Category Archives: Netball

10 Common Mistakes Young Netballers Make

Posted on by energetic
Avoid 10 Common Mistakes Young Netballers Make
19 Jul

Netball is a very popular sport in a number of countries throughout the world. In Australia, it is one of the top sports for women, and men’s competitions are fast growing in popularity. As a professional sport which is played on both the national and international stage, playing high-grade netball is something which a lot of young athletes aim to do.

However, becoming a professional athlete is something which takes a lot of training, commitment, and sacrifice. Even if you give it your all, simple mistakes can still mean that you don’t make it to the higher grades. Many of these mistakes could be rectified easily if people were aware of them. Unfortunately, they often aren’t, and they therefore don’t take steps to fix them.

Some of the most popular mistakes that young netballers make include:

1. Practising at a low intensity:

One of the most important things that the best coaches drill into their players is that you have to practice how you want to play. If you have had a decent coach before, you may have heard them say:

“Perfect practice makes perfect”

Note that there is no mention of practice making perfect, but of perfect practice making perfect. If you train poorly, lazily, or at a low intensity, then the chances are that you will probably end up playing that way. It is extremely important to train the way you want to play. If you remember this, and apply it to your netball, then you will have a much better chance of reaching the higher grades.

2. Failing to specialise in one position:

When it comes to a sport like netball, it is important to start specialising early in life. Most young netballers will only ever play one or two positions, and they therefore train for these positions. A lot of young players think that they can train for any position, which leads to them being ok at everything, but great at nothing. If you want to play high quality netball in the future, try and specialise while you are still young – it will be much easier this way!

3. Not connecting with their teammates off the court:

As a team sport, it is extremely important for young netballers to have at least some sort of social connection with their teammates. Players who know each other well will generally play much better together than players who don’t, as they are often able to predict what their teammates are going to do before they do it. It is important to encourage social connections among young netballers, and indeed, among all young athletes playing team sports.

4. Not recovering after games:

Post-game recovery is extremely important in netball, as it is in any sport. Unfortunately, many young netballers are never taught the importance of post-game recovery, and they therefore suffer as a result. When you play sport, your muscles are worn out and slightly hurt. Recovery encourages muscular repair and regeneration, and allows you to get back to full training sooner. Eat the right things, stretch, and ice any injuries post game.

5. Not practising the basics:

A lot of young netballers make the mistake of failing to practise their basic skills. This leads to them struggling to do simple things like make passes, shoot goals, or intercept opposition passes. If you really want to become a star netballer in the future, then make sure that you focus on improving your basic skills before trying to learn complicated strategies and techniques.

6. Eating poorly:

A poor diet is one of the major downfalls of up and coming athletes around the world. Netball is no different to any other sport, and athletes with ambitions of making it to the higher leagues should try and stick to a good diet. If you aren’t sure what you should be eating, do some research or speak to a qualified nutritionist or dietician.

7. Failing to improve their fitness:

Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t think of netball as a sport which requires a high level of fitness. This means that they don’t train like they should. Netball, like any sport invasion sport, requires a high level of aerobic fitness. Netballers should make sure that they work on all aspects of their fitness, especially in the off season.

8. Not trusting their teammates:

This is especially relevant for skilled young players who are perhaps better than most of their teammates. Rather than trusting their teammates and allowing them to play a part in the game, some players try and do everything themselves. This is extremely harmful to the development of their game, because it encourages selfish play which is generally not accepted at higher levels. As a coach, you should try and stamp out any selfish play, or encourage players who play like they are better than everyone else to try and share the ball around and bring their lesser skilled teammates into the game.

9. Not warming up properly:

Warming up before training or games is extremely important to prevent injury and sore muscles. Playing any sport, including netball, without warming up your muscles first will increase your risk of torn or strained muscles, will reduce your performance, and will potentially result in long periods away from sport. Make sure that you spend at least ten to fifteen minutes warming up before any strenuous physical activity.

10. Losing their temper:

Unfortunately, a lot of young netball players have their development stunted because of attitude issues. They can lose their temper when their team starts playing bad, when they start playing bad, or when things don’t go the way they want them to. This can lead to them playing poorly, stopping playing all together, or losing interest in pursuing a career in professional netball.

Final Word:

Netball is a complex sport which can sometimes be hard to play. Young players can find it hard to develop their game due to small mistakes that they make during training or during their everyday life. Without fixing these mistakes, young players can find it hard to take their game to the next level, possible stunting their development and preventing them from making it to high-grade netball leagues.

To ensure you’re always at your best on the court, having the right gear is crucial. Check out our range of Netball skirts that offer both comfort and performance. Get yours today and elevate your game! Shop now and dominate the court with style and confidence! For personalized options, be sure to request a quote.

The Ultimate Guide To Netball At The 2018 Commonwealth Games

Posted on by energetic
Netball Commonwealth Games 2018: Ultimate Guide
15 Apr

Netball, as a sport, originated in England. In its infancy it was known as ‘women’s basketball’, because it was though that women didn’t have the physical attributes to play normal basketball. Of course, this has changed over the years, but netball itself has remained a predominantly female sport.

Although it began in England, netball quickly spread throughout the British empire, with countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Jamaica quickly becoming world powerhouses. Since most, if not all of the world’s best netball teams are Commonwealth nations, the Commonwealth Games is one of the world’s premier netball competitions – along with the world cup of course.

In the past, Commonwealth Games netball competitions have been dominated by Australia and New Zealand. However, there is no reason why this has to continue. The 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games has been tipped to be one of the closest and most competitive netball competitions in recent history, with no one really knowing which country will take home the gold medal.

Netball At Past Commonwealth Games:

Netball has been played at the Commonwealth Games since the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Games, a total of five times. Since then, only Australia and New Zealand have won a gold or a silver medal – will 2018 be the year that another country takes the mantle as the world’s best team?

