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unit DRILLS
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Dictating a Centre Pass

Set up 3 cones along a transverse line, one in the middle, one at the edge of court and one in between these. Have one defender behind the line and one in front. The attackers aim is to come over the line to receive a Centre pass, inbetween the inside cones. If the attacker receives the ball: In between the middle cones: 1pt to the attacker In between the outside cones: 1pt to the defenders Keep score out of 6 attempts. The defenders need to be aware of each other and work to restrict the movements of the attacker.

Defence

Gladiators

This drill works best with the full squad (10+ players). One feeder stands at the side of each third of the court (white in the diagram). These players are on the same side as the attacker (red 1 in the diagram). There are 2 defenders in each third (blue in the diagram). Using just half the width of the court, Red 1 has to work their way down the court receiving three passes from the player at the side of the court, in each third.

Defence

Intercept with Active Feeder

Have two feeders passing a ball back and forth about 5m apart.  Position two cones on either side of one feeder, making a gate. The defender has to run between one gate after an intercept, before making the next intercept, alternating sides. The feeder at the opposite end has the option of holding onto the ball if the defender moves too early. If this happens then the other feeder who was set to receive the ball will move in between the cones that the defender has just come from, to receive the ball out to the side. This will help the defender recognise if they are moving too early or too late and make them recover to move back for the intercept.

Interception

Modified game for interception and cover defence

Goal Keeper floats to the top of the circle and drives to either side of the area to intercept balls that are fed up to the opposition's Goal Attack/ Wing Attack. By moving to try and intercept the ball your player will inevitably leave a hole. To ensure this hole isn't exploited by the other team it is important that the Goal Defence drops back to cover the direct throw to the red team's Goal Shooter.

Decision making

Pivot and Pass

Split your players into groups of 4 with one ball. Each group forms 2 lines. The front person from the 1st line (red player) runs out to receive ball from the blue player at the front of the other line. After receiving the ball they pivot and throw to the next person in their line. Players then sprint to rejoin the back of their line. Repeat Try to get this activity to be free flowing and continuous

Movement

Shadowing

Players run in pairs along the length of the court. The defender runs alongside the attacker, trying to keep the attacker on the outside edges of the channel by turning their body as the attacker jogs/ changes direction. Do this four times and then swap roles.

Defence

The Three Musketeers

Split players into 3s. White players are attackers, the blue players are the defenders. The 3 attackers aim is to get to the other end of the court. They must make 3 passes in each third before progressing to the next one (3 defenders in each, this can start as static defence and gradually become more active as the attack progresses). Players attack up the court twice and then down the court twice before switching with the next group of three.

Group practices

Two Balls, Two Games

Two way game of netball with 2 teams and 2 balls! Each GK starts the game at their end with a throw-in from the back line. Each team has to look after their ball and give their GS opportunity to score. If their GS scores the ball goes back to the opposition's GK.

Group practices

Unit defense

4 players. 1 ball.White 1 and 2 are defence, working as a unit. Blue 1 and 2 have a ball. They pass between them and also into the area between.(Loose passes). Whites must call for the ball and cover each other to pick off the passes. Then feed to either blue and play on.

Zone defence

Wing Attack

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

Roles & responsibilities

Small Unit Possession Warm ups...

Cone out a square, 5m x 5m, with 3 attacker's and 2 defenders inside.The attackers are just keeping score of how many passes they can make.

General

Unit defense Zone defence - Ne...

4 players. 1 ball.<br>White 1 and 2 are defence, working as a unit. Blue 1 and 2 have a ball. They pass between them and also into the area between.(Loose passes). Whites must call for the ball and cover each other to pick off the passes. Then feed to either blue and play on.

