How to Teach Netball

The game of netball is very similar to basketball with some exceptions. The court is divided into three lengthwise sections. A total of seven players for each team are on the court at one time, as opposed to five at a time during basketball. Each team member has a specific duty to perform during the game. The netball hoop sits on top of a post in the center of a shooting half circle, and it does not have a backboard.

Things You'll Need

  • Netballs
  • Colored shirts
  • Marker
  • Netball court
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Instructions

  1. Teaching The Game

    • 1

      Educate players on the basic rules of the game prior to running any drills. Players cannot hold the ball for more than three seconds at a time or move more than two steps with the ball. Never assume they already know how to play.

    • 2

      Explain the seven different positions to the players so they have a good understanding of what each team member will be doing and where they will be located. Some positions are not allowed to enter the shooting circle and some are not allowed to leave certain areas of the court.

    • 3

      Take the players to the court and teach them the rules regarding passing. Demonstrate more advanced rules like pivoting. Incorporate players to help with the demonstration.

    • 4

      Pair teammates and give each pair a ball.

    • 5

      Instruct them to practice passing to each other. Introduce pivoting into the passing practice after a few minutes. Players must be able to pass and use proper footwork while passing to be successful as a team.

    • 6

      Buy 14 shirts, seven of one color and seven of another. Write the abbreviations of the positions on the backs of the shirts with a large marker. Divide the players into two teams and give each squad their shirts to wear. If you do not have enough players to make two teams of seven, solicit help from family, friends or classmates. By now, you will need to have decided which players are the best in certain positions.

    • 7

      Play a practice game. Blow a whistle when an incorrect move or pass occurs so you can correct it before it becomes a habit. Communicate clearly the incorrect action so players know what was done incorrectly and how it should have been done.

    • 8

      Run drills to help the team build skills, such as shooting the ball, passing, pivoting and jumping. A drill can be non-shooting and consist of the members passing the ball to each other repeatedly while moving up and down the court. This helps them focus on passing.