Netball · Game · Decision-making

Know your zones game

Juniors learn where each position can go with a run-to-your-zone call game, then a short game where offside gives away a free pass.

Centre thirdCWAGAGSWDGDGK
Start / 5
Time
15 min
Players
10–14
Age
U6–U10
Area
Full court
Equipment
2 size 4 netballs14 position bibs, two sets2 goal posts (lowered rings for the youngest)

Setup

  1. Two teams in position bibs; the court marked in thirds with both goal circles.
  2. Start with one team on court and the other watching, then swap.

How it runs

  1. Zone call: the coach calls a position and those players run to a third they are allowed in; the coach checks.
  2. Then play a 5v5 or 7v7 game from a centre pass.
  3. Anyone who steps out of their area is offside: free pass to the other team, and the coach says why.
  4. Swap bibs every 4 minutes so everyone learns a new position.

Coaching points

  • GS and GK: own third and circle. GA and GD: two thirds and the circle.
  • WA and WD: two thirds, never the circle. C: everywhere except both circles.
  • Only GS and GA can shoot, and only from inside the goal circle.
  • At the centre pass, everyone except C starts in their own third.

Common mistakes

  • WA or WD stepping into the goal circle.
  • Everyone chasing the ball into one third.
  • C starting the centre pass with team-mates already in the centre third.

Say it: “Check your bib, know your thirds.”

Make it harder

  • Coach calls two positions at once in the zone game.
  • Play the full 3-second and footwork rules as well.

Make it easier

  • Walk-through first: players freeze on the whistle and check their own bib.
  • Coloured cones on each third that match the positions allowed there.

Pairs well with

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.