Countries which have won a Games medal in the past include:

  • Australia, with three gold medals (1998, 2002, and 2014) and two silver (2006 and 2010).
  • New Zealand, with two gold medals (2006 and 2010, and three gold (1998, 2002, and 2014).
  • England, with three bronze medals (1998, 2006, and 2010)
  • Jamaica, with two bronze medals (2002 and 2014).

Although no other country has won a medal, there is no reason why they can’t this year. The pressure is on Australia, as the defending champions, to keep their mantle.

Who Is Playing In The 2018 Games?

A total of 12 teams will be competing for the title at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. They will be split into two pools of 6 teams each as follows:

Pool A:

  • Jamaica, Australia, Barbados, South Africa, Fiji, Northern Ireland.

Pool B:

  • England, New Zealand, Uganda, Malawi, Wales, Scotland.

Pool matches will take place in the first stages of the competition, with the top teams from each pool advancing the finals.

When Is The Netball Competition At The 2018 Games?

Netball at the 2018 Gold Coast Games will take place from the 5th to the 15th of April. Pool matches will be played every day from the 5th until the 11th. Classification matches will take place on the 12th, semi finals are on the 14th, and the gold and bronze medal matches will be played on the 15th. For the full 2018 Commonwealth Games netball schedule, head to the official Commonwealth Games website.

Where Is Netball Played At The 2018 Games?

Netball at the 2018 Games will be played in two seperate venues. All preliminary games will be played at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Center, which has a seating capacity of up to 5000 people. All finals matches will be played at the larger Coomera Sport and Leisure Center, which can seat a larger crowd of up to 7500 people. As a popular spectator sport, it is expected that most matches between larger nations will be sold out, so it is essential to get your tickets early if you would like to attend.

Where Can I Get My Tickets?

If you would like to buy tickets to the netball at the 2018 Games, you can make your purchase through either a third party ticket retailer or on the official Games website. Prices for children start from just $15, with adult tickets selling for just $30.

If you do decide to buy tickets from a third party seller you need to be careful. Make sure that you are buying legitimate tickets, and that you aren’t paying more than they are worth. Unless the matches are already sold out, there is no reason for you to pay more than the adult ticket price of just $30.

Is It Worth Watching The Netball At The 2018 Gold Coast Games?  

If you like watching a fast paced, competitive sport live, then you simply can’t miss the 2018 netball competition. There are a number of feature matches which are a must see for any netball fan, including Australia vs Jamaica on the 11th of April and England vs New Zealand, also on the 11th of April. These matches could go a long way towards deciding the eventual netball gold medalists. Other notable matches include:

  • Australia vs Fiji on the 9th of April.
  • Australia vs South Africa on the 8th of April.
  • New Zealand vs Scotland on the 9th of April.
  • England vs Wales, also on the 9th of April.

For the full 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games netball fixture, head to the official Games website.

Who Are We Tipping To Win The Medal?

As the defending champions and the host nation, Australia are the hot favourites to take home their fourth Commonwealth Games netball gold medal. However, they will face stiff competition from New Zealand, England, and Jamaica. Australia are also the defending World Champions.

Two teams from each pool will go through to the finals, with the first placed team from pool A playing the second placed team from pool B, and the first placed team from pool B playing the second placed team from pool A for a place in the gold medal match. The losers of these games will face off for the bronze medal match.

We are tipping an Australia vs New Zealand gold medal match, with Australia taking home the gold. In the bronze medal match, the most likely result is Jamaica vs England, with Jamaica winning the third place medal. For full results head to the netball results page.

Final Word:

If you like fast-paced, highly competitive sport, then don’t miss the netball at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The competition is widely tipped to be one of the closest in living memory, and we should see a number of great matches. If you can’t watch the games at the stadium, be sure to tune into your TV for all the action. Good luck to your team and let the Games begin!  

If you’re a netball enthusiast or a player looking for quality gear, don’t miss out on the latest Netball Polo collection. These polos are perfect for both on-court performance and casual wear, combining comfort and style. Ready to upgrade your netball wardrobe? Check out our collection now and gear up for your next game in style! Got questions? We’re here to help – reach out to us anytime!

Top Tips To Improve Your Netball Shooting Technique

Posted on by energetic
Netball Shooting Tips and Technique: Top Improvement Strategies
28 Mar

Netball is arguably the most popular women’s sport in Australia, along with a number of other countries such as New Zealand and England. It is played by tens of thousands of women (and men) of all ages in clubs throughout the country.

Although competitive netball growth has stalled somewhat, participation is rising at a very rapid rate due to the development of new formats such as mixed and social netball. The rise of these new formats has allowed thousands of people who perhaps wouldn’t have otherwise joined a club to benefit from the physical and mental positives associated with playing a team sport.

The development of mixed and social netball has also seen an influx of new players who have little to no netball skills. It is therefore important, as either a coach or a player, to understand how you can improve your netball skills and techniques.

Goal shooting is probably the most important skill for over a quarter of a netball team. If you play as either a goal shooter or a goal attack, then you need to be able to score regularly and consistently. The best way to do this is to practice shooting. However, the old saying applies – “perfect practice makes perfect”. There is no point practicing a bad technique, or you simply won’t improve.

Below are our top tips for improving and developing a flawless netball shooting technique. Implementing one or more of these into your training routine should help you see regular and consistent improvement in your game.

1. Consider professional coaching:

If you are really serious about improving your netball shooting technique, then you should consider professional coaching. One or two sessions with a decent coach is a very good start, especially if you have never been taught to shoot properly.

