Buzz
Netball, a team sport that closely resembles basketball, has a few key differences. There’s no dribbling, no backboard, and players are required to pass the ball within three seconds. It demands not just running, jumping, and catching, but also fosters strong team coordination and trust. Shooting is an essential skill in netball, but the technique differs slightly from other sports. With dedication and consistent practice, you can perfect your shooting accuracy in netball.
Steps to Success
Refining Your Shooting Technique
Position Your Body for the Shot. Your stance is crucial for an accurate shot. Keep your feet, arms, and hips/shoulders about shoulder-width apart, and relax your knees. Ensure that your hips, shoulders, and elbow are aligned forward. Regardless of where you are around the hoop, make sure your body is aligned. Stand close to the ring.
- Have a teammate or coach observe your stance. They can spot any mistakes and help you make adjustments.
- Practice your shooting stance from various positions around the hoop, ensuring your feet are always pointed directly at the post.
Position the ball in your hands. Grip the ball with your dominant hand, keeping your fingers relaxed. Hold it high with both hands, using your non-shooting hand for balance, but avoid applying pressure to the ball with this hand. Your fingers should touch the ball, leaving a small gap between your palm and the ball.
- If you're new to the game or a younger player, holding the ball with both hands might provide better control and power when shooting.
- Once the ball is secured, hold it high above your head with your elbow near your forehead.
- The ball should be out of your line of sight when positioned above your head.
Execute the shot. Simultaneously bend your elbows and knees. Keep your elbow near your forehead and only move the upper part of your arm. As you straighten your arm and legs, release the ball in an upward, overhand motion towards the hoop. Aim for the center point above the net, and as you release, flick your shooting hand forward.
- Remember to bend your knees before shooting; your shot’s power originates from this motion.
- Flicking your wrist will make the ball spin backward, improving accuracy.
- Keep your back straight when releasing the ball.
- If shooting with both hands, both should follow the same motion.
- Think of your elbow as a lever, only moving the upper portion (forearm) when shooting.
Step back slightly, bend your knees, jump, and shoot to refine your technique from a distance. To excel as a Goal Attack or Goal Shooter, you don’t need to score from long distances, but it certainly helps if you can.
Use the BEEF acronym. Shooting can feel overwhelming with so many factors to keep in mind. The BEEF acronym is a handy tool to remember the essential aspects of shooting a netball.
- B for Balance. Keep your feet hip-width apart and facing the goal.
- E for Eyes. Focus on your target and keep your eyes on the desired spot.
- E for Elbow. Maintain a position with your elbows close to your ears while shooting.
- F for Follow Through. Always flick your wrist and hand after the shot.
Perfecting Your Shooting Drills
Practice shooting solo. Take time to shoot on your own, focusing solely on your technique. Try shots from various angles around the hoop. Prioritize the quality of each shot over the number of attempts. After each shot, evaluate yourself with these questions:
- Did I flick my wrist at the end of the shot?
- Were my elbows close to my ears throughout the shot?
- Did I bend my knees properly?
- Were my arms extended above my head?
- Did I release the ball from above my head?
Practice with a defender. Shooting is much easier without someone defending you, but that scenario is rare in actual games. To simulate real-game pressure, have a partner defend you while you practice your shots. Shooting with a defender will help you learn to shoot over them and improve your technique under pressure.
- Ask your partner to point out any flaws in your shooting form during this drill.
- This drill can also help build your confidence as a shooter.
Incorporate cardio with shooting practice. Your technique can decline as you become fatigued. Adding cardio into your shooting drills will help improve your stamina and endurance. Place a ball at various points within the semicircle. Sprint to the sideline, return to the ball, pick it up, and shoot. Try to complete 10 shots in the shortest time possible.
- You’ll need a partner to assist with retrieving the balls during this drill. They should place the ball in a new spot in the semicircle each time.
- Focus on maintaining your shooting form even when you’re tired.
Identifying and Avoiding Common Mistakes
Use your fingers for control when shooting. Keep your fingers relaxed and rest the ball on the pads of your fingers. If your fingers are too rigid, you won’t be able to hold the ball correctly. Ensure that your fingers are spread across the ball.
- Be mindful not to apply pressure with your non-shooting hand. This can alter the ball’s trajectory.
- It will take practice to find the right balance when holding the ball. Cradle it gently, ensuring it’s stable, but not so tightly that you struggle to release it properly.
Adopt the correct shooting stance. Ensure your feet are properly positioned. If your feet are too close or too far apart, you risk losing balance when shooting. Keep your feet parallel, with neither foot too far ahead of the other. Avoid standing too close to a defender while preparing to shoot.
- Your hips and shoulders should align straight. Many players let their shoulders lean forward, which causes the entire body to follow. Leaning forward changes the trajectory of your shot.
- If you struggle to keep your alignment, ask a partner to help by holding your shoulders back while you shoot. This way, you can feel the proper positioning.
Jane Woodlands-Thompson, Netball Coach
Mastering effective shooting starts with swift footwork to get into position near the post. Call for the ball loudly, catch it securely with both hands, and shoot in one fluid motion immediately after receiving the pass. Release the ball at the highest point of your jump, fully extending your arms. Perfect your follow-through and aim for a high shooting arc to increase your accuracy.
Practice with focus and consistency. Try shooting for 15 to 20 minutes daily, even on days when you have team practice. Consistent practice will make shooting feel natural and automatic. You'll find it easier to shoot under pressure, whether from fatigue or a defender.
- In a game, you only have three seconds to shoot. Try not to hold the ball too long, even during practice.
- Whether you’re practicing solo or with a defender, always focus on the back of the ring as you shoot.
- Practice with a coach or more experienced shooter. Feedback from others will help you refine your technique.
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Visualize the target area where you want the ball to land before releasing it.
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Use a quality ball with a good grip for better control.
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The more you practice, the more your shooting technique will become instinctive.
Important Considerations
- Always practice with an official netball hoop, as a basketball hoop differs in size and shape, making it easier to score in comparison.
- Make sure to stretch before every game of netball and consider running a couple of laps around the court to warm up.
- Wear proper sports attire, including trainers, to avoid injury while playing netball.
Essential Equipment
- A netball court
- A netball
- A netball post
- Sports kit (trainers)
