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Netball: centre circle

centre circle DRILLS
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1 vs 1 Centre Pass

Set up a 3m x 3m area, with an attacker and a defender inside. A feeder stands outside the area and starts with the ball. You can set this up in the context of the court with the feeder starting on the Centre circle and the box being in a shooting third. The feeder tosses the ball up to themselves to start the drill and turns to face the attacker. The attacker's aim is to come over the front line to recieve the ball, getting free from the defender. 3 seconds for a pass once drill has begun.

Getting free

2 vs 1 Centre Pass

Set up a 3m x 3m area, with an Attacker  and a Defender inside. A Feeder stands outside the area and starts with the ball. A second Defender is positioned in between the Feeder and the area. You can set this up in the context of the court with the Feeder starting on the Centre circle and the box being in a shooting third. The feeder tosses the ball up to themselves to start the drill and turns to face the attacker. The attacker's aim is to come over the front line to recieve the ball, getting free from the defender. 

Getting free

All intercepts for WD/GD

Feeder on the centre circle, 2 attackers on the third line (~5m apart) with the defender stood behind in between them. 2 feeders positioned on the transverse line at each side. Feeder can pass to either attacker and the defender will go for the intercept. Whoever gets the ball then passes to the feeder and the attacker that the ball was thrown to runs back towards the edge of the circle with the defender. The feeder has the option of passing directly to the attacker or passing to the feeder on the same side as the attacker, who can then pass to the attacker. Defender will go for the intercept of whichever pass is made to the attacker.

Interception

Banana Peel

Set up: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.

Centre Pass Set Plays

Centre Pass Defence

Have the feeder start on the centre circle. Set up two boxes starting in the middle of the court and ending at one edge, with the bottom edge of the boxes being the transverse line. The feeder's aim is to pass to the attacker, in either box. They will be marked by one defender in the box and another defender behind the box, who will only move in if the first defender over-commits to an intercept and becomes unable to recover their position. The defenders are aiming to make sure the attacker doesn't receive the ball in the inside box. Ideally they would intercept the ball. In his scenario of a Centre pass it would be the Centre defending from in front with the WD ready to come into the box from behind.

Defence

Circle Edge Driving Drill

4+ players set up on half court. One stationary feeder to set up in front of the centre circle with the ball. One defender to hover just inside the shooting third. Two attacking players, one from each sideline, run to meet in the middle, high five and then run out in a "V" to space. Defender to pick up either of the attackers. Feeder delivers the ball to the free attacker. They are to then pass to the attacker with the defender on them. The attacker needs to work hard to receive this pass on the circle edge. Play the ball back with the defender receiving the next pass and back to feeder.

Attack

Defenders Dictating Play

Create a narrow channel for 2 attackers and 2 defenders to work in, from the centre circle to the end of court. Have a feeder on each side of the channel; both able to move along the side. Attackers are attempting to play the ball over the baseline. Defenders are focusing on keeping the attackers high or forcing them to make as many passes as possible. (The more passes the attackers are forced to make the better. This is because they are more likely to make errors under fatigue and gives the defenders more opportunities to intercept.) Points Attackers pass the ball over the baseline = 1 point to Attackers Defender intercepts the ball =1 point to Defenders Best of 5

Defence

Intercept and Recover for WD/GD

Feeder on the centre circle, 2 attackers on the third line (~5m apart) with the defender stood behind in between them. The feeder can pass to either attacker and the defender will go for the intercept. Whoever gets the ball then passes to the feeder and the attacker that the ball was thrown to runs back towards the edge of the circle with the defender. The Feeder then passes to the Attacker again and the Defender tries to intercept.

Interception

Multi-Ball Madness

Both C players for each team start with a ball both in the centre circle facing the dirction they are shooting and the coach blows their whistle to start the game. Each team is trying to score as many goals as possible during the time frame. The game has 2 balls going at the same time. Every time a goal is scored the GK takes a back line pass. If a ball goes off the sideline normal rules apply You may find a lot of the time there be two balls down one end, this is then where your centre court players should make a difference. If a team intercepts/takes the ball they must try to get it to their shooters to score a goal. When a goal is scored or goes off the backline the ball goes to the GK or GD for a backline throw in. Coach to keep score of the game - extra players can score and umpire where needed.

