Explore the useful Netball Skills to improve your Game

How much of a sports person are you, or simply how much do you know about the games that are not really common?

If an analysis is to be believed then there are as few as 30% people who even know about a game that’s not really popular. This number moves up and down depending on the involvement of the people shown in various games.

One such game that has just gained some pace is Netball but there are not enough people who know about the necessary Netball skills and techniques that have an important role to play in the game and its development over the next couple of years.

Here is some knowledge that you might be seeking about Netball –

Netball is an thrilling, speedy and skillful game that is played between two teams of seven players each, striving to keep or gain possession of the ball. The team with the greater number of goals at the end of the game is the winner.

There are set positions in a netball team and these positions will limit where the player can be on the court.

1. Goal Shooter - Works in and around the semi-circle with the GA to score goals
2. Goal Attack – Works with the Goal Shooter to score goals
3. Wing Attack - Flanks the offensive players giving them shooting opportunities
4. Centre - Links the defence and the attack 
5. Wing Defence - Prevents Wing Attack from passing and to look for interceptions.
6. Goal Defence - Intercepts the ball and prevent passes to the Goal Attack
7. Goal Keeper - Prevents the GA/GS from scoring goals within the semi-circle and works with GD

The netball court, which is just bigger than a basketball court, traditionally measures up at 30.5 metres (or 100ft) long and 15.25 metres (50 ft) wide.

While Netball developed first as a game predominantly played by women and girls, it is now played by boys and girls, women and men.

Netball’s statistics in Australia are high and the game is gaining some acceptance in other countries as well –

With approximately 360,000 players registered, the game was first ever played in 1897. The game is played under the nickname Diamonds, the game has an extensive number of female participants. Estimations state that of 188,800 people attending netball matches 130,800 are females of the country.

With all the basics about the sport being listed it is important to mention the skills and the techniques that make the players of the game excel at all levels. This is also an important aspect because having the right kind of knowledge about the sport is the thing that will help them go ahead with it in all forms – whether it is being played as a hobby or as a competition.

But, before you even go ahead it is crucial you know about the rules of the game, so here are these are listed for some quick information –

1. A match consists of four quarters lasting 15 minutes each.
2. Each team can have a maximum of 7 players and a minimum of 5.
3. The court must be divided unto 3 sections, with each player holding a specific position on the court.
4. If a player moves into a position that they shouldn’t be in, they will be deemed to be offside.
5. Players cannot hold the ball for more than three seconds.
6. Players cannot take more than 1.5 steps when in possession of the ball.
7. The ball must go through the ringed hoop for a goal to be given.

Here are some important netball skills that you could look into for some information -

The very concept of the game rests on three major areas – footwork, passing, and shooting.

In all of these three areas it is mandatory to practice few netball skills that will in all cases give you an upper hand in your game. Remember, that going wrong in any of these three majors could mean lacking in the overall win of the game. The role of coaches and trainers in this area should to impart maximum knowledge and train the athletes in complete manner – right from the warm up exercises to the basic and advanced drills that will improve their overall game and techniques. There are a number of drills and techniques that can be practiced, but if you’re lacking in a particular area make sure you do enough to improve.

Remember practice is exactly what will drive you forward with the game, so put in your best efforts and perform as many drills; after all, it is always the better player and the better side that wins the match.