Netball: spacing on court

How to get players to think about position on court and timing

I coach 16 and 17 yr olds, so they are more than capable. I have one girl who already knows what do but her explanations are terrible and I dont know how to explain it to the rest of the team.

I have a strong team of u21's who play brilliantly, except for running into one another space. Is there a drill which focuses on clearing out before re-attacking as a group?

Hi all I am desperately seeking knowledge of court spacing. I am the coach of a team of 11 year olds and I don't have much playing history to speak of. The girls are still at that point where they all seem to lead for the ball and crowd the space around the ball. My problem is that I don't know the theory around who should be leading and who shouldn't be. I want to gain an understanding of the fundamentals of team play myself - who should be hanging back and who should be going for the next pass. I have done the Australian foundation coaching course but it didn't seem to cover this area. I would love to see a video of a coach teaching young players this concept. Does anyone know of any books, blogs, youtube videos that may come in handy? Thanks to all, love reading all the informative questions and answers.

I am in my second year of coaching my daughters team made up of 12 and 13 year old girls, though I've never played Netball myself. I have learnt much through this site and have used many drills posted here to help improve their overall play, so first of all, thanks to everyone who has contributed with drills, and the Q&A sections. The team has come on in leaps and bounds, from losing every game but one in the two years previous, to making the finals last year. But the one thing that really stands out in their game play at the moment is the tendency to chase the ball, thereby bunching up and leaving no one free to pass to. Playing positions is something that I've read other coaches talk about, though I don't really understand what it means. Do I need to divide the court up from starting positions and teach the girls to try and stay in their area? If so, how do I divide the court up? Do I stop the girls during half-court practice every time they leave their area?I touched on holding positions last training session and during our last game, and said something along the lines that although they need to be available on court for intercepts and passes, they also need to trust in their team mates to cover their own given area to get the ball, but I don't really know I'm on the right track. I would really appreciate any help in this area. I don't know how to go about this at all.

Does anyone have any good drils for coaching spacing on the court for a 12 year old and a 16 year old team?. The ones I use aren't very effective.

i have begun to coach an under 11's team and they don't talk to each other or work as a team and i was wondering if there was any good tips to get them to do so?

Does anyone have any good drils for coaching spacing on the court for a 12 year old and a 16 year old team?. The ones I use aren't very effective.

Ive got 2 girls that have never played before and they keep driving to catch the ball into the thrower's space, i've tried to tell them to move out the space and even spent a whole training session teaching the team how to use space on the court but they still keep trying to catch the ball next to or just in front of the player, does anyone know any drills that encourage driving away from the ball and down the court away from the thrower?

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.

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

Hello all, I have been coaching my u10's currently for 2 years now. They are a fabulous little team i.e. gs holds and defence box out etc however we are never winning games! They are currently playing up a year and after sitting back and watching what is going wrong I had noticed they all seem to be in one area so no-one can drive into a space to receive a direct fast ball. When this occasionally does happen the ball is not released fast enough and consequently intercepted! I was wondering if anyone has an tips on space, driving into space, and early passes! This team could be amazing if we sort this is out! Please help!!!!!!!!!

Hi I am a first year coach of a 9 and under team.My girls are struggling with the concept of running to space and receiving a pass on the move while advancing the ball to our attacking third.It seems no matter how hard i try to implement drills for passing at practice, come game day the girls still group together and call for the ball standing still. Any ideas/drills anyone could suggest would be greatly appreciated. Regards Mark

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

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......?????

Hi There, My Daughter runs in very big steps, I think if she runs in small quick steps, it will be better and quicker to dodge her defender? Any thoughts and or drills to help with this please? Love this page!!!

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 coach 16 and 17 yr olds, so they are more than capable. I have one girl who already knows what do but her explanations are terrible and I dont know how to explain it to the rest of the team.

Whats a good drill to help with coming infront of their partners instead of the immediate thought of dropping back for a pass?

I would like a drill that encourages the girls to find space and improve timing of throws.