General

3 Across Group practices - Net...

Using the width of a third create 3 lines either side of the third (a minimum of 12 players is required for this drill to be effective) The first row of 3 (RED) will have one ball and work it to the other side (1, 2, 3)The ball is passed off to the next set of 3 who will do the same (4)HOWEVER the 3 players who were just attacking (RED) will now defend the next set of 3 who they just passed the ball tooNOTE: The GREEN players who have just defended will go behind the BLUE and get ready for their turn to attack

General

2 vs 1 in the Circle Zone defe...

The 2 defenders inside the circle must ensure one of them is always marking the attacker inside the circle. While one player marks the defender, the other should be covering the space and looking to make the interception.

General

Netball: Restricted Zone Passi...

Divide your players into 2 teams. The attackers (blue) have to try and keep the ball, passing from the left side of the playing area and taking it through the defender's territory into the 'restricted area'. Attackers must complete 10 passes before being allowed to enter the restricted zone - if they manage to do this they score a point. To prevent the attackers from scoring though the defenders have to use the 3 stages of defending to gain possession of the ball.

General

1 vs 1 Defending in the Circle...

Slowly the two attackers pass the ball back and forth down the court towards the circle. The defender must move to the ball side of the player inside the circle. The defender must remain on their toes and keep moving as the two attacking players can put the ball into the circle at any point.

General

Figure of 8 defence Defence - ...

Players work in pairs with one ball and three cones, placed in a triangle. The feeder stands above the top of the triangle. Using quick, small steps the worker has to rotate around the cones in a figure of 8 before then receiving the ball and returning it to the feeder at the top of the triangle.

General

Tag Warm Up Warm ups - Netball...

Create a box out of cones in the middle of one third.3 attackers start in this area with the ball. 3 defenders are positioned around the box in the third. The attackers aim is to reach the outside lines by running with the ball, but they can only do this one at a time.The defenders aim is to tag the attackers to prevent them from reaching the third edges.If an attacker is tagged they then pass back to another attacker in the box, who will attempt to run to the sideline.Attackers need to find and create gaps.

General

Netball: Modified game for int...

Goal Keeper floats to the top of the circle and drives to either side of the area to intercept balls that are fed up to the opposition's Goal Attack/ Wing Attack. By moving to try and intercept the ball your player will inevitably leave a hole. To ensure this hole isn't exploited by the other team it is important that the Goal Defence drops back to cover the direct throw to the red team's Goal Shooter.

General

Netball: Cover Defence - Ball ...

Two defenders work inside a circle of players with one ball. The red players must pass the ball around the group and try to keep possession. The two defending players must work together to mark the ball, keeping the 3ft distance, while the other defenders 'zones' the space. So, if Red 1 receives the ball, Green 1 (the nearest defender) calls &quot;ball&quot; and goes to cover the ball and Green 2 moves back, calls &quot;hole&quot; and zones the area.

General

One-Two, Driving Shooting Shoo...

Set up two equal lines of players, stood behind the post.Each player has to run out to a cone on the edge of the shooting circle where they then receive a pass landing with one-two footwork. Players then take a shot, and collect the rebound.After collecting their own rebound players rotate positions. The shooter goes to edge of the shooting circle with the ball and the player previously outside the shooting circle joins the back of the line.Drill then continues.

General

Running the Gauntlet (with bal...

To be played in groups of 8. 2 defenders stand in each section of the court. 2 attackers work their way down the court passing the ball between them. They must make a given number of passes in each third before progressing to the next third. Defenders must stay within their own third. Progression<br />You could put 3 defenders in each third.

General

The Three Musketeers Passing -...

Split players into 3s. White players are attackers, the blue players are the defenders. The 3 attackers aim is to get to the other end of the court. They must make 3 passes in each third before progressing to the next one (3 defenders in each, this can start as static defence and gradually become more active as the attack progresses). Players attack up the court twice and then down the court twice before switching with the next group of three.

General

holding your defence Shooting ...

Set up: Split players into groups of at least 7 with 1 ball using the goal third. Number 1 starts with the ball. <hr /> The Drill: Player 1 passes the ball to number 3. Meanwhile number 2 holds her defence and turns to receive the second pass and shoots at goal, with number 1 moving in for the rebound. Player 3 can call as she receives the ball for number 2 to turn Player 2 must hold firmly and try to remain directly in between the defence and number 3.

