Netball is a fast-paced, exciting sport that requires a combination of speed, agility, and precision. One of the most crucial skills in netball is shooting, as it directly impacts a team's ability to score goals and win matches. For beginners, mastering the proper shooting technique can be challenging, but it is essential for success on the court.
Shooting in netball involves a one-handed shot, which requires a strong shooting arm and a supportive non-shooting hand. Generating power for the shot comes from a combination of leg power and upper-body strength, allowing players to release the ball with a high arm and follow through with a wrist flick.
Proper body alignment and footwork are also critical components of a successful shot. Players must maintain a balanced stance, with their feet positioned shoulder-width apart and their hips and elbows aligned with the basket. The ball should be positioned above the head, with the shooting arm extended and the knees bent to provide a stable base.
Developing a consistent and accurate shooting technique requires regular practice and repetition. Beginners should focus on shooting drills that emphasise proper technique, accuracy, and power. By breaking down the shooting motion into smaller components and practicing each element separately, players can build muscle memory and improve their overall shooting performance.
In netball, the two primary shooting roles are Goal Shooter (GS) and Goal Attack (GA). While both positions require excellent shooting skills, there are slight differences in their shooting techniques and responsibilities on the court.
By understanding the fundamentals of netball shooting and dedicating time to practice and skill development, beginners can lay a strong foundation for success in this dynamic and engaging sport.
Basic Shooting Technique
Mastering the basic shooting technique is crucial for any beginner netball player. The proper technique involves a one-handed shot, which allows for greater accuracy and control. To execute a one-handed shot, players must use their shooting arm to propel the ball towards the goal while their non-shooting hand supports the ball from underneath.
One-handed shot
- Shooting arm: The shooting arm should be extended high above the head, with the elbow bent at a 90-degree angle. The ball should rest on the fingertips of the shooting hand, with the palm facing the goal.
- Supporting hand: The non-shooting hand, also known as the supporting hand, should be placed on the side of the ball to provide stability and control. The supporting hand should not interfere with the shooting motion or apply any force to the ball.
Generating power
Generating power for the shot comes from a combination of leg power and upper-body strength. Players should start with their knees bent and their feet shoulder-width apart. As they extend their shooting arm, players should also extend their legs and push up onto their toes to generate additional power from their lower body.
High arm release
A high arm release is essential for a successful shot. Players should aim to release the ball at the highest point of their jump, with their shooting arm fully extended above their head. This high release point makes it more difficult for defenders to block the shot and allows for a better angle to the goal.
Wrist flick and follow through
The wrist flick and follow through are the final components of a successful shot. As players release the ball, they should flick their wrist to generate additional spin and control. After releasing the ball, players should continue the shooting motion, with their arm extending towards the goal in a follow through. This follow through helps to ensure accuracy and consistency in the shot.
By focusing on these key elements of the basic shooting technique, beginners can develop a strong foundation for their shooting skills. Regular practice and repetition of the one-handed shot, combined with proper power generation, a high arm release, and a strong wrist flick and follow through, will help players improve their accuracy and consistency on the court.
Body Positioning and Alignment
Proper body positioning and alignment are essential for executing a successful shot in netball. By maintaining the correct stance, footwork, and body alignment, players can improve their accuracy, power, and consistency on the court.
Footwork and stance
- Feet position: When preparing to shoot, players should position their feet shoulder-width apart, with their dominant foot slightly forward. This stance provides a stable base and allows for better balance and control during the shooting motion.
- Hips and elbows: Players should align their hips and elbows with the goal, ensuring that their body is square to the target. This alignment helps to maintain accuracy and consistency in the shot.
Ball positioning
The ball should be positioned above the head, with the shooting arm extended and the elbow bent at a 90-degree angle. The non-shooting hand should support the ball from the side, providing stability and control without interfering with the shooting motion.
Arm extension
When shooting, players should fully extend their shooting arm towards the goal, reaching as high as possible to release the ball at the peak of their jump. This high arm extension allows for a better angle to the goal and makes it more difficult for defenders to block the shot.
Bending knees
Bending the knees is crucial for generating power in the shot. Players should start with their knees bent, storing energy in their legs. As they extend their shooting arm, players should also extend their legs, pushing up onto their toes to release the stored energy and provide additional power to the shot.
By focusing on proper body positioning and alignment, beginners can develop a strong foundation for their shooting technique. Regular practice and drills that emphasise footwork, stance, ball positioning, arm extension, and knee bend will help players improve their shooting performance and become more consistent shooters on the court.
Shooting Drills and Practice
Consistent shooting practice and targeted drills are essential for beginners looking to improve their shooting accuracy, power, and technique. By incorporating a variety of shooting drills into their training routine, players can develop muscle memory, build confidence, and become more reliable shooters on the court.
