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Netball and Its Effect on Bones and Joints

Posted on by energetic
Netball and Its Effect
04 Oct

Netball is a dynamic game of speed in movement that has largely gained popularity worldwide as well as in developed countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Played mainly by women, it is a game that involves running, jumping, and changing direction. Hence, this game is exhilarating in many respects.  

However, like most sporting activities, the body, particularly bones and joints, is put to quite considerable demands. This article seeks to address those interested in how netball impacts these crucial parts of the human body. It offers suggestions on how to strengthen and protect those parts that are usually affected. 

The Physical Demands of Netball 

Netball is a very high-impact sport that requires a lot of agility, speed, and endurance. The players are expected to keep moving around the entire court and often come to abrupt stops or turn in an unexpected direction. This could be highly stressful on bones and joints, especially knees, ankles, and hips. 

The demands on the body differ also in various positions of netball. For example, the Goal Shooter (GS) should spend most of his time in the goal circle, moving quickly and jumping to shoot the ball back. That would result in repetitive injury to the knees and ankles.  

A highly inclined injury due to overuse might be a Center (C) player who has to go up and down the court entirely, thus exposing him to constant running and quick direction changes. Regardless of the position a player represents, netball requires a higher level of physical fitness; therefore, athletes must maintain bone and joint health for performance and to prevent injuries.

Impact of Netball on the Joints 

Jumping and sudden pivot in netball over time could lead to important wear and tear in the joints. The knees and ankles of the human body typically suffer from the condition. Since it is a match-typed sport, players face increased possibilities for higher-impact injuries, such as ligament tears in the knees.

Moreover, sprains and strains could also occur from improper landing after jumping or sudden pivoting. Netball players in key positions, such as Goal Attack or Wing Attack, must cover much ground in a very short period of time. This causes more pressure on the lower body’s joints as one has to make sharp directional changes. 

It is for this reason that netballers must engage in exercises that enhance strength and stability to the joints. Exercise in activities like squats and lunges will strengthen the muscles of the body that surround the joints. This may help to protect the joints from injury. Proper warm-ups, stretches, and the donning of supportive footwear, among other things, are similarly essential elements in maintaining the health status of the joints in a game of netball. 

Effect of Netball on Your Bone 

This sport may appear rather straining on the joints, but, as a matter of fact, it positively affects bone health. Like with other weight-bearing sports, netball stimulates bone growth and density. Running, jumping, and fast movements all challenge the bones to become stronger over time. It is very important for young players who develop a strong skeletal body structure while growing. 

Stress fractures may develop if a player is put to overtraining or asked to go for a match when not fully recovered. Positions such as the Wing Defense (WD) and Goal Defense (GD) place excessive stress on the leg bones and feet as players constantly have to stay on their feet, jump, and block shots. Balance training with sufficient rest allows the bones to recover and adapt. 

Nutrition plays an extremely important role in keeping the bones healthy, too. As the diet is high in calcium and vitamin D, it supports the strength of bone density; and enough consumption of protein helps in the repair and preservation of tissues. In the case of netball players, experts suggest that they take a well-balanced diet including green vegetables, dairy products, lean proteins, and healthy fats to ensure that their bones do not break down during the season.

Netball Injuries 

Any netball player should focus on preventing injuries since this will take him out of the field for weeks or even months, not only for his body but also for his mind and performance during the game. 

When possible, individuals should perform some strength exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knees, hips, and ankles, potentially reducing the risk of injuries. The development of balance and stability will be helpful in practice with movements such as single-leg squats, plyometrics, and others. Flexibility improvement with dynamic stretching and yoga may also help in terms of joint range of motion and avoid strains and sprains. 

Appropriate footwear is another key demand in injury prevention. Netballers must purchase shoes that will provide good support for the ankles and cushioning that will soak up the shock of jumping and running on concrete surfaces. Specialized netball-designed shoes may offer immense protection for the feet and lower limbs against injury. 

Lastly, rest and recovery should not be forgotten. Whether playing as a Goal Keeper (GK) or a Center (C), every player needs adequate rest time between games and practices, allowing the bodies to heal and rebuild themselves. You can achieve this by scheduling rest days, engaging in low-impact cross-training activities like swimming or cycling, and using techniques such as foam rolling or massage to relieve muscle tension.