General

shooting rotation practice Sho...

Three players perform this drill with two balls. Two players stand by the post with a ball each, while the third player is stood outside of the circle. Player one shoots and then collects the ball, before player two passes the ball to the players who is outside of the circle, who then returns the ball to player two outside of the circle. Player three then moves in towards the post to receive the final pass in the sequence, and shoots before collecting the ball. Player one in the mean time, starts the same pass sequence with player two, who is now the new player outside the circle, and the drill continues in this fashion.

General

unit DRILL CATEGORIES
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Attack Drills
Attack Drills
unit SESSIONS
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Developing Dominant, Tight Uni...

Build up a dominant defence and get on the way to winning matches with this week's session!

Developing Defensive Units up ...

Transition from attack to defence seamlessly by working in small units to regain court position and maintain shape so you?re not wide open to the counter-attack.

Forcing errors and making inte...

Develop your player's defensive ability, allowing them to practice their 3 stages of defence in order to force errors and successfully obtain interceptions.

Denying Space - Driving Defenc...

Get your players making more interceptions with this run round the side and snatch the ball away session!

Defending Principle: Understan...

The circle is a shooters domain, but it?s got to get there in the first place. Discover the value of mid-court players when playing in the circle.

Speedy, accurate footwork to outwit your opponent

Develop your players understanding of the importance of fast footwork to deceive their opponent and gain more chances on goal.

Dummy the Defence with a Reverse Pivot

Dummy the defence with a Reverse Pivot and get on the attack with this session!

Developing confident, decisive players up and down the court

Develop your players decision making and communication skills in order to gain or maintain possession of the ball and control the pace of the game.

Limit Attacking Options through Zone Defence!

Deny and limit the opposition's play in your next match with this week's session!

Move into space to receive the ball and lose the defence!

Develop your player's ability to get free and move into space to receive the ball effectively under pressure, ensuring they lose their defender to maintain possession.

Effectively finding space

Develop your players ability to create and penetrate space, working as a unit to provide offers for the ball carrier.

Maximising interceptions

Develop your players understanding and use of fast, accurate footwork to make successful interceptions or force an error.

Giving the first time ball to get the ball A to B as quick as possible

Develop your players understanding the importance of giving the right pass and giving a first time ball.

Working the circle to maximise shooting options

Build upon your players shooting technique and movement inside and outside the circle. Focus on getting your players to work together as a tight attacking unit to maximise chances on goal.

Passing options, accuracy and handling

Providing options to the ball carrier, accurately passing and possessing good ball handling skills, allowing your attackers to fly through the court!

Defending Principle: Developing the 1m mark to apply maximum pressure on the ball

Develop your teams defensive capabilities by encouraging tight marking to limit the ball carriers passing options and to create the interception.

Defending the Circle - Being Ball Side!

This session looks at developing your players defending skills focusing on how to effectively limit the space for the shooters in the circle, remaining ball side to gain possession of the ball.

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.

All out fitness session

Develop your team's stamina and endurance through a series of fun and challenging practices that caters for all abilities.

Developing rebounding skills to maximise success on goal for the shooters

Develop your team's rebounding ability in order to secure possession and provide more opportunities at goal.
unit ANSWERS
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How do you train to get past a zone defence.Kind regardsMadeleine

How do you train to get past a zone defence. Kind regards Madeleine

Archived User Coach

hi i jut started playing GK for a local netball team?

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

Archived User Coach

How do I teach my team to read the play?

I coach a team of U15 girls who vary in their ability. Our play from the baseline throw in is disjointed and the ball is often intercepted as a result. What is the best way to teach the girls to read each others play and operate as a smooth unit?