Learning the right techniques on your own can be extremely difficult. However, learning the right Netball techniques with the help of a good coach is actually very easy. Paying for a couple of hours of high level coaching at the start of your training can give you a very good technical starting point. After this it all comes down to regular, high quality practice.

2. Practice moving everything in a straight line towards the ring:

This concept applies to almost every sport. Generally, when shooting for a goal, you want to move everything in the direction that you want the ball to go. Don’t try and twist your body and shoot sideways, even if only slightly, as this will decrease your shooting accuracy.

Instead, face the ring front on, line up your shoulders square to the ring, shoot straight towards the ring, and follow through with your arm moving straight towards where you want the ball to go. Doing this will almost guarantee that the ball moves towards the netball ring. Once you have mastered this, all you have to worry about is the length of your shot.

3. Don’t overthink things when you are playing:

Games are for gaining confidence and having fun. When you are playing, it is important not to think too much about the mechanics of your shot. Do all of your technical practice at training, and just worry about getting the ball in during games.

Sure, your technique might not be perfect during games, but it is important to practice without overthinking so that you can get a feel for the ball and become confident with your ability. Trying to be technically perfect during games simply doesn’t work – you don’t have the time to concentrate on every little thing you are doing before you shoot.

4. Analyse game footage:

If you are really serious about developing your netball shooting technique, then you can still use games as a good learning tool. Instead of worrying about your technique during games, ask a friend or family member to film you play.

Once the game has finished you can then take this footage and analyse it to help you improve your shooting. Identify flaws in your technique and work on them at training during the week. Film yourself playing again, and compare your previous technique to your new technique to monitor your progress.

5. Build a good headspace:

Although a lot of netball players probably don’t realise it, mental preparation and training are almost as important as physical training. Getting into the right headspace is extremely important, as it allows you to concentrate on your shots, focus on your technique, and improves your chances of scoring regularly.

There are a variety of mental techniques that you can use to focus and channel your mind before a game. If you respond well to music, then consider listening to some of your favourite artists pre-game. Go for songs which help put you in the zone. Practice positive mental imagery, meditate and train to improve your self-confidence, and do whatever you can do put yourself in the right mindset before every game. Make sure that you concentrate particularly hard on eliminating negative thoughts while you are on the court.

6. Remember, perfect practice makes perfect!

If there is one mantra that you should live by when training, this is it. Practising a poor technique won’t help you improve your shooting – all it will do is increase your chance of using this poor technique during games and in high pressure situations.

Instead, focus on using the best technique that you can whenever you train. By all means, practise shooting as often as possible, but always try and practise with the right technique. Failing to do so will just stunt your improvement.

So, get out there and train!

If you are serious about taking your netball game to the next level, make a point of improving your shooting technique and scoring numbers. If you are able to sink a higher percentage of your shots, you immediately become more valuable to your team, and have a better chance of playing in a better grade. Good luck, have fun, and remember – perfect practice makes perfect!

For those serious about enhancing their netball performance, wearing the right gear is essential. Our latest collection of Netball Bodysuits offers superior comfort and flexibility, perfect for players at any level. Ready to elevate your game with high-quality, stylish bodysuits? Explore our Netball Bodysuits collection today and see the difference it makes. Have questions? Get in touch with us – we’re here to help!

Top 10 Netball Tips To Help You Get The Most Out Of This Season

Posted on by energetic
netball tips
06 Feb

Regardless of what form you play, netball can be an extremely fun and rewarding sport. Mixed or social netball provides a great opportunity for you to spend time with your friends and meet new people while getting a bit of regular exercise. More competitive grades are great for people who really enjoy playing, improving, and sometimes even winning!

With netball season just around the corner, there are a lot of things that you could do to make sure that you get the most out of every game you play this season. Although some things are difficult and require a lot of time and effort, you can make a lot of improvements by doing a few simple things for a few minutes every day. Our top ten netball tips for improving your game this season include:

1. Buy yourself a netball ring:

If you ever play in attack, then you need to be good at shooting. Even if you don’t, learning how to shoot can help you improve your ball control, coordination, and general skills. One of the best ways to improve your shooting is to buy yourself a netball ring for your backyard.

There are plenty of choices for the netball player who wants to set up their own ring to practice with. Go for something cheap and simple, or install a higher quality ring which mimics the real thing. Regardless of which option you choose, regular practice is the key.

2. Watch technique videos:

If you really want to improve your netball game, then one of the best and most important things to work on is your technique. If you really want to be a star netballer, then you need to have a good technique.

One of the best ways to improve your technique is to get online and watch videos. Simply search for “improve your netball technique” on YouTube or a similar video sharing website and you should come up with hundreds of extremely useful videos. Work through these, take notes, and use the netball tips outlined in them to improve your shooting technique.

3. Get fit:

This is relatively self-explanatory, but certainly no less important than any of the other netball tips. If you really want to maximize your performance this netball season, then you need to make sure that you are as fit as possible.

Exercising for a few minutes every day is all that you need. Things like sit-ups, push-ups, and squats are simple exercises which you can do from the comfort of your living room. Try and include some cardio exercises like swimming or running a couple of times per week and watch your performance improve out of sight!

4. Get to know your teammates:

Your teammates are the people who will be feeding your passes, helping your team improve, and making you look good on the court. Getting to know them and how they play can help improve your game dramatically. Meet for coffee a few times before the season starts, try and hang out together, and you should see your team gel like never before. Try it and see!

5. Learn to communicate:

One of the keys to playing any team sport well is communication. Learn to talk to your teammates during training and games. If you are a naturally quiet person this may be difficult, but that doesn’t mean that it is any less important.

Actively try and improve your talk on and off the court this preseason. Although it may be hard at first, you will find that it gets easier over time. Become a leader in your team, and you should see both your own and your team’s performance improve a lot this netball season!