Impact of Playing Netball over the Long-term 

The coaches should enlighten the children who play netball regularly for many years on the long-term effects that the sport may have on bones and joints. Although sports activity may ensure strong bones through weight-bearing, it may cause chronic issues in the joints, such as osteoarthritis, due to strain on joints. Certain positions that require high physical activity, such as the Center or Goal Attack, commonly show long-term effects.

That does not imply however that a good fitness training with some strength building, flexibility exercises, and proper nutrition will not be beneficial in safeguarding bones and joints over the long haul. Healthcare professionals or physiotherapists can conduct regular checks to raise early red flags, ensuring that players have enough time to address small issues before they become big problems.

Conclusion 

Netball is an exciting and demanding sport. Certainly, individuals can learn much about the bones and how engaging in various exercises can help to build healthy bones. Its grueling nature will develop over the term the strained joints, and accidents can easily happen if not taken care of. Regardless of your position in netball, paying attention to strength, flexibility, proper nutrition, and injury prevention techniques can protect your bones and joints for years to come.

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Whether you’re playing Goal Attack or Wing Defense, this skirt is built for optimal performance and comfort. Order now and elevate your game with the best in netball attire. Looking to outfit your entire team? Request a quote today for bulk orders and experience quality, custom-made netball gear tailored to your needs.

How Many Positions in Netball?

Posted on by energetic
Positions in Netball
26 Sep

Netball is a dynamic team game whose major characters are strategic play, skillful maneuvers, and different player positions that contribute to the flow and outcome of the game. Understanding those roles both for players and coaches is essential. The following paper addresses the different positions in netball, delves into the netball shooting technique, and highlights the role that every player plays on the court. 

Positions in Netball: A Breakdown 

Netball comprises seven positions that are occupied by individual players who take the responsibility of their specific roles and the part of the court they play at. The netball positions include: 

  • (GK) Goal Keeper  
  • (GD) Goal Defense 
  • (WD) Wing Defense  
  • (C) Center  
  • (WA) Wing Attack  
  • (GA) Goal Attack  
  • (GS) Goal Shooter  

Each of these positions played roles in both defense and offense. Therefore, it requires the individual player to be able to change his skills based on the role being assigned to him or her. Thus, knowledge of these positions is an important part of teamwork and general performance in the game. 

Netball Shooting Technique: Mastering the Art 

A netball player’s footwork is one of the skills that he or she should have-the more so for the Goal Shooter and Goal Attack. These are the components of netball shooting technique:

  • Footwork: Good footwork is essential in creating space, as well as balance, when shooting. 
  • Body Position: For maximum accuracy, players should position the body square to the hoop. 
  • Follow Through: A proper follow-through ensures that the ball goes straight in the direction the goal, of course, is. 

The Goal Shooter: The Key to Netball Success 

Mastering the shooting technique will advance a player’s scoring ability and, at the same time, give a player more confidence in the game.In scoring, the most important player is the Goal Shooter.  

He or she is the player positioned closest to the goalpost and should be a master of shooting and read of the game. A good coordination with the Goal Attack is required to create scoring opportunities, and he has to get into good position to receive passes from teammates. 

Major duties of the GS: 

  • Scoring Goals: The GS should score from the scoring chance. 
  • Rebounding: They should be prepared to rebound in cases of missed shoots for a second scoring chance. 
  • Communication: They should pass the information to the Goal Attack and other team members in good order for scoring chances. 

The Wing Attack: The Creative Spark 

The first duty of the WA is to invade the playing area all the way into the shooting circle. Thereby, they play an altogether more creative role, depending on their speed and explosiveness with which they can overcome defenders.  

Some duties that go hand in hand with the WA: 

  • Passing: The WA should be quality enough to pass on to the GS and GA. 
  • Space creation: They create scoring opportunities through clever moving and positioning. 
  • Defensive Coverage: The WA can also give cover defensively, acting as a disruptor of plays by the opposing team. 

The Center: The Engine Room 

The Center (C) is the only position in the game allowed to move about the whole court, thereby becoming the motor of the team. The C has to interlink defense and offense so as not to create dead moments in the play.

