Netball · Shooting · Footwork

Step-in and step-back shots

Shooters catch with a defender at 0.9 m, then step in towards the post or step back to clear the hands.

F1GSGAgk
Start / 4
Time
15 min
Players
4–8
Age
U12+
Area
Goal circle
Equipment
3 netballs

Setup

  1. F1 outside the circle with the balls; GS in the circle, gk defending, GA to rebound.
  2. Start with step-ins for five shots, then step-backs for five.

How it runs

  1. GS leads, catches and lands on one foot; gk sets 0.9 m away with arms up.
  2. Step-in: GS keeps the landing foot down and steps past gk's hands towards the post.
  3. Step-back: GS steps away from gk with the other foot to open a clear line.
  4. GS shoots before re-grounding the landing foot; GA rebounds and returns the ball.

Coaching points

  • Know your landing foot; only the other foot steps.
  • One step, then balance: shoulders square to the post before the ball goes up.
  • Step-in when gk is tight on one side; step-back when gk is tall in front.
  • Shoot within 3 seconds of the catch.

Common mistakes

  • Dragging or re-grounding the landing foot, which is a footwork call.
  • Shooting while still moving off balance.
  • Stepping in too far and losing the angle.

Say it: “Land, one step, balance, shoot.”

Make it harder

  • gk chooses a side; GS reads it and picks the step.
  • Feeds from both sides of the circle.

Make it easier

  • Practise the step with no defender.
  • Shoot from close to the post first.

Pairs well with

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.