Top 5 Fun Netball Drills for Kids to Practice at Home

Netball is a fantastic sport for kids, not only because it helps improve their physical fitness but also because it teaches teamwork and strategy. If your child loves netball or is just starting to learn, practicing at home can be both beneficial and fun. Here are the top 5 netball drills that are perfect for kids to practice in their backyard or even in the living room!

1. Passing Drills

Chest Pass

The chest pass is a fundamental skill in netball. To practice this, have your child stand a few meters away from a wall. They should throw the ball with both hands from their chest to the wall and catch it upon rebound. This drill helps improve accuracy and hand-eye coordination.

Overhead Pass

For the overhead pass, your child should stand with their feet shoulder-width apart, holding the ball above their head. Using both hands, they should throw the ball against the wall and catch it as it comes back. This drill enhances strength and precision.

2. Shooting Drills

Spot Shooting

If you have a netball hoop at home, spot shooting is a great drill. Mark different spots around the hoop using cones or chalk and have your child practice shooting from these positions. This will help them become comfortable with shooting from various angles.

One-Handed Shooting

Encourage your child to practice one-handed shots from close range. This will improve their shooting technique and confidence. Make sure they focus on their follow-through after each shot.

3. Footwork Drills

Pivoting

Pivoting is crucial in netball to avoid stepping calls. Have your child practice pivoting on one foot while keeping the other foot stationary. They can practice this drill with or without a ball, focusing on maintaining balance.

Fast Feet

Set up a ladder on the ground or draw one with chalk. Encourage your child to move quickly through the ladder, focusing on light and fast footwork. This drill improves agility and speed.

4. Defensive Drills

Shadowing

This drill requires a partner. One person acts as the attacker while the other mirrors their movements, trying to maintain an arm's length distance. This exercise enhances defensive skills, teaching kids to stay close to their opponent.

Interception Practice

With a partner, have your child practice intercepting passes. The partner can pass the ball back and forth while your child attempts to intercept it. This drill sharpens reflexes and timing.

5. Fun Game Variations

Netball Tag

In this variation, one player has the ball and must tag others with it while maintaining proper passing techniques (no running with the ball). This game is not only fun but also reinforces passing under pressure.

Bounce Catch

This simple game involves bouncing the ball to each other instead of passing directly. It helps kids work on their reaction time and catching skills while adding an element of fun to practice sessions.

Practicing netball at home can be both productive and enjoyable for kids. These drills are designed to enhance essential skills while keeping the fun factor high. Encourage your child to practice regularly, and you'll soon see improvement in their game performance!