Netball Techniques

Netball branched off from basketball in the late 19th century and still holds many similarities to its popular cousin. Women primarily played at its inception, although in current times, men and women in Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia play indoor and outdoor versions. Using different techniques, players shoot the ball through a hoop on a court, hoping to score more goals than their competitors. Fourteen players in two teams play during the four 15-minute quarters, and every person has a pre-determined role that dictates movement.

  1. Shooting

    • The goal scorer and goal attack players shoot the ball to score points. Focus on the goalpost and line your feet up with your shoulders. Hold the ball on your dominant hands fingertips, and use the other hand to both steady it and point it toward the net. Squat down with a straight back and head pointed up. Move your hands back to get momentum and throw the ball up and forward with a slight spin from your wrist. You will have the best chance of making the shot with a steep trajectory and ball aimed toward the back of the ring.

    Chest Pass

    • Because the chest pass is the most efficient and rapidest method of moving the ball, technique is vital. Choose your destination. Hold the ball as near to your chest as possible with your hands holding the back of the netball. Your thumbs should touch each other, and your fingers should look like a W. As you straighten yourself toward your destination, keep your legs shoulder-width apart with slightly bent knees. Take a step and throw the ball with the power of your elbows.

    Shoulder Pass

    • Use the shoulder pass when you need to throw the ball for a longer distance or over the other team's defenders. Position the ball on your throwing hand's fingertips, and steady it with the other hand while making a right angle with your shoulder. Bend your knees a little and move the foot on the side of the steadying arm forward. Take your steadying hand away, and push the ball by straightening your arm. As your weight goes to your forward foot, the ball will move toward your goal.

    Pivot

    • Depending on your position, you may not be allowed to take more than one step when you get the ball. You need to make the most of it so that you can place yourself in the right direction to pass to someone who can score or move the ball. To start, distribute your weight for maximum balance. Keeping one leg on the ground, point the other leg in your intended direction by rotating on the ball of your still foot. Swing your moving foot around to face the right direction and keep your upper body as still as you can. Move right into your pass or next move.