Baseline Throw-In: The Decoy & Re-Lead Play

Overview

Executing a throw-in from the baseline in the attacking goal third is one of the highest-pressure situations in Netball. The defensive team is tightly packed within the 15.25m width, aiming to force a turnover or a held ball. This set play is designed to relieve that pressure by utilizing a coordinated two-phase movement. It relies on a hard decoy drive from the Goal Shooter (GS) to pull the Goal Keeper (GK) out of position, creating a clear channel for the Wing Attack (WA) to receive the first pass. Once the WA secures the ball, the GS executes a sharp re-lead back to the post, resulting in a high-percentage shot.

This play is particularly effective against a tight, one-on-one defensive structure where the GK is overly eager to track the GS's every movement.

Setup

To execute this play effectively, proper starting positions are critical. The setup requires all attacking players to be disciplined and hold their initial positions to maximize the space created during the execution phase.

Starting Positions:

• Goal Attack (GA): Takes the throw-in from the baseline, positioned centrally behind the goal post.
• Goal Shooter (GS): Starts inside the goal circle, positioned close to the near post to draw the GK's immediate attention.
• Wing Attack (WA): Sets up wide on the left channel, approximately 2-3 meters inside the transverse line, ready to drive diagonally.
• Centre (C): Holds a wide position on the right channel to balance the court and act as a secondary option.
• Wing Defence (WD): Provides deeper support near the transverse line, ready for a reset pass if the primary options are covered.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The play is broken down into two distinct phases: the initial clearing movement to secure possession, and the secondary movement to create the scoring opportunity.

Phase 1: The Decoy and First Pass

1. The Decoy Drive: As the umpire blows the whistle, the GS initiates a hard, explosive drive straight down the court, moving away from the goal post and toward the transverse line. The primary objective here is not to receive the ball, but to drag the GK completely out of the high-value space under the post.
2. The Diagonal Cut: Simultaneously, the WA times their run to exploit the space vacated by the GS. The WA executes a sharp, diagonal cut from the wide left channel toward the top edge of the goal circle.
3. The Delivery: The GA delivers a strong, flat chest pass to the WA hitting the top of the circle. The pass must be placed out in front of the WA to ensure they take it on the move.
4. The Hold: The C maintains their wide position on the right, ensuring their defender (WD) stays engaged and does not drop into the middle to intercept the pass to the WA.

Phase 2: The Re-Lead and Finish

5. The Pivot: Upon receiving the ball, the WA lands cleanly, pivots to face the goal ring, and holds possession for exactly one second to allow the next movement to develop.
6. The Re-Lead: The GS, having completed their decoy drive, immediately plants their outside foot and executes a sharp re-lead straight back toward the goal post. Because the GK was dragged up the court, the GS should now have front position and a clear path to the post.
7. The Secondary Option: As the WA looks to feed the GS, the GA (who took the throw-in) enters the goal circle from the baseline, providing a secondary shooting option if the GS is heavily contested on the re-lead.
8. The Final Pass: The WA delivers a perfectly weighted pass (often a lob or a high release pass, depending on the defender's positioning) to the GS under the post for the finish.

Key Coaching Points

• Commitment to the Decoy: The GS must sprint at 100% intensity on the initial drive. If the drive is half-hearted, the GK will not commit to following, and the space under the post will remain congested.
• Timing is Everything: The WA must delay their diagonal cut until the GS has cleared the space. If the WA drives too early, they will run directly into the traffic created by the GS and GK.
• Strong Delivery: The GA taking the throw-in must execute a decisive, flat pass. Loopy or slow passes will give the defensive Wing Defence (WD) or Goal Defence (GD) time to recover and intercept.
• The One-Second Hold: The WA must have the composure to hold the ball for a brief moment after receiving it. This split-second delay is crucial for allowing the GS to complete their change of direction and execute the re-lead.

Common Mistakes

• Crowding the Space: The C driving into the middle of the court instead of holding their wide position, bringing their defender into the passing lane intended for the WA.
• Poor Timing on the Re-Lead: The GS turning back toward the post before the WA has securely caught the ball and pivoted, resulting in the GS arriving under the post too early and having to hold a static position against a recovering GK.
• Weak Throw-In: The GA stepping onto the court before releasing the ball, or taking too long to make a decision, resulting in a held ball or a poorly executed pass under pressure.

Variations & Progressions

• The Direct Option: If the GK anticipates the play and decides not to follow the GS on the initial decoy drive, the GS should recognize this and immediately pivot to receive a direct pass from the GA for a quick shot.
• The Reset: If the WA is heavily defended and cannot receive the first pass, the C can drive to the top of the circle to receive the ball, while the WA clears out. The play then resets from the top of the circle.
• The Screen: Introduce a screen where the GA steps onto the court after the throw-in and sets a subtle block on the GK, allowing the GS an even cleaner path on the re-lead.

Age Adaptations

• Under 10s / Under 12s: Focus primarily on the timing of the first pass. Simplify the play by having the GS just clear out, and the WA drive for the ball. The re-lead can be introduced once they master the initial clearing movement.
• Under 14s / Under 16s: Demand higher intensity on the decoy drive and precise footwork on the re-lead. Introduce the concept of the GA entering the circle as a genuine secondary option.
• Open / Advanced: Emphasize the speed of execution and the quality of the final pass from the WA to the GS. Advanced teams should be able to read the defense and seamlessly transition to the variations if the primary option is shut down.