“Perfect practice makes perfect”:

Sure, you’ve probably heard the saying “practice makes perfect” before. However, this isn’t quite true. It should go “perfect practice makes perfect”. It is extremely important to practice the way you want to play. Don’t get lazy at training, don’t slack off when it comes to fitness work, and don’t be lazy when it comes to your technique. After all, you play the way you train whether you like it or not.

7. Train with a wall:

A lot of young netballers believe that they can’t train unless they have someone to train with. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth. A concrete or brick wall makes a great training tool for practicing your ball skills when you are alone.

All you need to do is put a few markers on the wall using chalk or something else which you can wash off. Take your ball and practice your passing and catching by throwing the ball at the markers on the wall and catching it when it rebounds.

8. Practice your shots regularly:

The other thing that you can do on your own practices your shooting. Even if you aren’t a goal shooter or goal attack, having good shooting skills will still help improve your overall game.

Consider buying yourself a netball ring for your backyard (see tip 1 for more) or heading down to your local park regularly and practicing your shots at least a few times per week. Your game will improve out of sight if you put the time and effort in.

9. Eat well:

Sure, you might think that you eat pretty well already. However, if you actually took a good look at your diet you would probably find a lot of areas where you could improve. Try and cut out unhealthy junk foods, make sure that you are getting enough nutrients, and eat the right foods at the right times https://xcasinobonuses.net/. Doing so will make it much easier to get and stay fit, and your body will thank you!

10. Stretch!

Stretching will help reduce your risk of injury and increase your flexibility. Both of these things are great when it comes to playing netball. If are serious about becoming the best netballer possible, then you need to make sure that you include stretching before and after every single training session.

Regardless of your long-term goals, a few simple daily actions can help you improve your netball game out of sight. Base your training on the above netball tips and watch yourself improve this season!

To truly stand out on the court, having the right equipment is crucial. Our collection of Netball Patches And Bibs offers top-quality, durable options that ensure you and your team look sharp and professional. Ready to upgrade your netball gear? Check out our range today and elevate your game! Have any questions? Reach out to us – we’re here to assist you!

The Benefits Of Playing Social Netball

Posted on by energetic
social netball
24 Nov

Social sports have risen in popularity over the past few years. Gone are the days where people played sport with the sole aim of winning, and here are the days where sport is a fun pastime which can be enjoyed with your closest friends and family members. Playing sport in a social setting isn’t all about winning – most social leagues don’t have any form of ladder, nor do they play finals. Instead, social sports aim to get more people being active regularly, to teach newcomers the sport, and to encourage participation among people who otherwise probably wouldn’t play any sports.

Social netball is one of the most popular social sports in Australia. Netball has long been one of the most popular sports for women in Australia. However, more and more men are playing every year, and more and more social leagues (where men and women often play together) are being created to cater for the increase in players.

What is Social Netball?

Basically, social netball has the same rules as standard netball, but with one exception – men and women usually play together in a mixed competition. There are rules governing the number of men who can play on any team, and this helps keep the competition fair. In most cases, the female players are the best anyway, as a lot of them have grown up playing the sport.

The aim of social netball is to give people who probably wouldn’t play a competitive form of the game a chance to have some fun and exercise for a few hours per week. It allows people to get physical and to have fun with a group of friends or colleagues, and it provides a simple stress relief avenue.

Since most social netball leagues are basically uncompetitive and designed for people of all skill levels and physical abilities, they generally don’t have a finals series or ladder. This allows people to have a lot more fun than they might have playing a competitive form of the game, and it can also help people new to netball learn the rules and strategies in a low pressure environment.

What are the benefits of playing social netball (Or any other social sport)?

The benefits associated with social sports are wide and varied. In fact, it has been argued that people can get a lot more positives out of social sports than out of traditional competitive sports. Traditional competitive sports can cause emotional distress, competitive stress, and many people don’t even enjoy playing because of the brutal competitiveness of the sport.

However, this generally isn’t the case when it comes to social sports. The focus is on having fun, on giving everyone a go, and on improving everyone’s skills. It is therefore logical to assume that social leagues are much more appealing to many people, mainly due to the lack of competitive commitment necessary. Some of the personal benefits of playing social sports include:

Social sports can help boost self-confidence –

Unfortunately, many people suffer from an extreme lack of self-confidence which heavily impacts their sporting life. Since social sports are generally free from extreme competition and don’t require a lot of skill or knowledge of the game, they provide the perfect environment for people to improve their self-confidence. It doesn’t matter how long you have been playing netball for or how skilled you are, confidence issues can affect anyone – and social netball can help you address these issues!

Social netball can help you get enough physical activity to maintain a healthy body –

Many people in the modern world have office jobs which involve them sitting in a chair or behind a computer for hours at a time. This means that they generally don’t get enough exercise, and that their health suffers as a result. Social netball provides a great avenue for exercise, and can help people like this get their 30 minutes of physical activity per day. It doesn’t require a lot of time commitments or a high level of fitness, and is therefore perfect for busy people who simply can’t commit a lot of time to their sport.

Social netball can lead to new friendships and relationships –

The main focus of social netball is generally to have fun and meet new people. As with any social sport, social netball offers a great opportunity to develop new friendships and relationships, to make new contacts, and to simply get out of the house and socialise for a few hours!

Social sports can be a great way to release and forget about things for a while –

Sometimes, life can just get to be too much. Maybe you are going through a tough break-up, are having a hard time at work, or simply don’t know where you are going in life. Playing social netball can help you forget about your problems for a few hours, can help you let go of things which have been bothering you, and can simply give you a bit of time to free your mind and let go of difficult problems.

Are you interested in playing social netball?

