Defence!

You Cant Play Netball Without It!

Written by Colleen McLean

Drills Taken from ALLSKILLS NETBALL COACHES MANUAL 1 Written and Compiled by sally Allen For further AllSkills Netball Publications or orders write to: AllSkills Netball 3 Lambell Close PALMERSTON ACT 2913 Ph/Fax 02 62539296 Email allskills@igpond .net.au All Skills Netball 2001

Everyone Has to Defend......3 What Is Good Defending?..........................................................3 The Many Ways of Defending.....3 Work Out Which is Most Effective...3 Defend, Recover and Take Distance..4 Over Running is a Waste of Energy....4 Throw Ins.....4 Goal Keeper....4 If GS Leaves the Circle.........4 Defence Drills in the Circle....4 Rebound...5 Goal Defence..5 GK and GD Working Together..5 GK and GD in Circle......6 Progression 1 6...6 Wing Defence.....7 Defending the Centre Pass..7 Defence Around the Circle Edge for WD and ..8 Defending Centre......8 Defence Drills....9 Triangle......9 Intercept and Recovery....9 Defence Triangle...9 Attack Defence Changeover............10 High/Low Changeover....10 Defend the Square..10 High Ball and Intercept.......10 Drive Around and Intercept....11 Around and Intercept...11 Lead and Intercept...11 Drill A..12 Drill B......12 Drill C..13 Handy Hints for the Happy Coach.13 2

DEFENCE is all about Reading the Game! Every one has to defend. Some defences are experts and some are part timers. Every one defends but not everyone knows what they are doing. Some just look like they are defending without being effective others are very effective but they still dont know how or why. It is your job (the coach), to sort them out and explain the whats, the hows and the whys. WHAT is good defending? Good defending can force errors, bring about intercepts, and the most rewarding of all good defending can force a held ball. Yes, but how? Read on were getting there WHY? Why is it so? I dont know we just do, attack and defend its all part of the game. Thats how you play the game! Seriously, its all about possession of the ball and without it you cannot score goals. Why? Because defence puts pressure on the attacking side, it forces errors and turns over possession. How can you defend effectively? With fitness determination and persistent effort. Yes but HOW? Read on. THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO DEFEND 1. Man to man from all around the body, in front, behind, facing, from either side, off the player or defending the space and team defence. Man to man is an old term used to describe close one on one defence and is the most effective way to defend. 2. The side on position can be used to force attacker in a certain direction usually the side line. 3. Defend from behind to stop the lob, or force to the outer edge of the circle. 4. Off the player is when the defence stands away and in the space you think your opposite might want to move to after she has thrown the ball. 5. The next space is the space where you think the attack might throw the ball to. I hope this makes sense to you. Work out which is most effective and use it. Yes! But how? By watching! Eyes up! For example you can tell by watching an opposition player which side she likes to leads to, left, right or straight. You can tell which way she passes the ball, quickly, slowly, from the shoulder etc. Does she hesitate or pass on the first look. Knowing all this you can work out the best position to defend her from. You can vary your distance, as well as extension of your arms, just half way so that you can surprise the attacker, when fully extended.

Defend, Recover and Take Distance Defend, recover, take distance, hands up. This method only works well if you do not overrun, or run past everything in your effort to intercept and defend. If you are beaten then you recover strongly, and defend the next space into which the attacker wishes to move. Are you with me? It is a bit confusing, but press on. Over running is a waste of energy, time, and is an invitation to the opposing team to do what they like, it has no effect in applying any sort of pressure. If you can eliminate this from your defensive game you can successfully apply pressure and force errors. In other words STOP IT NOW! Throw Ins I like to see the defence bring the ball into the centre third. Using the centre as a back up. Once it is in the centre third the attackers will do what they do best, so they should be given plenty of room to work their magic. The trick here is that the attackers must hold their run, if they charge in too early there is a congested mess and it will usually break down. The other trick is for the defence to CLEAR OFF! But watch in case they are needed. Goal Keeper The GKs job is to safely and legally defend every move the opposing GS makes. One on one defence is the best move in such a confined space. Using the opposite hand with a lunge to reach for the ball. Important not to overrun the ball rather react quickly and recover. Get between shooter and post. Defend the shot at goal and turn for the rebound. If the GS leaves the circle, I like to see the GK defend the shooter out of the circle but must always recover quickly and strongly to defend the space where the shooter will enter the circle. If they cannot achieve this it is better to let the GS move freely outside the circle and only defend in the circle. After all the GS cannot score goals out of the circle.

