Shooting Circle Movement Drill

Welcome to this comprehensive coaching resource on attacking movement within the shooting circle. This drill focuses on building dynamic, purposeful movement between your Goal Shooter (GS) and Goal Attack (GA) to create clear passing options and high-percentage scoring opportunities.

1. Overview

The Shooting Circle Movement Drill is designed to develop the connection and timing between the GS and GA, supported by effective feeding from the Wing Attack (WA) or Centre (C). It simulates game-like pressure within the goal third, emphasizing sharp cuts, creating space, and transitioning smoothly from catching the ball to taking a shot.

Use this drill when your attacking unit is struggling to penetrate the circle, or when players are leading into the same spaces and crowding each other.

2. Setup

• Equipment Needed: 1 netball, bibs (GS, GA, WA, GD, GK), 1 goal post.
• Court Area: Goal third (10.167m x 15.25m) including the shooting circle (4.9m radius).
• Player Positions:
  • GS: Starts near the goal post, slightly offset.
  • GA: Starts mid-depth on the right side of the circle.
  • WA (Feeder): Starts just outside the circle top with the ball.
  • GD & GK: Start in defensive marking positions on the GA and GS respectively.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

1. The Setup: The WA starts with the ball at the top of the circle. The GS and GA set up in their starting positions, closely marked by the GK and GD.
2. The Drive: On the WA's cue, the GS makes a strong, explosive drive across the front of the goal post to draw the GK and create space.
3. The Lead: Simultaneously, the GA reads the GS's movement and leads sharply into the newly created space on the left side of the circle.
4. The Feed: The WA delivers a crisp, accurate pass into the space for the GA to run onto.
5. The Reset/Shot: Upon receiving the ball, the GA immediately turns to face the post. The GS resets her position to offer a short pass option or prepares for the rebound. The GA can either shoot or pass to the GS for a closer shot.

4. Key Coaching Points

• Timing is Everything: The GA must wait for the GS to clear the space before making their lead. If they move too early, the space will be clogged.
• Strong, Explosive Cuts: Attackers must use sharp changes of direction and explosive speed to lose their defenders. Jogging or looping leads will be easily intercepted.
• Eye Contact & Communication: The WA must make eye contact with the intended receiver before releasing the pass. Attackers should call for the ball to demand the feed.
• Turn and Face: As soon as the ball is caught inside the circle, the attacker must immediately turn and face the goal post to assess shooting options.
• Rebound Readiness: The non-shooting attacker must always anticipate a missed shot and position themselves strongly for the rebound.

5. Common Mistakes

• Leading into the same space: GS and GA not reading each other and driving into the exact same area, bringing two defenders with them.
• Feeding before the attacker is ready: The WA passing the ball before the GA has fully committed to their lead or created separation from the defender.
• Catching and looking backwards: Attackers catching the ball in the circle and immediately looking back out to the transverse line instead of turning to the post.
• Flat-footed receiving: Attackers waiting for the ball to come to them rather than driving strongly onto the pass.

6. Variations & Progressions

• Add a Centre (C): Introduce a C to the drill to work on WA/C interplay before the feed into the circle.
• Defensive Pressure: Increase the intensity of the GD and GK, allowing them to actively contest every pass and hunt for interceptions.
• Time Limit: Challenge the attacking unit to score a set number of goals within a specific time limit (e.g., 5 goals in 60 seconds) to simulate match pressure.

7. Age Adaptations

• Under 10s: Focus purely on the basic movements without defenders. Emphasize catching, turning to the post, and proper shooting technique.
• Under 14s: Introduce passive defenders to encourage attackers to use sharp cuts and changes of direction. Focus on timing and reading the other attacker's movements.
• Open/Advanced: Full defensive pressure. Introduce complex screening and rolling movements between the GS and GA to create space against tight man-on-man or zone defenses.