Danielle Bridgette Schoer Coach, Australia

I need some defensive circle communication drills

Hi, I am struggling to locate some drills that I deliver on communication between my circle defensive unit. I have the forming a v around a single shooter with the back player directing the front defender. but maybe some space ownership drills would help with the communication and relationship between the players.I look forward to hearing some great ideas as always.Donna

Donna Bradshaw Coach, England

What to say in a pre game team talk

Hi all.....Just curious on how everyone approaches a pre-game team talk and any suggestions you might have for a group of 17 year olds? Thanks, Lyn

Lyn Coach, Australia

What is the best way to break a mid court zone

How do I coach my players to break a mid court zone

Kaye kennedy Coach, New Zealand

U16's selection criteria

HiWe have our U16's trials coming up. I haven't coached or selected this age group as yet. What would you look at in ability and skill level for U16's?

carie williams Coach, Australia

What makes a good defender?

What makes a good netball defender? Whether it be WD, GD, GK.Also, how do you know what defending position is good for you? Right now, I am really struggling to know where I stand as a defender. Sometimes my coach puts me as WD or GK but I do not know which one I am better at.

Nicole Ogunlaja Coach, England

How do people plan for the season?

Our new season starts in September. When planning do coaches plan for the entire season? The first four sessions? The first three months? Also do you start with maybe four sessions on defence then four on attack? Or do you mix it up?

Kelly Skiller Coach, England

Young players giving up in a loosing game

hi everyone, I coach an under 9 netball team. As usual we have a variety of skill levels in the team. On Saturday, we lost by a lot. That didn't trouble me - it was the attitude of a few girls that really disappointed me. They gave up. They stopped running, staying with (or even near) their opponent, stood still with their hands by their sides and refused to play.AAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I sat them down after the game and said that I don't care about the score board, I care about your effort. When you stop trying you let the whole team down. When you look like you can't be bothered, that leaves me feeling like I can't be bothered either!Ok, what should have I done? help please oh learned coach friends!Thanks, Melissa

Melissa Mee Coach, Australia

Communication on the court

My team has trouble communicating during games, but not in training. How can I encourage and improve their communication on the court? Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Grace Bright Coach, Australia

Basic drills needed using limited resources

I am a PE teacher looking for beginner drills to teach about 100 students at a time. I am thinking of running a circuit type session with anywhere from 4 - 8 groups. I am looking for simple drills that I can do with limited resources, so the students are able to grasp the basics to be able to play some games at the end of the unit of work.

Adrian van Bussel Coach, Australia

Team devleopment of weakest team in the league

how do we develop a weaker team that keeps being beaten at every game by all of the other teams in the league - do you have any suggestions or should we push back and ask for a more even split of teams?

Claire Bunce Coach, England

Defence

what is best defence strategies to use to block all the way for opponent and intercept or still the ball?

victor nesphory Coach, United Kingdom

What to say in a pre game team...

Hi all.....Just curious on how everyone approaches a pre-game team talk and any suggestions you might have for a group of 17 year olds? Thanks, Lyn

Lyn Coach, Australia

How do I teach my team to read...

I coach a team of U15 girls who vary in their ability. Our play from the baseline throw in is disjointed and the ball is often intercepted as a result. What is the best way to teach the girls to read each others play and operate as a smooth unit?

Danielle Bridgette Schoer Coach, Australia

hi i jut started playing GK fo...

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

Archived User Coach

What makes a good defender? | ...

What makes a good netball defender? Whether it be WD, GD, GK.Also, how do you know what defending position is good for you? Right now, I am really struggling to know where I stand as a defender. Sometimes my coach puts me as WD or GK but I do not know which one I am better at.

Nicole Ogunlaja Coach, England

How do people plan for the sea...

Our new season starts in September. When planning do coaches plan for the entire season? The first four sessions? The first three months? Also do you start with maybe four sessions on defence then four on attack? Or do you mix it up?

Kelly Skiller Coach, England

How do you train to get past a...

How do you train to get past a zone defence. Kind regards Madeleine

Archived User Coach

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