Do the above benefits appeal to you? Do you want to give social netball a go? If so, then consider getting a team together and registering in your local competition! All major cities and most larger towns will have some sort of social netball competition. If you aren’t sure where the nearest one to you is then try getting in touch with your local netball league or with netball Australia.

Social netball is a great way to get out and meet new people. It can help you make new friends, can help you release any emotional baggage that you are carrying, and can help you improve your skills and self-confidence. So what are you waiting for? Join a social netball team and start reaping the benefits today!

Having the right gear is crucial to fully enjoy your social netball experience. Explore our stylish and comfortable netball Singlet to stay cool and confident while playing. Don’t wait – click here to get yours today and take your game to the next level! Grab your netball singlet now and excel on the court! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

The Top 5 Famous Australian Netballers In 2017

Posted on by energetic
famous australian netballers
26 Sep

It can be (and has been) argued that the famous Australian netballers is at an all-time high. Participation rates are increasing dramatically, more men than ever are playing the sport thanks to the rise of mixed social netball, and the Australian national team, the Diamonds, is achieving as much success as ever.

Unfortunately, netball doesn’t get the same amount of media coverage as sports like AFL or cricket get, which means that its best players simply aren’t as well known. We have done some digging, and put together a list of what we believe is Australia’s best netball players of 2017. This list is by no means exhaustive, and we aren’t claiming to have got it perfect.

In our opinions, top 5 famous Australian netballers in 2017, in no particular order, are:

Sharni Layton:

Sharni Layton is one of Australia’s most versatile and experienced netballers. Playing primarily in defence, Layton fills the Goal Keeper, Goal Defence, or Wing Defence position, depending on the game. She has been playing netball at the top level with the Diamonds since 2011, and has gained 22 test caps. She has come into some rare form in 2017, leading to some people naming her the best defender of the era.

She signed with the Collingwood Magpies earlier in the year, and has built her form in the national league. Layton played in a number of test matches against England, NZ, and South Africa recently, seemingly cementing her spot in the squad for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. She also captained the Diamonds for a short time earlier in 2017, and is undoubtedly a key part of the success of famous Australian netballers heading into the future.

Gabi Simpson:

At just 176cm tall and 24 years of age, Gabi Simpson is another one of Australian netball’s young guns. She boasts huge talent, athleticism, and a never say die attitude which has made her a team favourite over the past few years. She recently won the Liz Ellis Diamonds award for the most outstanding performance by any Australian player across international and domestic competitions. She was also named in the Super Netball Team of the Year – a prestigious all-star team made up of the country’s best players across the domestic competition.

She was the highest ranked wing defender across the last domestic season, and captained the Queensland Firebirds. She recorded an incredible 43 deflections, 21 intercepts, 33 pick-ups, and 34 gains – numbers which highlight her success as a star player of both the Firebirds and the Diamonds team.

Caitlin Bassett:

Australia’s most reliable goal shooter and newest captain, Caitlin Bassett, has continued her run of unbelievable form into 2017. Bassett has developed to become one of the most reliable goal shooters in the world. In a recent match against England, she shot 43 out of 46 goals with an incredible conversion rate of over 93%. If every team had a forward like this, then Australia suddenly wouldn’t stand out as a world netball powerhouse.

Bassett has done more than just shoot goals this season – she has shot goals regularly, consistently, and in huge numbers. She was named Australia’s 24th netball captain earlier in the year, an achievement which she would undoubtedly be proud of. She is also the most experienced player on the current Diamond’s list, and she says that she aims to continue her world dominance for at least a few more years.

Madison Robinson:

Another one of Australia’s most popular and most experienced players is center Madison Robinson. She is one of the Diamond’s vice captains, and plays a huge role in making sure that the team works together. As a center player, Robinson has a huge say in the success of the team, often racking up huge numbers on her way to regular MVP performances.

Although she might not have the superstar name that some of the other players on this list have developed over the years, Robinson is undoubtedly worthy of her place. She has been the heart and soul of the Diamonds success over the years, and continues to give her everything for the team. Barring any major upsets, we should see her leading the Diamonds out onto the court in the upcoming Commonwealth Games, and should hopefully see her claim her second Games medal.

Courtney Bruce:

Courtney Bruce is a name that many casual netball fans won’t be familiar with. This is because she only played her first game for the Diamonds at the end of August. Although some will argue that she shouldn’t be on this list, we believe that she deserves her spot based on sheer potential.

In her first game in green and gold Bruce, a 189cm, 23 year old defender from Perth, had an incredible stats line which saw here named MVP for the game against England. She collected five intercepts, eight deflections, and four rebounds. Some would argue that a couple more performances like this would see the rookie take a place in the squad for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

At the very least, Bruce has definitely guaranteed her spot in the Diamonds team for a few more games. Time will tell whether she becomes the superstar that we saw glimpses of in her first test, or whether she will be a one-hit wonder. For Australian netball’s sake, we hope that she continues to build on her form in the lead up to the Games next year!

To perform at your best on the court, having the right gear is essential. Our selection of Netball Socks offers comfort, support, and style to keep you at the top of your game. Ready to elevate your performance? Shop the latest collection today and experience the difference! Need more information? Request a quote – we’re here to help!

Netball And The Olympics – Should Netball Be An Olympic Sport?

Posted on by energetic
why should netball be in the olympics
27 Aug

Netball players and netball playing nations across the world have long lobbied for netball’s inclusion in the Olympic Games. Unfortunately, the International Olympic Committee hasn’t yet seen fit to include netball in the Games, but it is hoped that the highly anticipated inclusion will take place in the coming few decades. This ongoing effort raises the question: why should netball be in the Olympics?

Why should netball be an Olympic sport? 

Unfortunately, women’s sport in the Olympics has been somewhat slow to grow, and many see this as the primary reason why netball hasn’t yet been included in the Games. However, it is played by tens, if not hundreds of thousands of people across the world. Many, if not all of these players would love to see their sport get a chance on the world stage.

