How to Defend in Netball: 9 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

FAQs

What are the different stages of Defence in netball? ›

What are the three stages of defending? Basic description is: Stage 1 - mark player to limit ball receiving options/attempt intercept; Stage 2 - once ball received use hands over/up to limit passing opportunities; Stage 3 - block/delay player from moving down court for next feed/set up.

Netball rules do not permit players to let their landing foot touch the ground again if it is lifted at all while in possession of the ball, so players can take 1.5 steps while holding the ball. Pivoting does not count as a step. Players are entitled to balance on the other foot if the landing foot is lifted.

Attacking team pass the ball around the area while defence try to restrict their space by staying on the outside and forcing them in. Place a time limit or number of interceptions before swapping teams over. Defenders position body so attacking player has to move towards the ball.

DEFENSIVE BLOCKING – DENYING SPACE – DELAYING THE MOVE

PURPOSE. To delay the attacking player's movement down court, by dictating, delay and denying the space available to the attacker. Slow down the fast rush of attacking play.

Stage 1 – Marking the player

Keep close to your opponent. Try to be ball side, forcing your attacker back up the court away from their shooting circle. Take on a side approach so you can see the attacker and also the ball. Standing slightly in front at a 45-degree angle can work too.

Defender turns to face attacker and implements 2nd stage defence (hands over ball to pressure pass). Your player then shadows the attacker along the sideline of the court before then rejoining the back of the line. Interception.

The defender may jump to intercept or defend the ball from this 0.9m (3ft) feet distance but you must ensure if you do jump to defend a ball, you do not land any nearer that 3ft or this is obstruction (i.e. shortening your distance). A penalty pass will be awarded if you obstruct a player as described above.

Wing defences also need to be well balanced and strong through the core and upper body, to hold position on the circle edge, contest the ball in the air and on the ground and dictate play off the line at centre passes.

Rules of Netball

If a player moves into a position that they shouldn't be in, they will be deemed to be offside. Players cannot hold the ball for more than three seconds. Players cannot take more than 1.5 steps when in possession of the ball.

To help you outwit your defenders and weave the netball up the court and to victory, we're giving you the lowdown on the 5 key netball passes; the chest pass, shoulder pass, overhead pass, bounce pass and lob, including how to practice them effectively by yourself and when to use them on match day.

Why is there a 3 second rule in netball? ›

Netball is a fast-paced sport mainly thanks to the three-second rule. When a player receives a pass, is taking a shot or a penalty throw, they have three seconds to release the ball. This keeps the game keeps moving at a pace and the potential recipient must work hard to provide a clear option for the thrower.

Flex the wrists as the ball is released off the fingers. Straighten your legs by extending the knees at the same time as you release the ball. End the shot standing on tiptoes with your arms extended and fingers pointing towards the ring.

Teams that operate with three central defenders are said to play “with a back three”. This three-player line of defence is traditionally flanked on either side by wing-backs. These are responsible for pushing forward in attack, but then recovering back to create a back line of five when their team is out of possession.

Principles. Taking the ball as early as possible and securing possession, landing balanced and sighting forward options. Playing through and round opposition, opening up spaces in-between and beyond opponents.