Netball: dont get left behind netball

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

Hi, does anybody know exactly where the coaches are allowed to stand during a game? I have asked a few people already and they are not 100% sure . It would be great if anyone has the correct answer to this and/or where I could find it? Thanks

Two months ago I started playing netball again after having my baby. Pre baby I was a good goaler, always got my shots in no matter where I was in the circle. First few games back I did okay with my movement and my shooting was pretty good considering also.Then one game I was really off with my shots, ever since then every single time i play, I over think and doubt my shooting. As a result I miss the ring completley and therefore fall more into this mental block.How do I get over this and get my ‘flow’ back? Asked using Sportplan on Mobile

hi i jut started playing GK for a local netball team and i am struggling abit, im not sure on what i can and cant do, ie jumping and waving my arms etc plz help

Hi there, I'm coaching for the 1st time this year - a group of year sevens. During practice I keep reminding them to move to the open spaces and not to bunch up. However they don't seem to grasp this. I have blown the whistle mid game and they have to freeze and then we take a good look at our positioning then they move into an open space they could use. They are a very talented team. Is there any drill/strategy I can use in order to stop them all running towards the ball together. They are keen for sure. Thanks. Trish

I am coaching 10 & 11yr old girls for the 2nd year purely because no one else wanted to do it - I've never even played netball and this site helps me every week, invaluable and we see tangible results. 1st year we won comp and championship, this year came 2nd in comp, champ starts this Sat. Two of the girls have told me their mums are changing them from this school team to another club (the one that won) next year 'cause "the coaching's not good enough for their child". All this teaches their child is that if your team isn't winning, go to another - forget about loyalty. Sometimes it difficult to take this on the chin. Any advice?

This season more than ever we are having to stand very physical opponents. Literally like a second skin (years ago it would have been called contact) with sly pushing and contact. At times they are leaning so much that if the goalies don't step back, they will fall over. Others are all elbows. Does anyone have any tactics, drills which we could try?

Hi there, we are in South Africa, and the Netball season is pretty much over until next year. What Drills and practices can my daughter do on her own to keep her eye and mind sharp? She will be in the schools 1st team next year if all goes well. This year she was chosen to play for the provincial team so we want to build on this achievement. She plays GA or GS and still practises her goal shooting but what else? Please help

How to defend a holding shooter

My friend coaches an under 13s team and when someone has the ball they all run for it like seagulls going for bread. The coach has told them many times to spread out and for not everyone to run to the ball at once but the girls keep doing it and they can't get the ball down the court.

Just wondering what is the best position to leave vacant if only 6 girls can attend a game. It's u11's with 2 brand new players & we are getting beaten by large margins & it's one of our seasoned players that will be off Asked using Sportplan on Mobile

How is the best way to defend a GS who is a foot taller than the GK and can hold faily well (and no exageration I have a very short team so putting a different defender wont change much )

My girls are 2 weeks away from the end of competition and they have made the semi finals. they are 13 and are C grade but they dont have that motivation and drive that is needed for a semi final match. i have been trying for a few weeks to get them pumped ready for the game but they just dont seem to get it or understand what a big deal it is and realise that all there hard work has payed off. i have been told by rep coaches that the reason they dont care is because they are 13 and C grade by i dont want to just give up on them. can anybody help or give me some tips that might help my girls.

Does anyone have a drill to encourage under 11's to come forward for a pass rather than asking for the overhead pass all the time as they are 'running away' from the ball in their haste to get to the circle?

Playing ball off post from back line pass

How do you advise your team as Coach when they come up against a rough and agressive team?  What is the best way to cope with rough play. Thanks

After my opponent release the ball can I use my body but not arms to block in front of her so as to prevent her from going to the front?( In centre third) If the opponent just run ahead and crash on the defender, is it a contact?Or in fact the action of the defender preventing the attacker to run towards goal third is obstruction or a rule called" causing contact"?

I have conflicting advice - don't teach too many court strategies ie C to WA to GS to GA from a centre pass as I have been told that it stiffles their thinking. But without this I find they all crowd the space and at 10yrs old it seems very difficult to get them to understand about reading who is already in that space.  Or perhaps I just aren't explaining that concept well??  And also when bringing the ball through the court from a goal line throw in at our GK end - same with strategies for that. Is it okay to say GK I won't you to throw it to GD, then GD to C and so on and this is where your area of the court is and I want you to stay in that area and try and get the ball there?  Keeping the WD on the otherside and making sure she doesn't cross over. Confusing over how much at this age we teach court strategies or perhaps they are know as plays.  Alice P

Are you allowed to mark another player off court if you remain on court??

Hi I have a player who has recently taken up another sport and cannot attend training at all but can attend the weekend game. We are half way through the season. I am not sure whether its fair to give this player as much game time as the other girls and just wanted to know what other coaches might do in this situation. Thanks