Small games

WD/GD Interceptions

Feeder, 2 attackers, 3 defenders. Feeder starts play from the Centre Circle. The attacker runs forward off the third line into the middle third to receive the ball, marked by a defender. They then pass a lateral ball to the feeder who has moved out to the side, where there is another defender acting as a 3ft mark. The attacker runs into a space in the end third to receive the ball back. When they have received the ball again they pass to an attacker in the circle, who is also marked. The defender in the circle (GK) can help the other defender if they get shut out. However if both defenders get drawn to the attacker then the feeder can pass straight to the GS in the circle.

Group practices

Midcourt driving - peel off Ge...

One ball, half court, 1+ workers, 1 feeder, 4 cones1. Worker starts at centre circle. Drives straight circle edge. Drives diagonally out to either left or right, drives straight foward to circle edge, drives straight back drive, square drive to centre court then receives a pass at top of the circle. 2. Bring in defender

General

1 vs 1 Centre Pass Getting fre...

Set up a 3m x 3m area, with an attacker and a defender inside. A feeder stands outside the area and starts with the ball. You can set this up in the context of the court with the feeder starting on the Centre circle and the box being in a shooting third. The feeder tosses the ball up to themselves to start the drill and turns to face the attacker. The attacker's aim is to come over the front line to recieve the ball, getting free from the defender. 3 seconds for a pass once drill has begun.

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

Centre Pass Defence Defence - ...

Have the feeder start on the centre circle. Set up two boxes starting in the middle of the court and ending at one edge, with the bottom edge of the boxes being the transverse line.The feeder's aim is to pass to the attacker, in either box. They will be marked by one defender in the box and another defender behind the box, who will only move in if the first defender over-commits to an intercept and becomes unable to recover their position.The defenders are aiming to make sure the attacker doesn't receive the ball in the inside box. Ideally they would intercept the ball.In his scenario of a Centre pass it would be the Centre defending from in front with the WD ready to come into the box from behind.

General

Circle Edge Driving Drill Atta...

4+ players set up on half court. One stationary feeder to set up in front of the centre circle with the ball. One defender to hover just inside the shooting third.Two attacking players, one from each sideline, run to meet in the middle, high five and then run out in a "V" to space.Defender to pick up either of the attackers.Feeder delivers the ball to the free attacker. They are to then pass to the attacker with the defender on them. The attacker needs to work hard to receive this pass on the circle edge. Play the ball back with the defender receiving the next pass and back to feeder.

General

GS Exit Top Centre Pass Set Pl...

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 line Both the WA and GA will offer for the centre pass WA will receives the ball from the CGA recognises that they did not receive first ball and will clear out to get down court into the circleThe GS will then exit from the top of the circle to receive the ball from the WAThe GA will time their movement to enter the circle and receive the ball from the GS allowing her to put up a 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

WD/GD Interceptions Group prac...

Feeder, 2 attackers, 3 defenders. Feeder starts play from the Centre Circle. The attacker runs forward off the third line into the middle third to receive the ball, marked by a defender. They then pass a lateral ball to the feeder who has moved out to the side, where there is another defender acting as a 3ft mark. The attacker runs into a space in the end third to receive the ball back. When they have received the ball again they pass to an attacker in the circle, who is also marked. The defender in the circle (GK) can help the other defender if they get shut out. However if both defenders get drawn to the attacker then the feeder can pass straight to the GS in the circle.

General

Goal Defence Roles & responsib...

Where can they go? The goal defence can move any where in the circle defensive and middle third.

General

Circle Edge Set-Up Set Plays -...

WD will set up ball side on the circle edge GD will set up away from the WD to give them space and to balance the court - they should try to be ball side also C will start back just inside the centre third, this will allow the WD and GD space The GK will pass the ball to the WD (holding ball side) The GD will then drive to receive the second ball from the WD C will then make a move to receive the ball from the GD

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

Circle Edge End Drill Roles & ...

