Superleague and internal player Berri Neil looks at why a good netball passing technique is important and when to use the different types of passes in a game. We’ve also got 3 drills for you to try in training.
Why is a good technique important?
A good passing technique is important in netball to maintain possession. Strong, accurate passes are less likely to be intercepted. Players need to be able to see and assess the best option in a split second whilst placing the ball with accuracy. This means having the ability to get over/around defenders too. Take all of this into account, and if our ball placement is even an inch out, it could leave room for a defender to get a tip on the ball or a clean interception.
Ultimately a good netball passing technique will lead to fewer errors and a higher possession %.
How do you get stronger passes in netball?
There are a number of ways you can get stronger passes in netball – the best advice I can give is volume – practice a number of passes daily or at every training session. It’s important to practice every style of pass because different passes will require different amounts of strength.
For example, a shoulder pass relies on using single-arm strength, and you will have a dominant arm. So it’s important to practise 2-handed and 1-handed passing so that both arms are equally strong.
In addition, strength and conditioning (S&C ) is important. Incorporating S&C into your training regime will make you stronger and there are some good upper-body exercises you can do to help improve your strength and accuracy when passing. S&C will also help your all-around balance and coordination which is crucial to pass with power and accuracy.
For example, you may need to step around a defender who has their arms up and over the ball. You will need balance and coordination to be able to step around and pass the ball correctly.
We have 7 player videos showing great upper body S&C exercises in our Member’s Area.
Access video and membership here
Types of passing in netball:
When to use a bounce pass
Bounce passes are most successful when used over a short distance. A bounce pass is commonly used in and around the shooting circle. This is because when players are bodying up against each other and there are tall defenders in the circle, it may be easier to place a bounce pass keeping it low, away from flying defenders. Also if a defender has big arms over the ball, you can trick them by bouncing it around them. A bounce pass is hard for a defender to tip or get their hands to in time for a clean interception.
When to use a chest pass
The chest pass is probably the most commonly used pass in netball and is also best used over short distances. A chest pass is great to use when the attacking player is not being marked (no arms over the ball) and there is a clear, short option in front of them. If a player is being marked, then they could use a chest pass to pass to a square option or a back option.
When to use an overhead pass
An overhead pass is versatile and can be used over short or long distances. Overhead passes are usually the most powerful passes as we are using both arms over our heads. So if we are looking for distance and height an overhead pass is a great option. It’s a really good way to get over a defender with arms over the ball and feed over tall defenders on the circle. Players can stay balanced when using this pass making it an accurate option.
When to use a shoulder pass
A shoulder pass is the best way to get around a 3-foot mark. So if we are ever under pressure and need to pass over a long distance, a shoulder pass will be our best friend. When we use a shoulder pass we can also use our non-landing leg to help us step around a defender meaning we can separate the ball from the arms over and give ourselves more space and a better vision. However, there are times when a player might need to use their non-dominant arm depending on the picture in front of them. So it’s important players are strong and confident passing from both arms for a shoulder pass in netball.
Now let’s look at 3 netball passing drills to improve strength, decision making and technique.
Netball passing drills
Passing drill 1
The first drill is very simple and starts with just four players.
Two feeders, one attacker, one defender. The attacker has to receive from one feeder turn and place the ball to the opposite feeder whilst getting around the defender’s arms over. The attacker has to think about which type of pass is best to use, thinking about the distance and the defender.
passing drill 2
The second netball passing drill is similar, but this time there are two attackers and two defenders in the middle. This time the attacker receives the ball from the feeder closest to them, then has to assess how to pass to the other attacker who has a defender. This means they will have two types of pressure: arms over their pass and a defender marking their teammate. Meaning the choice of pass is even more important. (They can always use the feeder and reset if there is no option).
Once the attacker has successfully passed to the other attacker the line is completed by the attacker passing to the feeder who did not start with the ball.
Passing Drill 3
This is a drill for the feeder! Start facing away from two attackers and one defender. The feeder turns, and as they turn, the attackers split and try to become an option, the defender chooses one attacker to follow and defend. The catch is that the feeder has to release the ball almost as soon as they’ve turned so the ball must be strong and accurate to hit the space the attackers are running into so even if they’ve thrown to the side the defender has chosen, the pass has a good chance of landing with the attacker.
Make it easier for beginners – in the first round, the feeder has longer to make a decision and can pass to the undefended player, easily sighting the obvious option. In the second round, make it harder by passing to the defended player, meaning the pass must be strong and accurate.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog on netball passing drills to improve your game.
About the author:
Berri Neil
GA/ GS Berri Neil is an international netballer currently playing in the UK Superleague.
More from Berri Neil:
3 netball shooting drills to improve accuracy
Group drills for shooters
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In this blog, we’ll prove why netball is a great sport and why we think everyone should play it. How it does wonders for your fitness, accuracy and your friendship circle.
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