Some of the key responsibilities include: 

  • Ball Movement: The Center has to make sure the ball movement is fast and effective throughout the team. 
  • Defensive Pressure: They put pressure on their opponent while simultaneously marking their defense plays. 
  • Versatility: The C needs to be one to adapt fast by switching from offense to defense as the game goes on. 

The Wing Defense: The Disruptor 

The Wing Defense (WD) serves a crucial role in hindering the opponent’s plays on offense. Positioned near the center third, the WD requires rapid response and game sense. 

The Duties of a WD are: 

  • Intercepts Passes: The WD attempts to intercept or change direction to the passes from the opponent side. 
  • Marks the Opponent: They must mark an opponent to limit scoring chances by the opponent. 
  • Helps the Defence: The WD will assist the Goal Defence in forming a strong defensive wall. 

The Goal Defense: The Last Line of Defense 

Goal Defense is a defense position focused on preventing an opponent from scoring by standing usually just outside the shooting circle and works in conjunction with the Goal Keeper. 

Key Responsibilities: 

 

  • Blocking Shots- The GD has to be proficient in blocking shots and competing for rebounds.
  • Creating Turnovers- The GD creates turnovers through pass interception, regaining possession of the ball, and then going back to their team. 
  • Collaboration- The GD works hand in hand with the Goal Keeper in forming a formidable defensive alliance.

The Goal Keeper: The Tower of Strength 

The Goal Keeper (GK) is the final wall before the opponent team nets the ball. Ideally located right at the center of the shooting circle, a good GK should be skilled in aerial skills and defense techniques.  

Role of Goal Keeper: 

  • Defend the Goal: This primarily involves defense against shots on goals. 
  • Rebounding: The GK should be ready to catch or deflect rebounds off missed shots. 
  • Reading the Game: Knowledge of what the shooter is doing and positioning makes for some great guidance toward helpful defense. 

The Psychology of Netball Shooting 

Netball shooting is not just a matter of physical fitness but also psychological performance. An individual needs to be calm and composed, which can be enhanced through practices like: 

  • Visualization Techniques: The act of envisioning successful shots can enhance confidence in shooting and even performance. 
  • Positive Reinforcement: Positive self-reinforcement and reinforcement of the individual by the coach result in positive mental settings. 

Visualizing Success and Building Confidence 

Visualization is a highly effective tool for most netballers. Visualising various successful plays and shots builds the confidence of the players and lowers tension during the actual games. Coaches usually encourage their players to visualize successful outcomes before matches. 

Staying Focused and Handling Pressure 

Pressure plays a really critical role in such games and matches. Players should be trained to keep their minds straight, which can involve stress techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness to help them cope with the anxiety. In this sense, psychological training is very important because, at critical moments in the game, it further influences performance. 

The Role of Coaching and Feedback 

Players develop their skills through coaching, and this is developed in understanding the position in the case of netball shooting. Constructive comments help players develop netball shooting technique and overall performance. Practice sessions and feedback, if conducted regularly, will also enable players to know what they are doing well and what is lacking. 

Conclusion: The Many Facets of Netball 

It is also very important to know what each role entails in netball. Each position that occurs during a game, whether for the offense or defense, is a contributor that leads to the ultimate victory of the team. Shooting techniques in netball are mainly responsible for developing the skills of the player and greatly contributing to a game. Good coaching and a positive mindset by team members can help them utilize strength in winning the game. 

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Whether you’re a Goal Shooter perfecting your technique or a Wing Attack creating scoring opportunities, a well-fitted singlet can make all the difference. Ready to upgrade your team’s gear? Buy now and experience the advantage of superior sportswear. Additionally, if you need bulk orders for your team or club, feel free to request a quote for customized netball singlets.

Is Netball the Most Popular Female Sport?

Posted on by energetic
Is Netball the Most Popular Female Sport?
18 Sep

Netball is a high-energy and action-packed game that involves both the players and the audience, most particularly in women’s sports. Over time, it has been one of the many females’ favorite games all over the globe. But is netball the most popular female sport? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of why netball is so popular in Australia, its gender dynamics, and its prominent presence in countries like Australia.

What Gender Dominates Netball? 

