Take lessons with a netball coach in Pietermaritzburg

Take Netball Lessons to Improve Your Game

If the game of netball appeals to you, then you have arrived at the right place to learn about the various skills required for beginners. In addition, you’ll discover tips for how you can practise on your own, the benefits of netball training for beginners and what sort of kit you will need when you get started.

The Right Kit

From netball lessons for beginners to more advanced level playing, remember that netball is a game that gets played in a team. Besides buying a kit to fit in with other players, here are some other considerations too:

• Training Shoes: Invest in quality running shoes, especially ones that have got good soles and sturdy support. Your shoes could be your most valuable asset when you take into account the fast nature of the game and the toll it can take on one’s ankles and feet.
• Knee and Ankle Support: Netball involves a lot of landing, jolting and jumping which explains why many players go through the extra effort to strap up their ankles and knees for additional support. This is a helpful method for preventing injuries and strains.
• Socks: Always wear a double layer of socks or one pair of thick socks to reduce friction and remain comfortable while playing the game.

Netball players frequently jostle up against one another which is why netball training for beginners should not allow players with jewellery, long nails and hair that isn’t tied out of the way, on the court. Make certain that your hair is tied up, nails are cut short and jewellery is taken off.

Fitness Level

In a fast-paced and dynamic sport, netball players need to move often and possess high fitness levels.      Whether you share a netball coach with a group or practise solo, you’ll need to build skills for better balance, stability and strength.

• Endurance: Even the most outstanding netball manoeuvres get lost if you are lacking the fitness and endurance required to play a full game. Running, cycling and swimming during the days you’re off from netball lessons can be beneficial in building your fitness for the game.
• Strengthening Your Core: Frequently include planking into your exercise regime and make use of a Pilates ball or wobble board to strengthen your core while doing arm and chest exercises.
• Speed: Whether you’re jumping for the ball or switching positions or directions, without a doubt – netball is about pace. Incorporating drills such as short sprints, stair climbing and skipping can help increase your speed for the court.

Look for a Netball Coach to Offer You Practising Tips

Before we suggest the variations of drills that you should perform on your own, we must state the importance of warming up before matches or practice sessions. Good ways of achieving this are through jogging, stretching and drills such as:

1. Practise your passing by throwing the ball to someone using one hand and then using two hands.
2. Find a wall that will work, mark it with chalk, and then practise passing and catching from various distances away from it.
3. Practise your dribbling in reverse, sideways, and at various speeds to become quick and agile.
4. Focus on the player who plays the position you play while watching professional or first-team games.

Netball Training For Beginners to Help Find Your Best Position in the Team 

If you haven't chosen a netball position yet, it's a good idea to look for a local netball coach who can help you get acquainted with them all.

1. Goalkeeper: Goalkeepers must constantly be on guard. They are fit and react quickly to stop the opposition from scoring.
2. Goal Defence: Defenders work on behalf of the goalkeeper, being the position that intercepts passes,. To cover a sizable portion of the court, they require a high level of endurance.
3. Goal Attack: In order to get the ball to the goal shooter, the player in this position must collaborate with the centre and the wing.
4. Goal Shooter: Accuracy, quick thinking under pressure, and fast reflexes are all necessary for this position.
5. Wing Attack: These netball players need to be quick, agile, and capable of passing the ball to the centre with ease.
6. Centre: As their name implies, centres are central to netball. They must be nimble and skilled in both passing and receiving the ball.

Last but not least, make sure you enjoy playing the game. Find a local netball coach or sign up for group netball lessons if you want to level up your game from a recreational to a more competitive one.