Netball · Decision-making · Game
Late-game scenarios
The squad plays out the last 60 to 90 seconds from set scores and situations, practising when to keep the ball, when to shoot and when to gamble.
Start / 5
- Time
- 20 min
- Players
- 10–14
- Age
- U16+
- Area
- Full court
- Equipment
- 2 netballs7 bibs1 scoreboard1 stopwatch
Setup
- Full court 7v7 with a visible clock. The coach sets the score, time left and possession, e.g. up by 1 with 45 s left, our ball.
- Write 4 to 6 scenarios on a whiteboard; each team plays both sides of each one.
How it runs
- Play each scenario live under full match rules until the buzzer or a deciding goal.
- Up by 1 with the ball: keep possession and shoot only from close in. Down by 1 or 2 without it: press for the turnover and score fast.
- The captain calls the plan in a 10 s huddle before each restart; each team gets one 20 s time-out per scenario.
- Scenarios last 60–90 s with 90 s of rest and review between them.
Coaching points
- Up by one: use the full 3 seconds, take the safe pass back to WD or C when the forward ball isn't clean, and stay off the sideline.
- Shoot only from close range or when the clock forces it; a missed long shot hands over the ball and the time.
- Behind: defend over the ball and double the circle edge, and when the ball is won take the shortest route to goal.
- Know the score and the time on every whistle; the captain says it out loud.
Common mistakes
- Taking an early long shot when holding the ball would run the clock down.
- Holding past 3 seconds under pressure and giving away a free pass.
- Defenders making contact out of desperation and gifting a penalty pass or shot.
Say it: “Know the score, know the clock.”
Make it harder
- The coach changes the score mid-scenario with a whistle.
- No time-outs: the captain calls the plan on court.
Make it easier
- Walk through each scenario at half pace before playing it live.
- Stop the clock on every whistle.
Pairs well with
Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.