What Does a Captain do in Netball?

If you’ve been chosen as the captain of your netball team, it’s a significant honor. Take it to heart that your teammates and coaches see leadership qualities in you.

We had a conversation with Superleague captain and Elite Performance Coach Consultant Nat Panagarry to understand the role of a captain in netball, the qualities of a good captain, the necessary skills, and when it’s appropriate to approach an umpire during a game.

What qualities make a good netball captain?

If you’ve been selected as team captain, be proud and enjoy the opportunity. Let’s explore the traits of a good netball captain.

In my opinion, a netball captain should lead by example. Always strive to set the standard at training and in matches, regardless of your club or team’s expectations.

Set a positive example for your team—arrive early, work hard, show determination. Remember, being a captain doesn’t mean you have to be flawless. Everyone has good and bad days, but how you handle setbacks is crucial.

Rely on your teammates and coaches for support so they know they can depend on you as well.

What skills should a netball captain possess?

Netball captains have varying leadership styles—find yours.

Some captains lead through communication, motivating the team to perform better. Others lead by example on the court. Stay true to your communication style and don’t pretend to be someone you’re not.

Identifying your leadership style takes time. In my initial years as a Superleague captain, I took on too much, trying to be the perfect teammate at all times. I learned that this approach was unsustainable and affected my performance.

Remember, every voice in the team matters. The best captains ensure everyone feels valued and can contribute. Whether you’re the most experienced player or the newest addition, everyone has a role to play.

Listen to Tracey Neville discussing Eleanor Cardwell’s leadership on and off the court on Fox Netball.

Netball Captain Responsibilities

As captain, you don’t have to do everything yourself. Utilize other natural leaders in the team and foster a positive team culture.

Delegate tasks like leading warm-ups or team huddles to other players. Create an environment where everyone can lead in their own way.

Building a strong relationship with coaches and the team is part of the captain’s duties. You act as a link between staff and players, conveying concerns or desired changes from the team.

Be truthful with your teammates—some matters can be resolved within the playing group without involving the coaching staff. Determine what information needs to be shared and what can be addressed separately.

Game Day Responsibilities as a Superleague Captain:

Ensure the team is courtside on time

Lead team talks

Conduct warm-ups and group drills

Handle the coin toss

Communicate with umpires

Participate in pre, during, and post-match interviews/media

Assist with post-match recovery

Encourage team interaction with supporters

Approaching an umpire – Guide for netball captains

Effective communication with umpires is a key aspect of the captain’s role on game day.

Before the game, you can seek clarification on rules or any uncertainties you have.

During breaks, approach umpires for explanations on decisions or to address recurring behaviors on the court.

When to approach an umpire in netball

Here are instances when the captain may engage an umpire at quarter time to discuss on-court conduct:

Your GK is frequently penalized for obstruction. Seek clarity on the specific violations.

Understand specific rules, such as consequences of a player’s temporary removal from the court.

Remember, umpires have a demanding job and may miss certain details in the fast-paced game of netball. Stay focused and composed, refraining from emotional reactions to decisions.

As a captain, maintaining composure and representing yourself well are vital. Employ calming techniques to manage emotions and stay in the zone.

Excessive emotions can impact performance, so learn to control and refocus quickly for the benefit of your teammates.

Thank you for reading about the duties of a netball captain! To all the captains out there, relish the role, embrace the responsibilities, and remember that nobody is perfect. We are all works in progress, striving to improve daily.

About the author:

Nat Panagarry

Nat is a Superleague captain and a two-time Grand Final winner with her team.

She also serves as a Performance Coach Consultant at Elite Netball Academy, assisting players in weekly academy classes and camps to enhance their performance both on and off the court.