Defence Drills in the Circle 1. A makes a lead and receives a pass from B 2. Throws ball back to B 3. A then makes another lead back into the circle 4. D is defence who defends every pass

Rebound Try catching the ball instead of hitting it away. Jump straight up and land safely, in your own space, not all over the GS. Goal Defence Defend every move the GA makes but as usual always recover quickly to defend the next space into which the GA wishes to move. Never allow the GA a clear run to the circle, it is a good thing to not turn your back on the GA to catch up, in other word your eyes are on the player because you should have a good idea of where the ball is. At the centre pass force the GA to one side of court, take the next space and do not turn your back on her. Be aware of GK and WD taking the next space and work together. In the circle be very tight and be aware that good body control is essential. Confused yet? Keep on.. GK and GD Working Together A defence strategy in the circle is a joy to watch. It happens when GK and GD play tight one on one outside the circle, BUT when both are in the circle they each take responsibility for half. It is usually divided down the middle at the Goal Post but swings in relation to the ball. See illustration.

You will notice now that it is no longer one on one or man to man but they are defending an area, but if the GS or GA moves in that area it becomes one on one. Watch for the GS or GA to sneak along the base line and block that move. Always keep feet moving, be aware of where the ball is, eyes up, seeing everything.

A = Attack D= Defence F = Feeder T = Thrower GK and GD in circle. 3 Players 1. F passes ball anywhere at random into the circle 2. D call mine/yours and that one retrieves ball on full 3. Then the other D defends the pass back to F. 4. Swap sides Progression 1 1. Same as above 2. F moves around circle edge. 3. D to face ball accordingly 4. Swap sides Progression2 4 Players 1. Same as original 2. Add one Attack in the circle Progression 3 4 Players 1. Same as above 2. F moves around circle edge Progression 4 5 Players Same as Progression 2 Add two As Progression 5 5 Players Same as Progression 3 F moves around circle edge

Progression 6 5 Players 1. When D intercepts, 2. 2nd D drives OUT of circle to receive an attacking pass from 1st D 3. As now defend

WING DEFENCE Very simple job description for WD STICK LIKE GLUE, apply pressure and chase all game and possession of the ball will come your way, I promise! The WD in my opinion is a vital and often underestimated position. When you have a good look at all the things she has to do, it is a wonder that she has time to breathe. Look at this, no really Im serious.. Important roles of the Wing Defence Apply pressure by one on one (man to man) defence. Limit the amount of possessions the WA has per game. Force the WA to adjust her game and expose her weaknesses. Keep the WA off the circle be between the thrower and the circle. Force WA to corners and get an intercept. Wink and send secret messages to C at centre passes and switch players when necessary Around circle edge, send more secret messages to the defences. All four defences can work together. Change quickly from defence to attack, create space and send the ball back down the court, what a Wonder Woman Wing Defence is! Go for intercept have a go keep up the pressure Move into the Goal Third and pick up the shooter as she comes out. Of course must recover quickly to defend the space. Sometimes be between thrower and receiver.

But wait theres more! DEFENDING THE centre pass? - 4 basic rules for the WD 1. Use side lines as ally force WA to it 2. Force WA as high as possible into centre third 3. Dont overrun the ball. 4. Keep pressure on

DEFENCE AROUND THE CIRCLE EDGE FOR WD AND C 1. Try to keep WA off circle edge, WHY? It gives an opportunity to intercept or deflect a pass, and makes life difficult for WA or C. Yes! 2. Eliminate obstructions and offside. Dont let the defence end work hard to get a tip/intercept, only to have you give it away because you have lost balance and went offside or obstructed. They will be sending you secret messages that you wont want to receive. 3. Work on forcing the C/WA into the corner and while you are there look for intercept, jump straight up and avoid contacting. 4. Crowd, limit her space. Use circle edge to your advantage. If she is any good she will want the top of the circle, so dont let her have it, you get there first. If she does not want it then you win, you know more than she does, you have the advantage. 5. Be ready for pass out between GS and C/WA. Be ready to intercept/flick the ball, without breaking your fingers. DEFENDING CENTRE Defending the opposition centre pass Change tactics often eg 1. Stand a good 3 feet distance from C. 2. Double Defend WA. Stand on opposite side of WA to WD 3. Stand in the centre of transverse line, drop back ready to intercept next pass. 4. Stand in the space you think the WA will go to. 5. Stand 3 feet from C on the side you think the WA will move to and extend arms so that pass must go over them. Or keep arms slightly bent to extend for intercept. 6. Be ready to pick up the centre once the ball has been released. 7. Keep varying the pattern AND THINK ALL THE TIME. The C has more opportunity to force an error than anyone else. Use It!

I have taken some drills out of COACHES MANUAL 1 which was written and compiled by Sally Allen, AllSkills Netball 2001 The following drills are designed to enhance defensive skills such as: Timing to intercept Attacking the ball Quick recovery and arms over the ball Peripheral vision
A = Attack D = Defence F = Feeder P = Stationary Player R = Receiver T = Thrower W = Worker = Path of Worker = Path of ball

Triangle 4 Players 1. F throws to R1 or R2 2. D moves her feet quickly to intercept with 2 hands on ball. 3. R always passes back to F

Intercept and Recovery 4 Players 1. As Above, 2. D attempts the intercept. If unsuccessful, she quickly recovers and 3. Attempts to intercept pass back from R to F

Defence Triangle 5 Players 1. Two D in the triangle 2. F can pass to any other F 3. D attempts 1st intercept 4. Then recover to attempt intercept 2nd ball.

