Run the Gauntlet (with ball)

DESCRIPTION

Set Up:

This could be run in groups of 4, or as a continuous circuit working across each third, swapping out defenders.

It could also be set up along the length of the netball court with more feeders along the side.

• Attacking player brings the ball through the boxes.

• They must catch the ball in each box then can catch in any box. 

• The attacking player should use their dodging and change of direction and pace skills to get around the defending player without contacting them, then move onto the next.
• Defending players initailly looking to stay man-on, rather than intercept ball

Variations/Progressions:

• Specify ballside passes only; no overheads
• Make it a challenge by timing how long it takes them to cross.
• Allow overhead passes, but only if the attacking player has done the work to move the defender forward and created space behind.
• Allow defending players to come off-body (not man-to-man); attacking player will still need to work to comit the defender to a particular direction/space
• Have 2 players working their way across the area with a ball.

This is a great practise for:

• attacking movements
• change of direction
• change of pace
• front/back cuts/rolls
• taking on defenders

COACHING POINTS

• Looking for a variety of movements to beat the defenders.
• No decision is wrong but it must be definite! Being definite in their movements will force the defenders to make a decision where to move and open a space. If they move in your direction, dodge and try again, or retreat and try again!
• Trying to avoid players getting caught up "dancing" with their opposition on court.
• This involves making quick decisions repeatedly based on what they see next ahead of them; it doesn't necessarily mean they have to be quick/sprinting the entire gauntlet!
• Using the length of the court will help develop perserverance! Allow them to go back to reset if they need to.