Other, more obscure sports have had their chance – why should netball be in the olympics?

The IOC recognition key

Before 1995, netball had no chance of being represented in the Olympic Games. It was not recognized as an Olympic sport, and therefore couldn’t be included, no matter how hard people lobbied.

Fortunately, after twenty years of hard lobbying by netball activists, the IOC gave netball Olympic recognized sport status. Since this is an essential criterion for inclusion in the games, one of the formal requirements has been met for the past 22 years.

What is the most likely path of inclusion for netball?

Although the Olympic Games has many permanent sports which will have been a part of the competition since its inception, temporary ‘exhibition’ sports are not unheard of. In fact, temporary sports are included in nearly every single Olympic Games, as the International Olympic Committee (The IOC) looks to include the most relevant disciplines in every Games.

If a sport succeeds at the temporary level, then there is a good chance that it will be accepted on a permanent basis – or that it will at least be invited back at the next games.

Many netball advocates believe that this is the most likely path of inclusion for the sport. If it was to be included as a temporary sport – and it might well be in the near future – then it is believed that it would have a good chance receiving permanency. Netball fans and players across the world have been lobbying for this for years, and would welcome it with open arms.

The biggest problem

There is one big problem facing netball, and one main reason why it is yet to be included as an Olympic sport. This is that only 28 sports are played at any one Games. With most of these permanent sports, there is only space for a couple of temporary sports at a time.

There have been rumours that the IOC is going to reduce the amount of permanent sports at the 2020 Games and beyond. This would open up more spots for temporary sports, and would dramatically increase the chances of netball getting its go.

The importance of the 2014 Commonwealth Games

The skills exhibited during the 2014 Commonwealth Games netball competition left people across the world awestruck. It left many spectators – both those who known and follow netball and those who were discovering the sport for the first time – asking the big question: why isn’t netball an Olympic sport?

It is thought that the success of netball at the 2014 Commonwealth Games should help the sport’s case when it comes to Olympic inclusion. In the end, the Olympics are really about media coverage and popularity – if a sport is popular enough, it has a very good chance of being included in the games.

Does netball have to expand first?

Many people have argued that the main reason that netball hasn’t yet been accepted into the Olympics is because it is only really played by a handful of Commonwealth nations. Although there are netball leagues in almost a hundred countries across the world, a few of these stand out as world powerhouses.

These nations include Australia, New Zealand, England, and South Africa – nations who don’t have a huge voice when it comes to the Olympic Games. It is expected that – if netball was to be included in the Games – that one of these countries would undoubtedly take home the gold medal. Countries like the USA and Russia have argued against ‘giving away’ a gold medal like this, and they may just have a point.

Thankfully, the future of netball is bright. It is one of the quickest growing sports in the world, and many countries are seeing participation rates skyrocket. If we could just see a more even world competition, rather than one dominated by a handful of countries, then the case for netball’s inclusion in the Olympic Games would be dramatically strengthened.

Will we see this happen? Only time will tell.

The equality problem

As of 2012, only 44% of Olympic athletes were women. Despite the IOC doing their best in recent years to even out the gender equality gap, they still haven’t managed to reach the magical 50%. If netball was to be included in the Games in the future, it could help to solve this problem due to the fact that it is primarily played by women.

So, will netball be included in the Olympics?

Ultimately the big question remains: will netball become an Olympic sport, and if so, when?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question remains unknown. However, the fact that netball is growing across the world, combined with the fact that it has consistently been able to pull big crowds over the past few years, suggests that the sport has a very strong case for inclusion.

Do you want to see netball at the Olympic Games? If so, why? Watch this space!

Get geared up with our Netball Playing Tee collection today and be ready for the game! Excited to elevate your netball experience? See our deals of the latest collection. Have questions? Contact us today for expert advice and assistance!

Fast5: The Future of Netball?

Posted on by energetic
fast5 netball
30 Jan

In an attempt to make the game of netball more global and easily viewable all across the world, the IFNA (International Federation of Netball Associations) decided to develop a new game with altered rules. This game would be easier to watch because it was shorter in length and more points could be scored due to the fact that scoring was more similar to basketball. One of the ultimate goals of this was to try and get netball into the Olympics. There was also some hope that this version of the game, fast5 netball, would catch on in the United States, which would have helped increase interest in a huge way – unfortunately it hasn’t yet.

The new version of netball became known as “fastnet” by many, but the official name would end up morphing into “Fast5.”  The first Fast5 netball competition invited the top six teams in the world rankings to play in the new format.  The games would be played over the course of three days, as the new format would make it possible to play much more frequently than in the past. Each team played one another once in the group stage in a round-robin style format, and the top four advanced to have a chance in a straight knockout playoff. The remaining sides continued to play off for third and fifth respectively. This format continues today, and is one of the most anticipated events on the world netball calendar.

To go further, the game’s rules are also completely different to traditional netball.  Each team only has five players (instead of seven) on the court at a time.  Each quarter is six minutes long, which is 60% shorter than normal quarters, which are fifteen minutes long.  One of the things that makes some people a little concerned is the “power play” quarter. Each team can choose a quarter in which they will receive double points for each basket scored.  Another difference is that goals can be scored from outside the shooting circle.  Depending on the location, a team can receive two or three points for a shot from outside the circle. In your power play quarter, you could receive six points for one basket!  And lastly, tied matches are determined with a penalty shootout type of system which is similar to soccer.

One of the comparisons that the new game got straight away was to rugby.  Rugby has done a similar thing very successfully with their new Rugby Sevens game. In fact, Rugby Sevens is now included in the Olympics. The first time this occurred was just last year in the 2016 games in Rio. What rugby sevens has done is bring a much faster style to the game that people knew and loved all around the globe. Netball is hoping to do the same, and they are hoping to have the same results that rugby has had.