A = Attack D = Defence F = Feeder P = Stationary Player R = Receiver T = Thrower W = Worker = Path of Worker = Path of ball

ATTACK/DEFENCE CHANGEOVER 3 players 1. 1 starts with the ball and throws to 3, 2 defends. 2. 3 now has ball and throws to 2, 1 defends. 3. 2 now has ball, 3 defends, etc 4. Need to think quickly to change from attack to defence and back to attack.

HIGH/LOW CHANGEOVER 4 players 1. Defence in middle of triangle 2. T1 throws high ball to T2 3. D to intercept 4. T1 throws low ball to T3 5. D to intercept 6. Passes between throwers should be fast and the pattern varied.

DEFEND THE SQUARE 5 players 1. D tries to intercept bounce pass only, by moving across centre 2. D not to worry about chest pass 3. Keep square small and passes fast.

HIGH BALL AND INTERCEPT Groups of 4, 2 balls 1. F1 and F2 continually throw a straight pass between themselves. 2. F3 throws a high pass to W. 3. W passes ball back to F3 and then drives across to intercept a pass between F1 and F2. 4. When intercept is made W returns ball to either F1 or F2. 5. W then drives back to F3 for a high pass. 6. (If W fails to intercept she returns to receive a high pass from F3).

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A = Attack D = Defence F = Feeder P = Stationary Player R = Receiver T = Thrower W = Worker = Path of Worker = Path of ball

DRIVE AROUND AND INTERCEPT Groups of 4, 2 Balls 1. W drives around back of F2 to intercept or deflect (outside arm) and chase, then returns ball to F1. 2. W then drives back around F2, accelerates and takes a ball at full stretch from F3. 3. W returns ball to F3 and drives around F2 4. Ensure you work on the other side as well.

Anticipating an Intercept AROUND AND INTERCEPT 1. T starts with ball with her back to the group 2. For a cue, T throws ball in air and pivots to face group 1. W moves around a Stationary Player to intercept the pass 2. Stationary Player to step forward to receive pass. 3. Work both sides.

LEAD AND INTERCEPT 1. W drives to X to receive pass from T 2. W passes back to T 3. W then drives to intercept the pass between T and next W in the line.

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A = Attack D = Defence F = Feeder P = Stationary Player R = Receiver T = Thrower W = Worker = Path of Worker = Path of ball

Defensive Drills The following drills are designed to enhance 1 v 1 defence, team work and to encourage being an attacking defence, who aims to intercept the ball. Drill A 4 Players 3. F starts with ball with her back to the group 4. For a cue, F throws ball in air and pivots to face group 5. A drives to receive ball, who is defended by D 6. A then passes to R who has made a strong move to the ball 7. A then drives on to receive next pass from R 8. D attempts to deny her passage down the court Coaching Points Attempt to intercept 1st ball Eyes up.

Drill B 4 Players 1. F starts with ball with her back to the group 2. For a cue, F throws ball in air and pivots to face group 3. 2 As make a lead for the ball 4. D picks up one A 5. If ball goes to unattended A, the 2nd A still tightly defended makes another move down the court to receive the ball from A1 6. If initial ball goes to the defended A, the free A makes a 2nd lead to receive next ball. 7. Then A1 must drive down the court to receive another pass. Coaching Points Tight Defence. Looking for possession, Eyes up, Recover, take distance, arms over ball and attempt to deflect. Attempt to slow As movement down the court.

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A = Attack D = Defence F = Feeder P = Stationary Player R = Receiver T = Thrower W = Worker = Path of Worker = Path of ball

Drill C 4 Players 1. F starts with ball with her back to the group 2. For a cue, F throws ball in air and pivots to face group 3. F throws ball anywhere, i.e. in air, along ground etc. 4. 2 Ws attempt to gain possession 5. The W that does not gain possession becomes the D 6. She must recover, take distance, arms over ball 7. Then pass off to R who makes a strong lead to receive. 8. W then drives down court to receive next pass, 9. D defends tightly, attempts to intercept and restrict W movement down the court. HANDY HINTS FOR THE HAPPY COACH Pay attention to the rules of the game at training, use a whistle and coach the players to respond to the whistle and listen to instructions from the umpire. Practice the three second rule by counting out loud for the players, especially the shooters. Always face the sun so that the players do not have the sun in their eyes. Make sure all players get equal game exposure. (Be fair). Introduce new skills by demonstration, or explanation. Make sure they have a clear picture of what is required and where it fits into the game.

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