Shooting accuracy drills
- Stationary shooting: Begin by practicing stationary shots from various positions around the goal circle. Focus on maintaining proper technique, body alignment, and follow through. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase your distance from the goal.
- Partner passing: Work with a partner to practice catching and shooting in one fluid motion. Have your partner pass the ball from different angles and distances, simulating game-like situations.
Shooting power exercises
- Plyometric training: Incorporate plyometric exercises, such as jump squats and box jumps, into your training routine to develop explosive leg power. This increased power will help you generate more force behind your shots.
- Resistance band training: Use resistance bands to strengthen your upper body, particularly your shooting arm and shoulder. Perform exercises like band pull-aparts and lateral raises to improve your shooting power and stability.
Practicing proper technique
- Wall shooting: Practice your shooting technique by standing close to a wall and focusing on your arm extension, wrist flick, and follow through. This drill helps to reinforce proper technique without the added pressure of shooting at a goal.
- Form shooting: Concentrate on maintaining proper body alignment, footwork, and ball positioning while shooting at a goal from a close distance. As you become more comfortable with the technique, gradually increase your distance from the goal.
Importance of repetition
Repetition is key to developing a consistent and reliable shooting technique. Aim to practice your shooting drills regularly, focusing on proper form and technique with each shot. As you build muscle memory and confidence, gradually increase the difficulty of your drills by adding distance, defense, or time pressure.
By dedicating time to shooting drills and practice, beginners can quickly improve their shooting accuracy, power, and consistency. Incorporating a mix of stationary shooting, partner passing, plyometric training, resistance band exercises, wall shooting, and form shooting into your training routine will help you develop a well-rounded shooting skillset and become a more confident shooter on the court.
Shooting Roles in Netball
In netball, there are two primary shooting roles: the Goal Shooter (GS) and the Goal Attack (GA). While both positions are responsible for scoring goals, they have slightly different responsibilities and shooting techniques on the court.
Goal Shooter (GS)
The Goal Shooter is the primary scoring position in netball. They are typically tall, strong, and have excellent shooting accuracy. The GS is responsible for positioning themselves close to the goal circle and receiving passes from their teammates to take shots at the goal. Key characteristics of a successful Goal Shooter include:
- Strong one-handed shooting technique
- Ability to shoot accurately under pressure
- Excellent footwork and body positioning to receive passes
- Strong upper body strength to hold off defenders
Goal Attack (GA)
The Goal Attack is a more versatile shooting position, responsible for both scoring goals and assisting the Goal Shooter. The GA is typically shorter and more agile than the GS, allowing them to move more freely around the attacking third of the court. Key characteristics of a successful Goal Attack include:
- Strong mid-range shooting skills
- Excellent passing and feeding abilities to set up the Goal Shooter
- Good vision and court awareness to create scoring opportunities
- Ability to shoot accurately while on the move
Differences in shooting techniques between positions
While both the Goal Shooter and Goal Attack require excellent shooting skills, there are some differences in their shooting techniques:
- Shot distance: The Goal Shooter typically takes shots from closer to the goal circle, while the Goal Attack often shoots from mid-range distances.
- Shooting on the move: Goal Attacks are more likely to take shots while on the move, requiring them to have good balance and body control.
Understanding the specific roles and responsibilities of the Goal Shooter and Goal Attack can help beginners develop the necessary skills and techniques to excel in these positions. By focusing on shooting accuracy, footwork, body positioning, and versatility, players can become valuable assets to their team and contribute to scoring goals on the court.
For a broader looks at netball positions please read our recent post titled: Mastering the Game: A Comprehensive Guide to Netball Positions and Roles.
Common Mistakes and Corrections
As beginners learn and develop their netball shooting techniques, it's common to encounter various mistakes that can hinder their progress and accuracy. Identifying and correcting these mistakes is crucial for improving shooting performance and becoming a more consistent shooter on the court.
