThe GA will then flip out and receive the next ball deep into the goal third The GS will hold their space until the GA has caught the ball and turned full so the GA is ready to release the ballThe GS will receive the ball from the GA and they can put up a shot

General

Overload Set-Up Centre Pass Se...

The WA and GA will set up on the same side of the courtThey should be in a staggered position, so one slightly in front of the other (as shown in the diagram) The WA, GA and WD will all come over the line to produce an offer for the ball The WD will receive the ball from the C The C will do a 'give-and-go' with the WD and receive the ball inside the goal thirdThe WA will have driven to the top of the circle to receive the ball from the CThe GS will drive to the top of the circle and receive the ball from the WA, opening up the circle for the GAGA will then penetrate the space has the GS created and receive the ball

General

Overload Variation Centre Pass...

The WA and GA will set up on the same side of the courtThey should be in a staggered position, so one slightly in front of the other (as shown in the diagram)The WA, GA and WD will all come over the line to produce an offer for the ballThe WA should cut their angle towards the ball and receive the pass from the CThe WA will then do a 'give-and-go' with the WD, who should receive the ball lateral to the WAThe WA penetrate down court to the circle edge to receive the ball back from the WDThe GS will hold their space until the WA has received the ball and is ready to pass in - they will then drive onto the ball, driving towards the edge of the circle to leave space for the GAThe GS can choose to take the shot (as shown in the animation)<br>ORThe GA can receive the ball from the GS under the post

General

Netball: Centre Pass Set Play ...

C passes back to GD – delivers a straight pass to WA – GS comes out of circle to receive pass in goal third – GS passes to C at top of circle – C passes into GA to put up shot.

General

Banana Peel Centre Pass Set Pl...

Set up:<br>Half court with a goal post, 1 ball, 4-8 players ( centre feeder, 2x midcourt, 2x shooter, 2-3x defence).Starting from centre circle, a feeder passes the ball to one of two players.The player who calls 'banana', the straight driver, receives the pass.Player who does not receive the pass, 'peels' out and drives to the top of the circle.The pass is released from the 'peeler' at top of the circle, to a shooter in the circle then to another shooter in their preferred position.

General

center SESSIONS
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Dictating the centre pass to gain possession of the ball

Develop your player's understanding of how to use their body to dominate and limit the space available to their opponents focusing on a centre pass scenario.

Shooting Form - Accuracy and Control

Can your players shoot using the correct shooting technique under pressure? Find out with this goal scoring plan, that finishes with 2 fun conditioned shooting games!

Developing Centre Pass Set Plays

Get the ball to your shooters as quickly as possible with this netball set plays session - working on communication, passing accuracy and timing

Attacking Set Plays - Use the Centre Pass

Get your players reading from the same hymn sheet, using the centre pass to speedily move the ball down the spine of the court!
center ANSWERS
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Does anyone have any training tips on Channels?

Does anyone have any training tips on Channels?

Archived User Coach

What are the "Corridors of play". Does anyone have any info on this?

Ask a question and have it answered by Coaches from around the world and Sportplan's team of Experts.

Archived User Coach

Court systems?

Can someone please advise me on where can I locate sound information on court systems?  Thanks.  Wendy

Archived User Coach

How do i teach my 10/11 yr girls court balance

How do i teach my 10/11 yr old girls the basics of court balance/ positional play?

Archived User Coach

Defending off court player.

Defending off court player.When a player in general play goes off court to improve her position , does the defender HAVE to allow her onto the court ? OR can she block her from returning. Eg shooter on one side of the circle goes off court around the goalpost and tries to return to court on the other side but defender {on court} blocks her from returning. Is this legal ???

Archived User Coach

Offside question - centre pass.

I am an umpire as well as a player, and I had a situation a few weeks ago that challenged my knowledge. On a centre pass. Referring to the third lines. Do the third lines form part of the centre court or are they part of the goal third. In other words at what point would GA,GD,WA and WD become off side? If their foot/feet were on the line? Same for the Centre, would she be off side if her foot/feet were on the line?

