Netball: defending goal

The Super Shot has created a strategic dilemma that every shooter faces multiple times per quarter: take the two-goal attempt from range, or work the ball closer for a higher-percentage standard shot?

The answer isn't always obvious. The wrong decision - in either direction - costs goals. The best shooters develop a framework for making this choice under pressure, quickly and consistently.

The Expected Value Calculation

At its simplest, shot selection is a maths problem. Expected value equals probability of success multiplied by reward.

Super Shot example: A 50% shooter from the Super Shot zone has an expected value of 1.0 goals per attempt (0.5 x 2).

Standard shot example: An 85% shooter from under the post has an expected value of 0.85 goals per attempt (0.85 x 1).

In this scenario, the Super Shot is mathematically superior despite the lower percentage. The threshold varies by shooter, but generally: if your Super Shot percentage exceeds 42.5% of your standard percentage, the Super Shot has higher expected value.

Beyond the Maths

Pure expected value ignores important context. Several factors should influence shot selection:

Game State

Down by 6 with 2 minutes left? Aggressive Super Shot hunting is necessary - you need multiple two-goal swings to catch up. Up by 4 with 90 seconds remaining? Conservative standard shots protect the lead without gifting turnovers.

Time on the Clock

Early in Power 5, there's time to work the ball and create better opportunities. With 30 seconds left, a clean Super Shot look might be your last chance to score twice.

Defender Position

A Super Shot with no defender pressure is different from one with hands in your face. Read the defence before committing to range.

Rebounding Setup

If your GA is well-positioned for an offensive rebound, a Super Shot miss has a safety net. If not, the turnover risk increases.

The Decision Framework

Train your shooters to ask three questions before every shot during Power 5:

1. Am I balanced? A rushed or off-balance Super Shot rarely goes in. If you're not set, work closer or reset the attack.

2. What's the defence giving me? Tight defence at the edge suggests working inside. A defender who sags offers a cleaner Super Shot look.

3. What does the game need? Does the scoreboard demand risk, or reward patience? Make the decision that serves the team, not your stats.

Recognising Good vs Bad Super Shot Opportunities

Good Super Shot opportunity:

  • Clean catch in the zone with time to set
  • Defender more than arm's length away
  • Balanced stance, comfortable body position
  • Support positioned for potential rebound

Bad Super Shot opportunity:

  • Catching on the move or off-balance
  • Tight defensive pressure on the release
  • Rushed attempt with defender closing
  • No rebound support, high turnover risk

Training Shot Selection

Decision drills. Coach feeds ball to shooter in Super Shot zone with varied defensive pressure. Shooter must call "shot" or "work" instantly. Rewards for correct decisions based on pre-defined criteria.

Game state scenarios. Set up specific situations - down 4 with 1 minute left, up 2 with 3 minutes remaining - and let shooters practice decision-making in context.

Video review. Analyse Super Shot attempts from training and matches. Was the decision correct? Was the execution the problem, or the choice?

Team-Level Strategy

Shot selection shouldn't be purely individual. Teams should develop guidelines:

  • Which shooter has the best Super Shot percentage? She gets priority on long-range attempts.
  • At what score margin do we become aggressive/conservative with Super Shots?
  • When do we deliberately work for Super Shot opportunities vs standard shots?

These guidelines reduce decision burden on individuals and create consistency across the team.

The Discipline to Pass Up Shots

Perhaps the hardest skill is passing up a Super Shot opportunity that looks tempting but isn't optimal. Shooters are trained to shoot - resisting that instinct requires discipline.

Frame it positively: passing up a 35% Super Shot for an 80% standard shot isn't weakness - it's smart netball. The best shooters have the confidence to decline bad opportunities.

Evolving Your Approach

Track your shooters' conversion rates from different zones. The data should inform decision-making. If a shooter converts 60% from range, she should be hunting Super Shots. If she's at 30%, she should be more selective.

This data also helps opponents scout you. Vary your approach to remain unpredictable while staying within expected value guidelines.

Shot selection in the Super Shot era is a skill that separates good shooters from great ones. Train it deliberately, review it constantly, and trust the framework when the pressure is on.

Where to Go Next

Ready to improve your shooters' technique and decision-making? Explore our shooting drills and session plans:

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defending goal ANSWERS
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Goalkeeper priority? Defend/go with opposing shooter OR watch the ball for an intercept?

Should a goalkeeper, slow on her feet and reaction time, focus on defending her opposing shooter or watch the ball for an intercept.  She is having difficulty doing both at the same time. She is playing in a 9A competition and is playing goalkeeper mainly due to her size?  Any advice would be appreciated.  Thank you.

Archived User Coach

Morning - Can you please tell me, is there a rule to?

Morning - Can you please tell me, is there a rule to prevent this? Where a GK or GD is defending a goal, can they hold one another back by their t-shirts thus allowing them a further reach? For instance, the GK grabs the GD's tshirts to that she may lean further over, enabling her hand to go right over the ball, as they are so tall already? Thanks!!

Archived User Coach

Intimidation?!

My GD was do face marking in a game and doing a fantastic job at blocking the GA entering the circle and not being able to shake her off, the umpire for the other team repeatedly called her for intimidation.To me it did not appear to be intimidation and the player herself umpires and sees this in many of the high level games. She is not pushing, no arms are used in fact it is the other players pushing into her. Is this intimidation I thought that was a pretty tough call. What constitutes as intimidation?

Archived User Coach

Shooting partners screening in the goal circle?

