Dodging and Leading: V-Lead to Re-Lead Attack Drill

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Overview

This 20-minute attacking drill teaches players to create a passing option rather than simply run into space. The key action is a V-lead: threaten one line hard enough to move the defender, plant, then explode into the opposite space with hands and eyes ready. It develops the connection between a feeder, a first leader and a second attacker, so it is particularly useful for C, WA and GA combinations. The drill is designed for 10 players on a full 30.5m x 15.25m netball court, working in two mirrored groups of five. Players learn to change pace before direction, time their lead off the feeder's body shape and release the ball before the receiver is closed down.

Demand balanced landings, a legal pivot, a pass within three seconds and active defensive feet. A successful catch has at least 1m of useful separation and an onward option.

Setup

Use the centre third and both attacking thirds of the court. Split the 10 players into two groups of five and run the pattern at opposite ends so every player stays active. In each group, player 1 is the C/feeder, player 2 is the WA and first leader, player 3 is the GA and second option, player 4 is the WD and player 5 is the GD. Put one ball with each feeder. Use cones for a 2m start gate, planting area and a 3m receiving window near the transverse line. It must be safe to land in, but narrow enough to reward precision.

Start player 1 just behind the centre circle, with players 2 and 3 in the attacking third. Player 4 starts goal-side and inside player 2; player 5 protects the circle side. After each pass, rotate 1-2-3-4-5-1, with a five-second reset.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

0:00-2:00 — movement rehearsal. Players work without a ball. Player 2 jogs into the start gate, accelerates sharply toward the feeder for two to three strides, plants on the outside foot and drives out into the marked receiving window. The first movement must look credible; player 3 clears to protect the lane.

2:00-5:00 — unopposed V-lead. Add player 1 with the ball. As player 2 begins the second phase of the V, player 1 turns side-on, steps into the throw and sends a chest pass into the space ahead of the lead. Player 2 catches, lands balanced, pivots away from pressure and returns the ball to player 1. Complete four clean repetitions before rotating. The feeder does not throw on the first fake.

5:00-10:00 — build the timing. Keep player 4 as a shadow defender, moving with player 2 but not contesting the pass. Player 2 reads the feeder's shoulders: the trigger is player 1 becoming side-on with two hands on the ball. Player 3 holds for one extra beat, then re-leads only if player 2 is not free.

10:00-15:00 — live defender. Allow player 4 to defend the lead properly, while player 5 protects player 3's second option. Player 2 drives in, makes the WD turn or commit, then changes direction and pace. Player 1 has a maximum of three seconds to choose the first lead, second lead or a safe recycle. Award one point for a clean catch in the receiving window, and a second point if the receiver can immediately make a legal onward pass.

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15:00-18:00 — decision phase. Award the point only if the ball arrives in space, not at the receiver's chest while the defender is touch-tight. Player 3 delays until needed so both attackers do not enter the same channel.

18:00-20:00 — competitive finish. Each group has six balls. Attackers score one point for a first-option V-lead reception and two points for a successful dodge-to-re-lead followed by an onward pass. Defenders score a point for an intercept, deflection or forcing a recycle. Pause only for one concise coaching correction between balls, then review which cue created the best separation.

Key Coaching Points

Sell the first movement. Drive the first two or three steps with intent and make the defender change their feet before planting.

Plant to go, not to stop. Sink through the hips, load the outside leg and push away. Land balanced and know the next pass before the catch.

Lead off the feeder, not the clock. Player 2 should start when player 1 can see them and is able to deliver. Player 1 must wait for the attacker to create daylight, then pass ahead of the run with a firm, flat ball.

Protect the shape. Player 3 clears first and becomes the late second option. In the attacking third, keep depth and width so the defenders cannot mark two attackers from one position.

Common Mistakes

The most common error is a decorative dodge: the attacker jogs one way, turns slowly and never moves the defender. Correct it by making the first three strides a race to the cone and the exit a full acceleration. Another error is the feeder releasing the ball during the fake. Hold the ball, stay side-on and make the pass only once the receiver's shoulders have separated from the defender. Finally, players often lead into the same lane. Rehearse player 3's one-beat delay and insist that the second option moves only after reading the first defender's recovery.

Variations & Progressions

For a simpler variation, run 3v0 with two cones for the fake and final lead. Add a passive C defender to make player 1 pivot or recycle before finding the V-lead.

Progress the drill to 3v2 live in the attacking third, with player 3 allowed to cut to the circle edge once player 2 receives. Then progress to 4v3 with a GS near the post and score only a shot within two passes of the first clean V-lead. Retain the three-second possession rule and 0.9m obstruction distance.

Age Adaptations

For under-8 and under-10 players, use a 10m x 8m area, remove live defenders initially and ask for one clear change of direction. Give the feeder five seconds. For under-12 and under-14 players, use the full pattern with two minutes of passive then live defence and the three-second rule. For under-16 and open players, start from a centre-pass transition, add an intercepting C and require player 2 to re-offer if the first ball is denied. At every age, create space with purpose then attack it at pace.