Maria Massey Coach, England

Splitting the court into zones for my U10 girls. Has anyone tried this?

I coach a group of 10 girls (8 yrs old) in the grade above netta (we call it Sub-minis but same rules as netta) I rotate them 4 def 2 c 4 attack (eg 3/4 each or 1/2 if they are center) I am having problems teaching them spaceing and who to lead into which spot etc. After our game on the weekend I thought I'ld try a different tack (was a bit loathed to do this as they may take it too literal) but I am wanting to split the court into "zones" for each position as a guide for them eg Center gets the middle "track" right down the court WA one side GA the other etc. has anyone tried this, will it make it worse any further suggestions......?????

Archived User Coach

Driving forward then re offering

does anyone have a drill to help driving forward then re offering again?

Archived User Coach

Stepping in the centre circle

My centre was penalised for stepping in the centre circle - she took her centre stance and after the whistle was blown she stepped out with one foot. I didnt think a centre had a 'landing foot' at a centre pass, providing both feet are in the circle when the whistle blows, but the umpire said when she returned to the circle she put her left foot in first so that became her landing foot even though play had not been started. I told her just to stay in the circle but I would like to know if the umpire was correct or if she had it wrong

Archived User Coach

game roster for a team with 10 girls

i have 10 girls on a team. i need help with a game roster, so its as fair.

anne brear Coach, Australia

What are some warm ups or drill used with cones?

I need help, I can't figure out any cone drills or warm ups. Mainly looking towards footwork, fitness and changing direction.

Kerrie Dargin Coach, Australia

Half Court Game-how does it play?

To give my girls practice at a game I would like to know how to set them up on half a court and what the rules are please

Archived User Coach

how can i get free off the center pass off

i am having trouble getting free on that center pass off can anyone help

Archived User Coach

Attacking Area Mid Court and Shooters

I'm coaching a team of under 9's and 10year old team of ten platers. These girls are all at different levels I have a two players who played for the first time and two players who have come from junior courts, playing up into the main courts. My biggest struggle is out attacking area it is very weak and we can't get the ball from center pass into the third quarter we lose it with a turn over. When our defense gets the ball back we struggle to get it pass the center circle. I need help, suggestions and drills to help my girls to develop in the area by getting the ball down into our area.

Rita Uamaki Coach, Australia

entering the center circle for the passoff

The question is as aboveHow are you supposed to enter the center circle for the center pass, we were being pulled up and I dont know why

Gretchen Campbell Coach, New Zealand

defensive center pass straregy

defensive center pass straregy

Sashaniqe Pitter Coach, United Kingdom

offside at a centre pass | Spo...

Need some help on a dispute on a decision I made during a match I was umpiring recently.A player was tying her shoe laces in my half of the court. A goal had been scored in the half I was umpiring. Centre stepped in the centre circle whilst this player was still attending to her shoe lace. So in affect she had not got herself on side and then gone off side she just did not get on side.I blew the whistle to start play as the centre was ready. As the player who was in my half and was off side, I blew for offside.Can I have clarification on this please, was I correct, or should the other umpire have called this offside even though the player was in my half?Secondly, a reputable umpire told me a couple of months ago, that the umpire blowing the whistle to start the game at a centre pass, controls both sides for off side? I.e. All players that go offside at the centre pass, to the left and right of the centre circle. I was not suite about this so need clarification on that too.Thanks in anticipation.

Maria Massey Coach, England

Offside question - centre pass...

I am an umpire as well as a player, and I had a situation a few weeks ago that challenged my knowledge. On a centre pass. Referring to the third lines. Do the third lines form part of the centre court or are they part of the goal third. In other words at what point would GA,GD,WA and WD become off side? If their foot/feet were on the line? Same for the Centre, would she be off side if her foot/feet were on the line?

Maria Massey Coach, England

entering the center circle for...

The question is as aboveHow are you supposed to enter the center circle for the center pass, we were being pulled up and I dont know why

Gretchen Campbell Coach, New Zealand

how can i get free off the cen...

i am having trouble getting free on that center pass off can anyone help

Archived User Coach

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