The Netball Mentor

Is was watching the Adelaide Thunderbirds game and it reminded me of how important “timing” and “good passing” is. It also reminded me that I must remember to teach this to my team.
It doesn’t matter about the age or grade. These two skills are essential for good flow and success at moving the ball down the court.
With little ones it starts with not crowding but to stay in your “space” until it’s your turn and then when the player lands and turns that’s when the next player makes her lead. This will develop correct timing and keep court structure and space on the court for clearer movement.
Now the correct passing - well there is a lot of layers in that statement.
The type of pass
The strength of the pass
The speed of the pass
The placement of the pass
Just to name a few.
We can all benefit from practice all types of passing and using all types of scenarios.
Oh and I think Thunderbirds could be the team to try and beat this year in SSN. Precision netball.

New year and new netball season! How exciting for everyone.

Your clubs will be starting registration and trials for teams and grading. With this in mind I thought a reminder to all of a few things.

1. Players need to practice now with passing and basic skills. Remember it’s been a few months off so you need to remind the brain and body of what to do .
2. Play any position required for trials. Absolutely put your positions down, yet sometimes we need people to try other positions. We cannot select a team of WAs.
2. Sometimes we don’t have the luxury of several teams per age group or division. So we need to work with abilities that are available. (Coaches can teach these required skills).
3. If you are lucky to have enough players for a few grades per division, then the selectors will usually, select in ability or potential order, 3 shooting players, 4 mid court players and 3 defenders.
4. The selectors cannot also select 3 of the same style of player e.g. 3 posting shooters. There needs to be variety of styles and ability.
5. Players show your sportsmanship and willingness to try hard on all occasions. It is another positive in the selectors mind.
6. If you may not get the team you were hoping to get, or the grade, that’s ok. Make sure you turn up, listen, apply and grow as a player and maybe next year your wishes will come.
7. Coaches and selectors, be careful not to get caught watching the flashy or loud players only. Be sure you watch every player on court and can give feedback as to your decisions on their ability. Also don’t get side swiped by other selectors opinions and taking your attention away from the game.

Lastly, putting teams together is tough. Clubs take a long time to find the right combinations and coaches and grades for all teams. Let’s appreciate their efforts.

Happy netball for 2026.

Our netball seasons are all over now as we head into the Christmas season.
It’s these moments that we take the time to be with loved ones and family. We celebrate the growth and the learnings of the year gone by.
For our netball families, we need to take the time to do the same. Celebrate our growth and learnings.
Too often we only talk in “wins and losses” or “championships and grand finals”.
What we forget is you can have lots of “wins” yet not be growing as a person or as a player/coach.
The hardest team to coach is the team who always wins. It’s hard to teach them something or for the players to try new strategies when the mind and competition doesn’t allow the opportunity.
So next time you talk with your netball friends, try to discuss what your growth and learnings were this season.
Or better still, tell your coach! They would love to hear what you got from the season and then you can discuss the next seasons plans.
Happy holidays. 🎄