End drill – Feeding into circleSet up: four corners of 2-3 players, 1 ball, goal third end of court.Aim for the two groups of players on transverse line to hit the circle edge and feed ball into the circle to a shooter with a defending player.Bottom left corner (A) player drives out along sideline. Receives a pass from the defending player in the circle.Player from top left corner (B) drives straight into the court to receive a pass from the sideline player. Player B passes back to player A and drives towards the circle edge where player A delivers a long ball to player B as close to the circle edge they can get. Player A joins line where player A started.Player from top right corner (C) drives to circle edge to help feed pass into player D who has driven from bottom right corner into the circle as shooter. Player B joins line player C started in. After player C delivers final pass to shooter, player C joins bottom right corner. Essentially, all players rotate anticlockwise around the 4 corners.

General

2 vs 1 Centre Pass Getting fre...

Set up a 3m x 3m area, with an Attacker  and a Defender inside. A Feeder stands outside the area and starts with the ball. A second Defender is positioned in between the Feeder and the area. You can set this up in the context of the court with the Feeder starting on the Centre circle and the box being in a shooting third. The feeder tosses the ball up to themselves to start the drill and turns to face the attacker. The attacker's aim is to come over the front line to recieve the ball, getting free from the defender. 

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

Centre Roles & responsibilitie...

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

General

Wing Attack Roles & responsibi...

Where can they go? They are allowed to move in the centre and attacking third but not in the circle.

General

centre circle ANSWERS
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How do you keep the right distance as a defender?

My defenders (GD, GK) are having problems with the 3 feet distance. They are either too close or too far away and they will not jump. Please could you suggest any practices that will help my players

Sportplan Team Coach, United Kingdom

My U14's could not get free on a Goal line throw in?

My U14's could not get free on a Goal line throw in. I need practices for Goal Defenders (GD), wing defenders (WD) to get free to receive a pass from the goal Keeper (GK). With the second pass to the centre (C) or back to the GK. Thank you Angie. - submitted by email

Sportplan Team Coach, United Kingdom

I am coaching a team of 14 year olds that have been?

I am coaching a team of 14 year olds that have been playing for many years. Half my team are serial steppers, how do I stop this terrible habit?

Archived User Coach

Where should I position players on the court for a?

Where should I position players on the court for a throw-in from the backline?

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

Quick feeding into circle

Quick feeding into circle

Celina Turner Coach, New Zealand

Why is my centre being penalised for 'delaying play'?

My centre was penalised 3 times for not stepping into the centre circle directly at the centre pass. This seems a strange application of the deliberately delaying play rule, as she certainly was not doing it deliberately. What rule exactly was she infringing here?

John Hipshon Coach, England

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

How to get into the circle when shooters are zoned out?

how to get into the goal circle when shooters are being zoned out

Donna Leeann Morley Coach, Australia

offside at a centre pass

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

Basic attacking strategy for 11 year olds

Help, dad thrown in the deep end - what basic attacking strategies do you use for 11 years olds? They have great skill and have played since they were 5 years old, but still run around like headless chickens, everyone calling for the ball and getting in each other's way. Is there a method to this madness I can teach? Some teams look like they know who is going to pass to who and the ball gets from one end to the other fluidly. Impart your netball wisdom on me, oh great netball coaches! Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Kiwi Coach, New Zealand

Half Court Game. How does it work?

I'm coaching 8 Yr olds, the majority haven't played before. Just need some guidance. Thank you. :) Asked using Sportplan on Mobile

Rachael Cooper Coach, Australia

How to move in the circle

How to move around in the goal circle Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Archived User Coach

Suggested set plays for youngsters

I like the idea of teaching set plays to stop my girls swarming the ball, but wasn't sure what set plays to use! Are there any on this site or can anyone share their favourite easy ones for 8/9 yo's

J C Coach, Australia

which side is ball side in a centre pass

which side is ball side in a centre pass

Nicole Keinick 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

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

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

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

Why is my centre being penalis...

My centre was penalised 3 times for not stepping into the centre circle directly at the centre pass. This seems a strange application of the deliberately delaying play rule, as she certainly was not doing it deliberately. What rule exactly was she infringing here?

John Hipshon Coach, England
centre circle COMMUNITY DRILLS
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Attack drill

Baseline Throw In: Criss-Cross

Basic rules

Footwork Drill - development

Fitness

FITNESS, AGILITY AND STRENGTH

Centre pass pivot to shoot

Drill One - Attacking Movement and Passing

Drive and Receive Progression

Fitness Interval V10

centre circle WEB VIDEOS
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