How to Play Netball Better

Co-authored by Kai Ng

Last Updated: January 17, 2025

Hoping to improve your netball game? You're in luck—this fun and simple sport is easy to practice just about anywhere. Keep reading for some tips, tricks, and suggestions on how you can become an even better netball player.

1

Add more exercise to your schedule.

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If you're at school, try to join in any sport games or activities to give you the opportunity to exercise with others. Do as much as you can to become fitter. It is very important that you can run a lot and be agile during a netball game.

2

Practice your skills with a friend or with your coach.

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Make sure you know these skills well.

3

Know the game.

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Read as many books about the game as you can or read online tutorials about netball that can give you more knowledge about the game.

4

Join a netball club if you haven't joined one yet.

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5

Ask your coach or friends questions about the game.

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Also, don't pressure them but just ask them when they are free or when the subject has popped up.

6

Watch some professional netball games.

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It can even help you in your game. It doesn't matter if the games are on TV or at school, always watch a game when a game is going on.

7

Try different positions in the game as you increase in confidence.

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You might find you prefer new positions over the ones you started out in. Whatever you do, remember that the main rule of the game is to have fun, play safe, be a good sport. Most of all, be confident and remember that practice makes perfect!

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Question

How do I play wing attack?

Community Answer

Wing attack doesn't have a special job like a goal shooter who shoots or a goal keeper who defends shots. Wing attack is there to get the ball to the shooter, so you need to be fast on your feet and alert.

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How do I avoid making contact with other players?

Community Answer

Be careful about where and how you are standing/running when your opponent receives the ball. You must also make sure not to pull or hit the ball out of a player's hand. Remember, don't push your opponent out of the way to get space to receive the ball. Although the ball may not be anywhere close to you or your opponent, you are still not playing fairly.

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I play goalkeeper and I'm in 1st team, but I feel like my coach only has me in GK because I have more experience in that position than others. What do I do?

Community Answer

Think this as a positive thing. Obviously your coach sees potential in you and that position. If you don't like GK, just train your hardest to work on the position you like to prove the coach wrong.

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Tips

Maintain consistency with regular running sessions to improve endurance over time.^{[1]
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Kai Ng
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Expert Interview}

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Gradually increase the duration of your runs, starting with 10 minutes and adding more time each session.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Kai Ng
Certified Running Coach

Expert Interview}

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Don't get distracted during a game or training session.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Thoroughly study the rules, positions, and offensive/defensive strategies in netball. Read instructional books, articles and watch video breakdowns to deepen your knowledge. Understanding the full scope of the game, not just your role, allows you to anticipate plays and make better decisions. Also, don't hesitate to ask your coach questions during practice about things you don't fully grasp.
For accurate shooting technique, employ the "BEEFF" method — Bend knees deeply to lower center of gravity, Eyes focused directly on the ring, Elbows sharply angled, Feet shoulder-width apart for balance, Flick wrists sharply to direct the ball. Mastering this sequence takes repetition but pays off in higher shooting percentages. Enlist a teammate to pass to you while you practice.
As a defender, closely shadow the offensive player you are marking, anticipating their movements and directions. Switch positions seamlessly as they cut or screen. This "right on their hip" maneuvering allows you to potentially intercept passes and immediatly block shots. Mastering this skill requires mental focus and agility.
Resist the tendency to compare your abilities to other players which can hurt your confidence. Instead, focus on your own growth with a positive mindset — identify weaknesses to refine as well as strengths. Also openly seek feedback from coaches on areas needing work. Believing in your own capability beats jealousy.
Improve your cardiovascular fitness by incorporating regular cardio exercise such as running, swimming, or biking into your routine. The better your endurance, the longer you'll be able to exert full effort during those intense netball games without getting winded. Aim for at least 30 minutes daily if possible.
Stay vigilant about hydrating frequently during practices and games by keeping water bottles handy. Drink water not just when you're thirsty, as dehydration directly undermines energy, concentration, and performance. Well-hydrated muscles also operate at peak efficiency and recover quicker from exertion.

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Warnings

Never argue with the umpire.

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If someone is cheating, inform your coach before the umpire.

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