Netball Shooting Made Easy: Simple Techniques for Accuracy

Step into the shooting semicircle. Netball rules say you can only shoot from inside this area, including the boundary line. Face the post with your feet and hips aligned, shoulder-width apart, and pointing forward.

• To land accurate shots, stay balanced with your weight spread evenly across both feet.

Grip the ball with your dominant hand. Place your hand underneath and slightly behind the ball, using your fingertips for a light hold. Keep the space between your palm and the ball as small as possible for optimal control.

• Let your fingers stay relaxed—gripping too tightly or holding them too stiff can throw off your shot.

Use your non-dominant hand to steady the ball. This helps you add spin when you shoot. Just be careful not to apply too much pressure with that hand or it could mess with your aim.

• Beginners might need to use both hands for extra power, but this can increase the risk of inaccurate shots.
• Start with two hands if needed, but work toward one-handed shooting—using one hand to shoot and the other just to guide improves precision.

Raise your arms high above your head. Keeping the ball up helps with accuracy. Your elbows should be slightly bent, close to your forehead, and aimed at the post.

Keep the goal net in sight. Picture an invisible cone above the net, resembling a witch's hat, and focus on the highest, most central point—that’s your target. The ideal shot falls clean through the hoop without touching the rim, so aim to keep the ball as centered as possible.

• Concentrate fully on the hoop and try to block out any distractions.
• Lining the edge of the ball with the edge of the hoop before you shoot might help improve your aim.

Simultaneously bend your knees and elbows. While your hands and arms determine the ball’s direction, the real force behind your shot comes from your lower body. Prepare to push upward through your ankles and knees.

• For the best shot, keep your elbows at a right angle while holding the ball steady. Ensure your back stays straight and your head is held high.

Push up and release the ball. To generate maximum power, your arms and knees should straighten together, while your dominant hand flicks the ball upward. This creates a backward spin, sending the ball on a high trajectory toward the hoop, ideally dropping through without touching the rim.

• To achieve accuracy, release the ball only when your arms are fully extended. Releasing too early can throw off your shot.
• In the middle of the game, keep your hand raised as soon as the ball leaves your hand, so if it doesn’t go in, you’ll be ready to try again.

Practice makes perfect. It will take time to master your skills, but the more you practice shooting, the easier it becomes. Test different angles and how far you need to bend to create the most powerful shot, and then aim to replicate that form every time you shoot.

Practice shooting from further distances. Though you must stay inside the shooting semicircle, it’s a sizable area, giving you the opportunity to shoot from various distances. If you're just starting out, you’ll likely practice shooting closer to the goal. As you get more comfortable, gradually increase your shooting range. This will help you improve your ability to shoot from any spot within the semicircle with precision.

Practice shooting with a feeder. During matches, the ball will be passed to you before you take your shot. To get accustomed to this, practice with a partner feeding you the ball. This allows you to learn how to catch and shoot in one seamless motion.

• Start by positioning yourself outside the shooting semicircle, with the feeder inside it holding the ball.
• The feeder should pass the ball from in front, allowing you to run towards it and receive it.
• Once you’ve caught the ball, take a moment to set up your shot carefully. Rushing through the shot could throw off your aim.
• Practice receiving the ball from various spots outside the semicircle and at different speeds to prepare for all game scenarios.

Practice shooting with a defender. In real games, defenders will try to prevent you from scoring, making it harder to aim accurately. To prepare, practice shooting with a defender trying to block your shot. This helps you get used to the pressure and learn how to maneuver around them.

• Start by standing opposite the hoop. The defender should position themselves between you and the hoop, with arms raised to block your shot.
• Focus on shooting the ball over the defender's arms and through the hoop. Remember to maintain proper form while avoiding the defender, or your shot may miss the mark.

• Don’t rush your actions. You have 3 seconds to shoot, pass, or throw in. Rushing could give the opposing team the upper hand. Also, practice shooting from different angles—your passes won’t always land where you expect them to.
• The sun could be in your eyes. Don’t worry too much about it; when you get the ball, that may be your only chance for that quarter. Instead of squinting, push through by using your legs and focusing on the shot. It’s okay if it doesn’t go in.
• Always jump for a rebound. When the ball bounces off the ring, jump to catch it and get another chance to shoot. However, if the ball doesn’t touch the ring, don’t go for it as it’s against the rules.
• Always warm up before you play. Light jogging gets your blood flowing, but be sure to stretch your upper and lower body to prepare for shooting. Your coach might also have you do specific warm-up drills to get you ready for the game.