Female players naturally dominate the sport of netball. The game was specifically created for women and girls to play and was designed to compete with basketball, and after all these years, it is still a sport that bears an unmistakable stamp of femininity. Of course, males in some places do play this sport, but females are far more numerous than males. Therefore, there exists a long history and a cultural context; netball for girls and netball has always been a woman’s game. 

This high profile position of netball is perpetuated to the female face, with millions of women and girls participating at amateur and professional levels, placing netball in a special position as one of the leading sports played by females. 

Is Netball a Female Sport? 

But one question repeatedly asked is, “Is netball a female sport?” Despite the quintessential linkage of the game with female participants, netball is not a women’s exclusive sport at all. Indeed, many men play netball, although fewer men than women participate in the sport. Male netball teams do exist, and mixed-gender competitions are also slowly gaining acceptance in some countries. Still, the perception of netball as a women’s game remains paramount, particularly in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and England, where netball remains highly embedded in school and community programs aimed at girls. 

However, netball for girls has been at the heart of its definition. The issue of inclusion for women and girls in sports has ensured that netball emerges as a sport of female athleticism and power. Women can compete at every level, grassroots to international levels, without competition from more male-influenced sports. 

Do More Girls Play Netball or Basketball? 

Comparing netball and basketball, it is clear that netball has a much firmer place among girls compared to basketball. Countries where netball is profoundly based will always have more girls playing netball than boys basketball. In countries like Australia, New Zealand, and England, girls’ participation in netball is much higher than in basketball. Netball is the most popular female sport because it is attributed mainly to cultural dominance, the presence of school programs, and the sport’s appeal to female players by record. 

On the other hand, basketball is a more neutral game and is, therefore, a significant sport for both men and women, especially in the United States. Still, netball remains a great favorite among girls in countries where the sport has established robust female leagues and associations. Girls participate in netball at much higher rates than in basketball in regions where netball is part of the national sporting identity. 

Why Men Do Not Play Netball? 

Netball is played and performed by men, but this sport has a historical trend as a female sport. One such reason is that netball is considered a “girls’ game or netball for girls.” Such stereotypes have been passed down for ages, with the result that men show less interest in playing the game. Moreover, there are few opportunities at the professional level and very few leagues dominated by males, which has reduced the number of men interested in playing netball. 

In contrast to basketball, rugby, or soccer, which do very much give opportunities for men professionally and in media appearances, netball is not nearly as appealing. Men’s netball is gaining, but it is a far cry from the others when considering great male sports. Due to this, more men often find themselves drawn to these more prominent male sports, thus pushing netball strictly into the realm of women.

What Gender More Plays Netball? 

In fact, there are so many women as opposed to men playing netball. Marketers have highly promoted the sport to women and girls in various countries over the years, making it the number one female athlete sport in those countries. Women represent a higher proportion than men among the players, and this is also evident in the leagues, teams, and tournaments for women, which considerably outnumber those for men.

Women’s netball also receives much media attention, sponsorship, and public support, which helps cement its stature as a female-only game. Women have widely engaged in netball, making it a very womanly sport that global competitions such as the Netball World Cup and the Commonwealth Games now focus on.

Which Country Plays Netball the Most? 

The most popular countries that play netball are Australia, New Zealand, and England. Established netball leagues boast each country’s national teams as one of the best in the world forever. For instance, millions of women and girls play netball in Australia at different levels-from school competitions to professional leagues. 

Girls’ netball is also extremely strong in such countries, with school programs supporting it at an early stage. It is very helpful in the growth of the sport since it keeps them popular around the globe. Its international teams are always victorious in world competitions. Other countries where netball is very popular include Jamaica, South Africa, and parts of Asia and the Pacific Islands. 

Why Is Netball So Popular in Australia? 

The question most frequently asked by the uninformed is, “why is netball so popular in Australia?” Among various factors attributable to the popularity of netball in Australia include: 

  • School Programs: Young girls in Australia are exposed to netball at an early age via school physical education programs. This builds a lifelong enthusiasm for the game, and many girls continue playing at club and professional levels. 
  • Strong Professional Leagues: Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball is one of the best professional netball leagues in the globe. A strong professional league alongside the high competition has helped to keep the sport at a high-interest level by making female players highly visible. 
  • Cultural Acceptance: Netball is a national sport for women in Australia. Participation is widespread, along with fan support. It is more than a game; it is a social and community activity that brings people together. 
  • Success of the National Team: The Diamonds were the national team of Australia; it is phenomenally successful internationally, inspiring another generation of women and females in pursuit of the sport. 