Shooting with two hands
One of the most common mistakes beginners make is shooting with two hands. While it may feel more comfortable initially, using two hands can lead to inconsistency and a lack of power in the shot. To correct this mistake:
- Focus on using a one-handed shooting technique
- Practice drills that emphasise shooting with your dominant hand
- Use your non-shooting hand only for support and stability
Lack of follow through
Another common mistake is not following through with the shooting arm after releasing the ball. A proper follow through is essential for maintaining accuracy and consistency in the shot. To correct this mistake:
- Practice extending your shooting arm towards the goal after releasing the ball
- Focus on finishing with your index finger pointing towards the target
- Incorporate follow through drills into your training routine
Improper body alignment
Improper body alignment, including incorrect footwork and stance, can lead to inconsistent shooting and decreased accuracy. To correct this mistake:
- Practice proper foot positioning, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your dominant foot slightly forward
- Align your hips and elbows with the goal to maintain a square stance
- Focus on keeping your head up and your eyes on the target
Insufficient leg power
Many beginners struggle with generating enough power in their shots, often due to insufficient leg power. To correct this mistake:
- Incorporate plyometric exercises, such as jump squats and box jumps, into your training routine
- Focus on bending your knees and using your legs to generate power when shooting
- Practice jumping and extending your legs as you release the ball
By identifying and addressing these common mistakes, beginners can quickly improve their shooting technique, accuracy, and consistency. Regular practice, drills, and a focus on proper form and technique will help players overcome these challenges and become more confident shooters on the court.
Mental Aspects of Shooting
While mastering the physical aspects of shooting technique is crucial for success in netball, the mental aspects of shooting are equally important. Developing a strong mental game can help players maintain confidence, focus, and composure under pressure, leading to improved shooting accuracy and consistency.
Confidence and belief
Building self-confidence and belief in your shooting abilities is essential for success on the court. When players trust their skills and technique, they are more likely to shoot with accuracy and consistency, even in high-pressure situations. To develop confidence and belief:
- Practice positive self-talk and visualisation techniques
- Set achievable goals and celebrate your progress
- Focus on your strengths and successful shots during training and games
Focus and concentration
Maintaining focus and concentration is key to executing accurate shots, particularly in the face of distractions such as defensive pressure or crowd noise. To improve focus and concentration:
- Practice mindfulness and breathing techniques to stay present in the moment
- Develop a pre-shot routine to help you maintain focus and consistency
- Minimise distractions by focusing on your technique and the goal
Dealing with pressure
Pressure situations, such as shooting in the final moments of a close game, can be challenging for even the most experienced players. To better deal with pressure:
- Embrace the challenge and view pressure situations as opportunities to showcase your skills
- Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation
- Focus on the process of shooting rather than the outcome or consequences of the shot
By incorporating these mental strategies into their training and game preparation, beginners can develop a strong and resilient mindset that will support their physical shooting skills. Regular practice of visualisation, positive self-talk, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques can help players build confidence, maintain focus, and perform their best under pressure.
If you or your child are looking to develop your goal shooting skills in netball, SB Netball offers personalised coaching programs tailored to your needs. Sheryl Burns, with her extensive experience and passion for the sport, can provide expert guidance and training to help you or your child master the art of shooting.
Whether you're a development or an experienced player, Sheryl's coaching sessions will focus on improving your shooting technique, accuracy, power, and mental game. Through a combination of targeted drills, feedback, and mental training strategies, you'll gain the confidence and skills necessary to become a reliable and consistent shooter on the court.
Don't hesitate to reach out to SB Netball today and take the first step towards enhancing your shooting abilities. Visit their website at or contact us directly to inquire about their coaching programs and availability. Invest in your netball journey and unlock your full potential as a goal shooter under Sheryl's expert guidance. Book now.
Words Of Wisdom - by Sheryl Burns
Mastering the art of shooting in netball is a crucial skill for any player, especially beginners looking to make a significant impact on the court. By focusing on the fundamental aspects of shooting technique, including body positioning, footwork, arm extension, and follow through, players can develop a strong foundation for accurate and consistent shooting.
Incorporating regular shooting drills and practice sessions into training routines is essential for reinforcing proper technique, building muscle memory, and improving shooting accuracy and power. Beginners should also pay attention to the specific shooting roles in netball, such as Goal Shooter and Goal Attack, and understand the unique skills and techniques required for each position.
Identifying and correcting common shooting mistakes, such as shooting with two hands, lack of follow through, improper body alignment, and insufficient leg power, can help beginners quickly improve their shooting performance and avoid developing bad habits.
Equally important are the mental aspects of shooting, including building confidence, maintaining focus and concentration, and dealing with pressure situations. By incorporating mental strategies like positive self-talk, visualisation, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques, beginners can develop a strong and resilient mindset that complements their physical shooting skills.
In summary, the key to becoming a successful shooter in netball lies in a combination of:
- Mastering the basic shooting technique
- Practicing shooting drills regularly
- Understanding shooting roles and their specific requirements
- Identifying and correcting common shooting mistakes
- Developing a strong mental game
By dedicating time and effort to these critical aspects of netball shooting, beginners can quickly improve their accuracy, consistency, and confidence on the court. With regular practice, persistence, and a commitment to learning and growth, any player can become a valuable asset to their team and contribute to scoring goals in netball.
