Take lessons with a netball coach in Klerksdorp

Take Private Netball Lessons to Improve Your Game

If playing netball interests you, then you have landed in the right place to find out about the kinds of skills you will need as a beginner. In addition, you’ll find tips on how to practise on your own, why you should find a netball coach and the kind of kit you will need to get started.

The Right Kit

From private netball lessons for beginners to more advanced playing, remember that this is a game that is played in a team. Besides buying the kit to fit in, here are a few other considerations too:

• Knee and Ankle Support: Netball requires a lot of landing and jumping which is why many players go to the extra effort of strapping up their knees and ankles for extra support. This is a good way to prevent injuries and strains.
• Training Shoes: Invest in good running shoes, especially those that have a good sole and sturdy support. These will be your most important asset considering the fast pace of the game and the toll that it takes on both ankles and feet.
• Socks: Always wear two layers of socks or thick socks to alleviate friction and keep you comfortable during the game.

Netball players jostle up against each other a lot which is you won’t find a netball coach who allows jewellery, hair and long nails that will get in the way, on the court. Make sure that your hair is tied back, your nails are short and jewellery is left at home.

Fitness Level

Fast-paced and very dynamic, netball requires that players are seldom still and that they have a high level of fitness. Whether you’re sharing netball trainers with a group, or practising solo, there are skills that should be developed to improve your balance, stability and strength.

• Speed: Whether you’re leaping for the ball or changing positions or direction, there’s no doubt – netball is about speed. Incorporate drills like short sprints, low hurdles, stairs and skipping which can help to make you faster on the court.
• Endurance: Even the most impressive netball manoeuvres will be lost if you do not have the fitness and endurance needed to play a whole game. Running, cycling and swimming on the days that you are not at your private netball lessons are all ways to help you get fitter for the game.
• Strengthening Your Core:  Include regular planking into your exercise routine and use a Pilates ball or wobble board for arm and chest strengthening exercises that will strengthen your core.

Find a Netball Coach to Give You Practising Tips

Before we mention the types of drills that you should practise on your own, it is worth reminding you to always warm up before a match or practice session. Good ways to do this are with jogging, stretches and drills like these:

1. Practise passing the ball to someone with one hand and then with two hands.
2. Find a suitable wall, draw a chalk mark and practise throwing and catching from different distances from it.
3. Become both agile and fast by practising your dribbles in reverse, sideways and at different speeds.
4. Watch professional or first-team school games and concentrate on the player whose position you also play.

Look for Netball Trainers to Help You Find Your Position in the Team  

If you are yet to settle into one netball position, good advice would be to look for netball trainers in your area who could help you to become familiar with them all.

1. Goal attack: This position requires that the player works with both the centre and the wing to help move the ball to the goal shooter.
2. Goal shooter: This position requires accuracy, speedy reactions and a really cool head under pressure.
3. Wing attack: These netball players need agility, speed and the ability to quickly pass the ball to the centre.
4. Centre: Centres are as their name suggests - central to the game. They should be quick and adept at passing and receiving the ball too.
5. Goal Defence: Defenders work hard for the goalkeeper as they are the ones who block passes. They need a high level of fitness to cover a significant size of the court.
6. Goalkeeper: Goalkeepers need to be on constant alert. They are fit and have quick reactions to prevent opposing sides from scoring goals.

Finally, make sure that above all you are enjoying the game. If you want to take your game from a social to a more serious one, look for netball trainers in your area, or take private netball lessons in a group.