Tips for netball beginners

T I P S T I P S fo for Netball r Netball Beginner sBeginners

Just getting started in netball? Here are some tips that you can easily employ to get your game off on the correct footing.

Get Kitted Out While some basic sports clothing may be appropriate when you first start out, as you progress it is vital that you get proper netball kit that is comfortable and suited to the demands of the game so you can play to the best of your ability.

• Training shoes: Your trainers must have a strong sole with good support as using trainers intended for other sports, such as running, may result in an injury. The game is fast-paced and often demanding on your feet and ankles so a decent sports-specific netball shoe is absolutely vital. • Socks: Socks with good foot padding will make for a more comfortable experience. • Ankle and knee strapping: Due to the fact that the game often requires you to land from a height, it is often preferred by many players to add strapping to your ankles and

protect your knees with braces to avoid any unnecessary strain. • Jewellery, nails and hair: Jewellery is a definitive no-no and should not be worn on court; this will usually be checked by the umpires before the game. The umpire may also check the length of the players’ fingernails and the rule is with the hands reversed the nail should not be able to be seen over the fingertip. Also, hair should be tied back and out of the way at all times.

Get Fit For The Game Netball is normally played at a fast pace and you’ll be expected to move about a lot, so it's important to get fit overall. It is important to do exercises that strengthen your core, stability and balance, improve your speed and heighten your endurance. Warm Up Well Warming up is an essential part of any preparation before playing. Netball is notorious for injuries due to the movement and abrupt stopping required by players. Warming up before taking part in any physical activity improves performance and reduces the likelihood of obtaining an injury.

Practise Passing The Ball With A Friend Passing is the most important skill used in netball, so get out there and practice by throwing a ball either on court or at home. Passes can be one or two handed so practice both and see what you’re comfortable with.

Watch Others At Play It may seem obvious, but watching other people playing netball can allow you to pick up plenty of tips. Look at the movement and tactics employed by other people who play in the same position as you. Whangarei Netball Centre is the largest Centre in Northland with around 2,500 members, ranging from juniors aged five years through to seniors and that’s not including the coaches, umpires and managers. While last year wasn’t the easiest of years for sport, and it was uncertain whether Whangarei Netball would be able to provide any form of netball at all, the community pulled together to enable a shortened and exciting season.

All of that would not be possible without the volunteers; the countless hours that go into providing netball – from school sports or netball co-ordinators who continue to give for the love of the sport, the mums roped into organising netball for their kid’s school, club committee members working yearround to provide both competitive and social netball opportunities, umpires, WNC officials/supporters, coaches, managers and young netball leaders. They are the true heroes of netball and because of their passion and dedication, netball is a reality and within reach for anyone who wants to give it a go.

Over the last few years Netball has continued to grow and to ensure its sustainability it requires funding and sponsorship. Smith’s Sports Shoes are a valuable part of the WNC community and as part of WNC’s Good Sports promotion, Smiths Sports Shoes provides prizes for WNC to acknowledge members who are good role models either through coaching, supporting on the side-line, umpiring, or through playing the game.

This year Whangarei Netball looks forward to a relatively “normal” season and while Covid continues to be on our radar, but having played under Level 2 conditions last year coupled with the continued support of the Whangarei Netball Community, a change in alert levels doesn’t seem so scary.

Check out NetballSmart.co.nz for more tips.

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