Netball · Centre pass · Throw-ins & set plays

Centre pass set plays

C, WA, GA and GS rehearse a called centre pass play against four defenders, from the whistle to a shot.

CWAGAGScwdgdgk
Start / 4
Time
15 min
Players
8–14
Age
U13+
Area
Centre and goal thirds
Equipment
2 netballs8 position bibs1 whistle

Setup

  1. C in the centre circle with the ball; WA, GA and GS start in the goal third.
  2. c in the centre third; wd, gd and gk mark in their defending third.
  3. Agree two plays and a call for each, e.g. "Straight" (WA first) and "Swap" (GA first).

How it runs

  1. C calls the play; on the whistle the first option drives into the centre third.
  2. C passes within 3 seconds; the second option drives for the second-phase pass.
  3. Play on to a shot, then reset and run the other play.
  4. Swap attack and defence every six centre passes.

Coaching points

  • Hold your start until the whistle, then drive at full speed.
  • Second phase: time the drive off the first catch, not before it.
  • C passes and moves straight away to re-offer.
  • Land on balance at the transverse line, then look up the court.

Common mistakes

  • Crossing the transverse line before the whistle (free pass to the other team).
  • First and second options driving into the same space.

Say it: “Call it, hold it, drive on the whistle.”

Make it harder

  • Defenders can choose to front or play behind.
  • C calls the play out loud only after the whistle.

Make it easier

  • Defenders start 2 m off and only shadow.
  • Walk the play through once before each live rep.

Pairs well with

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.