Hi, Wondering if any one can clarify the ruling for shooting partners screening in the goal circle? Our GA has screened effectively so far this season but was pulled by the umpire today when screening the GS? She hadn't contacted either defender, and was at 90cm distance, so we were left a little confused?? Is there a set distance they need to be away from their shooting partner?? She was told she was too close and a penalty pass given to the defender. Advice greatly appreciated %3A)

Nicola White Coach, Australia

quick feet on second defense for an older person

Good morning. I need help urgently for a older person. She is playing WD and I don't know how to help her on getting on defense quicker. Thank you in advance.

Archived User Coach

Can you have arms raised while waiting for rebound?

Can a shooter or defender stand under the goal ring with arms raised waiting for shot to be taken if they are within 3 feet of opposition player. They are not defending the player taking the shot. eg: GA was taking shot, GD was defending the shot. GS was standing directly in front of GK with her arms raised waiting to see if shot was to be rebounded.

Liz Papworth Coach, Australia

Game plan for 2 tall goalies which lack footwork/movement?

We have two tall goalkeepers which hold the space, does anyone have a game plan which suit two keepers who play similar games? They lack footwork and movement, and this needs improving!

Ely Haussen Coach, Australia

Defending tall goal shooter

How can I teach my players to defend against a very tall goal shooter?

Lilly Moore Coach, Australia

How to Defend a lob pass into the goal circle

Defending a lob into the goal circle

Archived User Coach

Shooting options on tall goal defenders

How can GS and GA help each other in circle when defenders are tall, intimidating and high contact (ie putting hand on ball when setting up to shoot, putting hand over face). Can GA stand between GS and GK to give GS a clearer shot?

DYC Netball Coach, Australia

Defending goal assertiveness

Need help getting new defenders to understand how to defend the goal assertively without being contacted

Kylie Coach, Australia

Defending a more agile GA

I have a older goal defense and she is playing alot younger quicker goalies, how can I get her to slow them down? Asked using Sportplan on Mobile

Ange piggott Coach, Australia

Goal Defence defending shooter tips

Hello - i am looking for a few GD tips on the best way to defend a shooter that receives the ball a couple of ways as i always struggle to get around them when they do these moves! First way is that the shooter lunges out very wide (practically doing the splits) to receive the ball from the feeder on the circle edge and steps back closer to the net with the foot that is closest. I can defend her getting close to the net, but then she turns to the feeder and jumps and splits - thus always ending up close to the net. The second way is when the shooter stays quite stationery under the net, a couple of foot off the back line and holds her space there. she receives the ball by a large over head pass, so she steps back slightly on one leg to receive the ball from the feeder. what would be the best way to defend all the large overhead long passes to her, or draw her out? any help or some ideas i can try would be great! thank you :-)

paula xox Coach, England

Obstructing player with back to the ball less than 3 feet away.

I am a coach and an umpire, but i have been doing more coaching than umpiring of late. I have noticed a particular peculiarity with regards to the obstruction rule that i have seen more and more than i really do not think is correct. I have politely challenged asking the umpires concerned and also a second opinion from another umpire and they agree with me.We have had a defending player who is standing less than a foot away with her back to the person shooting with her arms up who is clearly interfering with the shot. The explanation i was given by the umpire that let this go unchallenged said that as long as the player can bring her arms up to shoot that is ok.My argument is that if a side or goal line pass is taken and the defending player has her back to the playing taking the pass then that shouldn't be challenged either.I agree that sometimes when the shot is under the post it is difficult to get 3 feet or with covid rules 4 feet away. But a lot of shooter follow there shoot through before releasing the ball, and when this is impeded sure all of these things constitute obstruction.Please help me, because although i am pretty confident that i am right and this umpire, and a number of other umpires i have noticed are doing the same. Can i please have feedback.

Maria Massey Coach, England

Muscles used

what muscles are used when a goal keeper is defending a goal shooter

bella Coach, England

How to defend strong GA and GS

When does a GD defend a strong mobile GA who seemlessly moves around the circle with ease? My GD has difficulty defending such a player

Joseph Comito Coach, Australia

Goal Defence defending shooter...

Hello - i am looking for a few GD tips on the best way to defend a shooter that receives the ball a couple of ways as i always struggle to get around them when they do these moves! First way is that the shooter lunges out very wide (practically doing the splits) to receive the ball from the feeder on the circle edge and steps back closer to the net with the foot that is closest. I can defend her getting close to the net, but then she turns to the feeder and jumps and splits - thus always ending up close to the net. The second way is when the shooter stays quite stationery under the net, a couple of foot off the back line and holds her space there. she receives the ball by a large over head pass, so she steps back slightly on one leg to receive the ball from the feeder. what would be the best way to defend all the large overhead long passes to her, or draw her out? any help or some ideas i can try would be great! thank you :-)

paula xox Coach, England

What is the best way for a Goa...

What is the best way for a Goal Keeper to defend, especially within the semi circle. ? Should they watch the ball then try to intercept any ball going to Goal Shooter or just mark up their partner?Submitted via email

Sportplan Team Coach, United Kingdom

best way to teach defending a ...

best way to teach defending a lob pass. My girls are very short so opposing teams constantly lob.

Lyn Walker Coach, Australia

Goalkeeper priority? Defend/go...

Should a goalkeeper, slow on her feet and reaction time, focus on defending her opposing shooter or watch the ball for an intercept.  She is having difficulty doing both at the same time. She is playing in a 9A competition and is playing goalkeeper mainly due to her size?  Any advice would be appreciated.  Thank you.

Archived User Coach

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