Can Boys Play Netball with Girls? 

Yes, boys can play netball with girls, but this is mostly at a young age. In mixed-gender teams, boys and girls compete normally at a recreation level or in school. However, when the players grow to higher levels of competition, it is less common for mixed-gender teams. For professional and competitive leagues, most countries maintain separate leagues for males and females. 

Conclusion: Is Netball the Most Popular Female Sport? 

Overall, why is netball the most popular female sport? The answer may vary by country. Certainly, no one disputes the fact that netball is one of the most popular and widely played sports by women, certainly in Australia and New Zealand. Its cultural value, professional opportunities, and strong feminine identity have lodged it firmly as an integral component of women’s athletics around the world. With the game on the rise, it still remains an integral feature of the international sporting scene for women and girls. 

Netball players often pay special attention to their uniforms, and netball knicks play a crucial role in ensuring comfort and flexibility during the game. These fitted shorts, designed specifically for the sport, offer the right balance between functionality and style, making them an essential part of any player’s attire. If you’re looking to enhance your team’s performance and appearance, shop now for high-quality netball knicks that provide both support and freedom of movement. Additionally, for teams interested in customized options or bulk purchases, you can easily request a quote to tailor your order to your specific needs.

Why is Netball So Popular in Australia?

Posted on by energetic
Why is Netball So Popular in Australia
11 Sep

Netball is a sport dear to the hearts of Australians. It unites communities, nurtures friendships, and strengthens women. But why does netball appeal to many in this country? From its rich history to its robust national support, this article sets out to describe why this sport remains among Australia’s favorites. 

Which Country Has the Best Netball? 

Australia usually has the best netball team in the world. The Australian Diamonds, the national netball team, have always ranked at the top in the international league, with numerous titles of World Cups and gold medals in the Commonwealth Games. This could attest to the great netball infrastructure at all levels in the country-from grassroots programs to elite training facilities.  

The intra-Australian competition ensures continuity in challenging and developing the players, providing a pipeline of talent feeding into the national team. This excellence in performance not only places Australia high in the netball world but also adds to the sport’s popularity at home. Thus, answering the question why is netball so popular in Australia. 

In What Country Is the Game of Netball Most Popular? 

While it is widely played in New Zealand, England, and Jamaica, amongst many other countries, arguably, netball has the greatest support in Australia. The sport also involves wide participation, as indeed, there are millions of Australians, mainly women and girls, who play netball at various levels. Why is netball so popular in Australia? Netball forms part of the Australian way of life, with local leagues, schools, and communities all holding frequent matches and tournaments. This accessibility and inclusivity of the sport make it highly relevant to a wide division of demographics, further sealing its position as a favorite sport within the nation.

Is Netball a Hard Sport to Play? 

Netball might look graceful and controlled, yet the sport encompasses physical demands and strategic complexity. The athletes have to possess speed, agility, endurance, and teamwork combined. These rules, along with the restrictions on movement and the requirement for quick passes, make it imperative for the players to think their actions through quickly and to carry them out with real precision.

Once learned, however, netball is a very easy game to pick up due to its simpleness, which allows beginners to take it up while at the same time making it highly competitive for advanced players. It is the fine balance of difficulty and accessibility that has made this sport so popular, particularly in Australia. So, if any of you are wondering should netball be an Olympic sport this section is the answer. 

What Was The First Country To Play Netball? 

Netball was first played in England during the late 19th century, whose earlier version is a basketball derivation. It, however, soon evolved into a specific game with its rules and form of play. It wasn’t long before it spread in all other parts of the British Empire, touching Australia as well; soon after its arrival, it took the ground in Australia because, by the early 20th century, it became a popular sport in Australia, mainly amongst women and has maintained this position ever since. 

Is Netball the Most Popular Female Sport? 

