We Love Netball!
Over the last few weeks, year 6 have been learning to play netball in their P.E sessions. This fast-paced, high-energy sport not only tests their physical fitness but also sharpens their strategic thinking and teamwork. It’s a sport that demands agility, precision, and coordination. They love netball because unlike other sports, each position on the court has a unique role, meaning there’s a place for everyone.
We’re building up to play a mini tournament but before we can do that, we’ve been mastering these basics:
- Footwork - Footwork is fundamental in netball because it controls your movement, balance, and positioning. The rules prohibit players from running with the ball, so being able to pivot and position yourself quickly is crucial.
- Passing - Passing is arguably the most critical part of the game. A strong, accurate pass can break down the opposition’s defence, while poor passes can result in turnovers.
- Shooting - For goal shooters (GS) and goal attacks (GA), precision and calmness under pressure are everything.
- Defensive Play - Whether you’re playing as a goalkeeper (GK) or a wing defence (WD), anticipation and timing are your best friends. Focus on reading the play and positioning yourself effectively to intercept or block passes.
We’re hoping to take a team of budding stars to a netball tournament in the spring term. Watch this space……
In the meantime, netball has produced some incredible players so if you’ll like to find out more about them, here are a few to get you started:
- Laura Geitz – One of Australia’s most celebrated defenders, Laura led the Queensland Firebirds to multiple championships and captained the Australian Diamonds.
- Irene van Dyk – A legend of the game, van Dyk’s shooting prowess for New Zealand’s Silver Ferns earned her a place in netball history.
- Ameliaranne Ekenasio – The current captain of New Zealand’s national team, Ekenasio’s journey back to elite netball after giving birth is an inspiring story of strength, balance, and determination.
Stay focused, keep practising, and never stop learning. The court is your stage, so make every pass, shot, and intercept count!