So, is the new version the right way to go?  For many people the answer is a resounding no. Some players, coaches, and fans alike believe the game is too close to basketball. This is something that is a concern for many because it’s just never going to be basketball. If it was, then what would be the point of playing netball? That is the exact argument being made by many, but others believe that the game has to do anything it can to become more popular.

Another concern is the fact that the power play quarter exists. This idea is something that is not seen in most parts of the world. The idea of scoring goals or points and making them worth double their intended score for one certain period just seems contrived. Is it truly determining the best team if they are allowed to go down and score two six point baskets to erase a large deficit in no time? While it would no doubt take some skill to make the baskets, it just seems like an easy way out that doesn’t really result in the best team always winning.

The only example of something like this working is in America with the three-point shot in basketball. Basketball has done very well with this addition since the 1980s, but they don’t allow you to stack up double points in a certain quarter. It all just seems like it is being done to try and force the world into loving netball.

In reality, netball is never likely to catch on in the rest of the world. There may be parts of the world where it does gain popularity, but generally it is going to be a sport played in the places that it always has been – the Commonwealth nations. The argument should be – and really has to be – that the game must be preserved for those nations. If it becomes too dissimilar to what it originally was, then it will essentially be benefiting no one. If it doesn’t catch on elsewhere, but alienates the people who enjoy it now, then it will be in a far worse way than it currently is!

To embrace the evolution of netball, equipping yourself with the right gear is crucial. Our range of Netball Hot Pants combines comfort, durability, and style to enhance your performance on the court. Ready to elevate your game? Get exclusive deals today and discover how these hot pants can make a difference in your play! Need assistance or more details? Contact us for a quote – we’re here to assist you every step of the way

The History of Netball: Roots and Origins

Posted on by energetic
history of netball
08 Jan

Netball is a relatively old sport which has grown from humble roots to become a major sport throughout the world. The history of netball dates back to the late 1890s, when it was developed in England, following the introduction of basketball a few years earlier. The sport quickly grabbed hold, with women throughout the British empire participating as a way to socialise and stay healthy. Male and mixed netball competitions have begun to develop in recent times, and are becoming more and more popular every year. Netball has traditionally been dominated by both Australia (11 titles and 3 second-place finishes) and New Zealand (4 titles and 8 second-place finishes), with Australia the current world champions. The only other country to win a world cup is Trinidad and Tobago, who won in 1979.

From Humble Beginnings to a Worldwide Sport:

In 1891, an American schoolteacher by the name of James Naismith invented what has become one of the most popular sports in the world: basketball. However, the accepted dress of 19th century women prevented them from participating in basketball in the same way men could. They had trouble with movements such as dribbling and jumping. This led to female teachers putting their heads together and adapting the game to allow women to participate. The rules of netball (originally known as women’s basketball) can be traced back to this time.

From here, the sport quickly spread throughout the world. A match at Madame Ostenburg’s College in 1895 was the first time the game was played in England. From here, colonists rapidly dispersed the sport throughout the British empire, where it often became the most popular female sport.

However, the rules of netball weren’t officially developed until six years later. It is thought that an American gym teacher called Clara Baer began to create official rules in 1898 when she asked Naismith for a copy of the rules of basketball. Using this copy, she identified the areas where ‘female basketball’ differed and modified the rules. This document formed the basis for the official rules as we know them today. In 1901, these rules were published and netball became an official competitive sport.

As netball spread to the British colonies, it began to develop independently in different places. Rules changed according to location, and team sizes ranged from five to nine players on court at any one time. The rules were not standardised until almost 60 years later, when the International Federation of Women’s Basketball and Netball Associations was developed. The rules were officially standardised in 1960 at a conference in Sri Lanka which was attended by representatives from Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, South Africa, The West Indies, and England.

From humble beginnings, netball has gone from strength to strength to become one of the most popular sports in countries across the world. Over 20 million people from at least 80 different countries play netball today.

Netball in Australia:

Australia has been the world’s best at netball since the sport made its way to the country. They have won the majority of world titles and major tournaments over history, with 11 of 16 world cups and 3 of 5 Commonwealth Games gold medals.

Important Dates in Australian Netball:

  • 1897 – Netball was introduced to Australia from England, and began its rapid spread through the country.
  • Start of 20th century – Netball became established and widespread throughout Australia.
  • 1924 – Interstate competitions began.
  • 1927 – The All-Australia Women’s Basketball Association was formed.
  • 1928 – The Australian National Championships were contested for the first time.
  • 1957 – An Australian team travelled to England by ship to become the first international team to tour there. They blitzed the tour, winning 54 out of 57 game.
  • 1963 – The Australian National team won the first world championship in 1963.
  • 1967 – The World Netball Championships were played in Perth.
  • 1970 – The sports name was officially changed from women’s basketball to netball.
  • 1991 – Sydney hosted the World Netball Championships.
  • 2006 – The Melbourne Commonwealth Games included a netball championship.
  • 2011 – Perth hosted the International Challenge Men’s and Mixed Netball Tournament.
  • 2013-2016 – The ANZ Championship, a trans-Tasman league involving Australian and New Zealand teams, was a significant period for Australian netball.
  • 2017– Suncorp Super Netball was launched as Australia’s premier domestic league, featuring eight teams from across the country.
  • 2019 – The Australian Diamonds won the Netball World Cup in Liverpool, England.
  • 2022 – Australia hosted and won the Commonwealth Games netball gold medal.
  • 2023 – The Australian Diamonds continued their dominance by winning the Netball World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa.