Netball players

Yes, netball is the most popular female sport in Australia. Many people often consider netball to be the sport that females and girls take up most regularly in the country, having more participants than any other female sport. One of the reasons that women have embraced netball so enthusiastically is that early in the 20th century, society actively promoted and supported it as one of the few physical activities for women. It has since then become an iconic sport of women’s power and athleticism in Australia; thus, most females and young girls are into this kind of sport at a local club, school team, and competitive league levels. 

What Age Can Girls Start Playing Netball? 

Girls in Australia can start playing netball as young as five years old. Many clubs offer introductory programs so, in a friendly environment, kids can learn the basic skills and rules of the game. Junior programs are specially and accordingly modified according to age groups. Starting at a young age provides a stronger basis for the sport, allowing girls to continue playing throughout all school years and after. 

Can a Man Play Netball? 

Yes, definitely men participate in the sport of netball. It is one of the only few female-dominated sports within Australia, and it is globally spreading. Over the past ten years, there has been an increase in efforts being made to encourage more males to take part in netball participation both in Australia and worldwide.  

Male-only leagues, as well as mixed-gender teams, allow them to participate in this active game and contribute to their development. At the same time, netball remains more popular with women, though it can change with male inclusion in this type of sport and challenge typical gender stereotypes. Therefore, if a question like should netball be an Olympic sport arises the answer is simply yes.  

Which Is More Popular, Football or Netball? 

While people may find football more popular internationally compared to netball, Australians highly participate in and watch both sports. Netball, however, seems to hold a special place within the female population of Australian sporting culture.

While football might be more significant on a general scale, the fact that netball can be closely associated with the female population in Australia makes it an incredibly well-known and influential sport in its right. Audiences and options for different roles within the sporting landscape differentiate between the two sports. 

Why Is Netball Not in the Olympics? 

The fact that netball is not part of the Olympic games is one of the hottest topics debated amongst fans and players. Even with such a huge following in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and England, for example, netball has not been an Olympic sport. Possibly, this is because the sport does not appeal to large parts of the world compared to other Olympic sports.  

While most Commonwealth countries play netball, it does not have the same kind of participation in other regions of the world, such as the Americas or Asia. This has resulted in the call for the sport to be promoted more at an international level, in hopes that maybe one-day netball will be considered an Olympic inclusion. The question still remains: Should Netball Be an Olympic Sport? It is believed by many that it would raise the profile of the sport and support more countries to take up the game, further increasing its worldwide popularity. 

Conclusion 

Why is netball so popular in Australia? The answer lies in its rich history, its role as a female-dominated sport, and the great community support it gets. From the grassroots level up to the national team, netball is one of the sports that speaks to Australians regardless of age.  

This testifies to how much love for the game the country has and to a commitment to nurturing future generations of netball stars. But while the rest of the world is still debating whether netball should be an Olympic Sport, one thing is certain: netball will remain an integral part of Australian sporting life for many years into the future. 

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Whether you’re playing in a local league or just starting out, a quality Netball Playing Tee can make all the difference. If you’re considering outfitting your team, don’t hesitate to request a quote today to explore the best options tailored to your needs. Shop now to invest in high-quality netball attire and take a step towards achieving your best performance on the court.

Is Netball Different From Basketball?

Posted on by energetic
Is Netball Different from Basketball
04 Sep

Team sports that have higher popularity levels than netball and basketball are very few in the world. Both of these games are strategic and involve shooting the ball into a hoop. These similarities do not make netball just like basketball since the two differ in their rules, techniques, and cultural significance. This article examines the various aspects that set netball apart from basketball and answer the question, is netball different from basketball? Let’s find out. 

Is Netball a Female Sport? 

Netball is one of those sports in which the main involvement is of women, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. It started during the early years of the 20th century as a version of basketball that was more socially acceptable. While men and women both play netball, the sport has retained a mostly female composition at the amateur and school levels. This is in contrast to basketball, which is more gender-balanced and has far more professional matches between men and women. 

For example, netball is among the most popular sports activities for women and girls in Australia. A cultural association of netball assisted in shaping its identity and made it an emblem of female athleticism. Nevertheless, there are efforts to encourage more males to participate in this sport, where mixed-gender teams are a common feature. 

What is Not Allowed in Netball? 

