Netball · Defending · Footwork

One-on-one defending

A defender shadows an attacker in a lane, then contests the pass with a 0.9 m stand.

FAD
Start / 4
Time
10 min
Players
4–12
Age
U9+
Area
Third of a court
Equipment
4 cones2 netballs

Setup

  1. Lanes 5 m wide; an attacker and defender in each, a feeder at the end with the ball.

How it runs

  1. The attacker drives for the feed; the defender stays goal side and denies it.
  2. If the attacker catches, the defender steps back 0.9 m and puts hands over the ball.
  3. Three goes, then swap.

Coaching points

  • Stay on the balls of the feet, knees bent.
  • Goal side and ball side: see both.
  • Hands over the ball only once you're 0.9 m away.

Common mistakes

  • Watching the ball and losing the attacker.
  • Reaching in and giving away contact.

Say it: “Goal side, ball side.”

Make it harder

  • Attacker can go either way.
  • Feeder moves to change the angle.

Make it easier

  • Attacker tells the defender which way they'll drive.
  • Walking pace.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.