Netball Today:

Netball remains a popular sport throughout the world. According to the International Netball Federation (INF), over 20 million people from at least 80 countries play netball today. 74 of these countries have a national netball association which is affiliated with the worldwide governing body.  Netball is the most popular women’s team sport in both Australia and New Zealand.

The sport continues to develop as the INF looks to gain more exposure and make it more appealing to new players. In 2008, a shortened variation of netball called “Fast5” was introduced for the first time. It features a number of rule changes and modifications, including ‘power plays’, long range shots, and shorter six minute quarters.

Men’s and mixed teams are also becoming more and more popular, as countries throughout the world continue their push to grow the sport. Mixed social netball has become popular throughout Australia, and threatens to explode over coming years. Keep your eyes peeled for future developments in the world of netball!

To excel on the netball court, having the right gear is crucial. Our range of Netball Singlets combines comfort, durability, and style to enhance your performance and keep you at your best. Ready to elevate your game? Visit this link today and feel the difference!

For more information or to place an order, don’t hesitate to contact us – we’re here to assist you every step of the way.

Who Does What: A Summary Of Netball Positions And Roles

Posted on by energetic
netball positions and their roles
05 Dec

Who Does What: A Summary Of Netball Positions And Roles

Netball is an interesting sport in the fact that players are restricted to certain areas of the court, depending on their position. They wear bibs which show the position that they are currently playing, and are penalised for entering the wrong areas of the court.

What are 7 positions in netball?

There are seven players from each team on the netball court at any one time, all of which have different zonal restrictions. Each player has their own specified role within the team, which they need to play to the best of their ability to ensure the team functions well as a unit. The netball positions and their roles include:

Centre (C)

The centre is the freest player on the netball court, and is able to play on any part of the court except for the two goal circles. They act as both attackers and defenders, and therefore must be very aerobically fit and have a good running ability. The centre player’s main roles include:

  • Taking the centre pass after every second restart.
  • Working with the wing attack to create strong attacking plays and move the ball to the shooters.
  • Taking throw ins and free passes in the goal third to ensure that the other attacking players are free to move around.
  • Defending the opposition centre player and trying to limit their influence.
  • Working closely with the WD to pressure the opposition when they are attacking.

Wing Attack (WA)

The wing attack is often touted as the team’s key playmaker due to their role in attack. They are allowed in the two attacking thirds of the court, but can’t enter the goal circle. They work purely to create scoring opportunities for the GS and the GA by working their defender over. It is important for the WA to have good attacking skills and to be able to play smart. The WA’s main roles include:

  • The wing attack is usually on the end of the centre pass.
  • They work closely with the centre to feed the shooters and create as many scoring opportunities as possible.
  • They act as the cornerstone of the attack, as they are the crucial link between the defensive and attacking halves of the ground.
  • Throw ins and free passes in the attacking third are taken by the WA.
  • They also defend the opposition WD to prevent counterattacks.

Goal Shooter (GS)

The goal shooter is only allowed in their attacking third of the court. They are usually one of the tallest players on the team, and are responsible for shooting a majority of the team’s goals. The GS is responsible for:

  • Working closely with the GA to shoot the ball through the hoop. This often involves a burst of short, sharp passes to get the ball in a better position to shoot from.
  • As a tall player, the GS needs to be able to rebound missed shots effectively.
  • They also defend the oppositions GK to ensure a quick counterattack doesn’t occur.

Goal Attack (GA)

The goal attack is required to work closely with the GS to score and set up goals. They are allowed in the two attacking thirds of the court. They share the scoring responsibility, and are one of the only two players on the court allowed to score goals. They need to do the following things to ensure the team runs smoothly:

  • If the GS is free, then they need to feed them with quick, accurate passes to set them up to shoot a goal.
  • However, if the GS is heavily defended, then the GA needs to be able to take long range shots accurately.
  • They must be able to pass very well while also being able to shoot accurately from the outer edge of the circle.
  • As one of the two attackers allowed in the goal circle, the GA must be able to rebound missed shots and prevent the opposition GD from rebounding.

Goal Keeper (GK)

The goal keeper is the primary defender on court, and is responsible for limiting the influence of the opposition GS. They are confined to the defensive third of the court, and will rarely leave the defensive goal circle. Their main roles are:

  • To provide a close defence of the GS and of all shots for goal.
  • Rebound missed shots for goal and launch the counterattack.
  • Take base line and back third throw ins and free passes.
  • To work closely with the GD to limit the attack of the opposition and prevent them from scoring goals.

The goal defence is restricted to the two defensive thirds of the court, and is responsible for limiting the influence of the GA. They are a vital part of the team’s defence, and need to be on the ball at all times to prevent the opposition scoring. They need to:

  • Mark the GA closely and try and prevent them from receiving the ball.
  • Defend any shots on goal that the GA takes.
  • Rebound missed shots on goal and help the GK launch a fast counterattack.
  • Take throw ins and free passes in the defensive and centre thirds when necessary.

Wind Defence (WD)

The last position on the court is the wing defence, but it is by no means the least important. The wing defence is limited to the defensive two thirds of the court, but can’t enter the defensive goal circle. Their main roles in the team include:

  • Defending the WA and limiting their influence wherever possible.
  • Forcing errors on the WA, C, and GA whenever possible.
  • Intercepting or blocking passes.
  • Making attacking moves to move the ball quickly up the court.
  • Taking throw ins and free passes whenever necessary.

Although the netball positions and their roles may seem confusing at first, the best way to learn them is to get out and play. Contact your local netball team or club for more information on joining a team and getting your netball life started!

To excel on the netball court, having the right gear is essential. Our Sublimated Athletic Singlet provides comfort, flexibility, and durability to enhance your performance throughout the game. Visit our store here and discover how our singlets can enhance your performance! Get in touch now – we’re here to help you at every stage.