Among the many points is netball different from basketball. One of the important differences between netball and basketball has to do with the rules and restrictions that govern the two games. There are a number of rules to differentiate netball, and understanding them would illustrate some ways in which the two sports remain different. In netball, players receive specific positions and are restricted to certain parts of the court.

An example is that only the Goal Shooter and Goal Attack can shoot for goals, and they can do so only within the shooting circle. Besides, dribbling is not allowed in netball, which is an aspect that differentiates it from basketball. In netball, players have to pass the ball in three seconds after the receipt, an aspect of adding speed and strategy to the game. 

Another major difference is that netball is a no-contact game. Players should avoid physical contact; if they break this rule, they face penalties. In basketball, players can engage in some physical contact, but officials call fouls to discourage excessive contact, unlike in netball.

Which Is Harder, Basketball Or Netball?

It will depend on many aspects: the required skills, physical challenges, and rules included in each game. Some of the shared factors between netball and basketball are agility, quick decision-making, and teamwork; the manifestation is different. 

It would be considered more physically demanding by some due to the size of the court involved, running non-stop, and dribbling the ball. Shooting long-distance, coupled with running at speed, also makes it hard. Besides, permission to make physical contact in basketball makes it even harder and more exhausting. 

Conversely, netball is a highly technical sport involving fast footwork, quick passes, and appropriate positioning. The inability to dribble the ball, combined with the need to pass within a time frame of less than three seconds, is another challenge. Similarly, small areas in which players must operate- for example, the shooting circle- require accuracy, particularly when performing the netball shooting technique. 

While both sports are similar and have their own challenges, it often boils down to personal preference and which issues regarding the game one thinks are most challenging for them. 

What is the Correct Technique for Shooting in Netball? 

Netball Shooting techniques

Shooting in netball is a skill of precision that requires lots of control and confidence. The most striking difference between the netball shooting technique and basketball is that there is no backboard, while the goal ring is much smaller in size. So, here is a breakdown of the proper technique: 

  • Stance: Your stance should be shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and evenly weigh your body. The shooting hand should be right under the ball, and the non-shooting hand should steady the ball from the side. 
  • Grip: The ball should be held with your fingertips and not your palms for better control. The ball needs to sit comfortably in your hands, with your elbows pointed toward the ring. 
  • Target: Align your eyes to the front of the ring. In your mind’s eye, locate a spot where you would have the ball go through the hoop.  
  • Release: The shooting hand should press the ball upwards while fully extending the arms. Your wrist flicks at the time of release of the ball, providing a soft backspin to the ball. This is where follow-through ensures that every shot is accurate and consistent. 
  • Practice: Like any other skill, the netball shooting technique needs to be practiced routinely. This repetition builds up the muscle memory to confidently shoot at a goal during a game situation. 

Why is Netball Not in the Olympics? 

Despite this fact, netball has not yet appeared in the Olympic Games. The sport’s limited geographical reach is one of the main reasons behind that. While it is very popular in the Commonwealth countries of New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, it has not gained much popularity in other countries worldwide. 

The Olympic Committee wants sports to be popular worldwide with pro leagues and governing bodies in many countries before they can join. Netball, while increasing its international presence, is a way from reaching the threshold for Olympic inclusion. 

Efforts are continuing to raise the profile of netball internationally, with the hope that one day, netball officials will consider it for inclusion as an Olympic sport. At present, though, netball is one of the strong regional and international sports competing at the Commonwealth Games and the Netball World Cup. 

What Do Australians Call Netball? 

It is simply known as “netball.” In Australia, it seems that netball is an integral part of the cultural apparatus of that country. As millions of participants and spectators participate in this great sport. For many girls born in the land down under, it was almost a rite of passage to play this game at school.. 

Netball forms the core of Australian sporting culture, and their greatest history of success at international netball tournaments is to boast. The national Australian netball team, the Diamonds, holds one of the most successful places in the world.

Conclusion 

While there are similarities, is netball different from basketball? There are plenty of points that could prove it, such as different rules, techniques, and cultural importance. Whether one prefers the speed and physicality of basketball or the strategy behind a non-contact netball game, each of these two sports offers unique experiences. They present their own set of exciting challenges and possibilities for players.  

Understanding the differences between netball and basketball will allow one to appreciate the skills and dedication necessary in both of them.

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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!  

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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