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Netball Passing Drills

Netball Passing Drills

File Photo Credit: Wikimedia

Learning how to execute a variety of netball passes will up the level of the game and catch your opponents out.  Netball passes can be two-handed or one-handed, depending on your level of expertise and years of experience.  A sure sign that you are getting better at netball is when you start making one-handed passes to your team mates with relative ease.  Therefore, it is important for players to be proficient with using both hands to handle the ball. as a netball game becomes progressively more defensive at a higher level.  

 
At a beginner level, two-handed overhead passes are used more frequently by teams.  Mastering some basic techniques will enable you to develop a versatile range of throws that will keep your opponents guessing.    
 
Importance of a good pass
 

Good passes are produced not only from your hands, wrists and fingers. 

You’ll need to learn how to use your elbows, arms and entire body weight to generate speed and distance to propel the pass.  

As a beginner, work on the two-handed version of every pass to enable a good long throw.  The more experienced players can have a broader range of passes using both one- or two-handed versions, aiming for either high or low passes.

To improve your netball game, you need to focus on executing the following passing drills:   


File photo credit: http://1.bp.blogspot.compassing drills

Types of passes  

1. Bounce pass.  Two players can practice this pass in a small confined area with one other player acting as the defender.  This is a good pass for smaller and more confined spaces because defenders will try to close in and move the ball into the goal circle.   

2. Chest pass.  In a pair, players can practice the chest pass as it is easily controlled and works well for long and short distances as it is direct.   Practice by pushing the ball away from your chest outwards in one explosive movement. Aim for accuracy instead of speed of the pass.   

3. Flick pass.  Flicks catch the opponent unawares and are swift to execute in nature. They require the dexterity of your wrist to toss the ball.  In a group of four to five players, form a small circle by making sure every is two arm-lengths away from each other and practice flicking the ball among your group and assign a defender to intercept the ball.   The player that loses or causes the loss of possession will take over the role of defender.   

4. Lob pass.  Harder to execute, but can be delivered over a greater distance. Requires pinpoint accuracy but good for counter attacks.  This pass is good for going over the outstretched arms of defenders.  Two players practice the lob pass and try to extend the distance between each other to about one-third the length of the court.   

5. Shoulder pass.  A quick and powerful pass to push play forward and up the game's tempo. Requires accuracy and prevents interception of the ball when delivered at a team mate.  The goal is to use only one hand to propel the ball. This is a pass that can be practiced alone against a wall or between two players.

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