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What makes a good goal Defence in netball?

2 min read

Asked by: Adrian Lyle

The most important thing for a goal defender is to stay focused and keep your eyes on the ball. Ideally, your eyes should be watching the ball with help from your peripheral vision, while your body remains able to deny your opponents from throwing or receiving passes.

How do you become a good Defence goal in netball?

Some extra tips for players with defending roles…

  1. As a defender, keep your head up, arms down and keep your feet moving!
  2. Body up on the opposing player with the ball.
  3. Contest the ball.
  4. Keep communicating with the Goal Defender and Centre for a defensive set-up on a centre pass.


What is goal Defence in netball?

Goal Defence (GD)



The Goal Defence can play in the defensive and centre third of the court. Their role is to stop the opposing players (Goal Shooter and Goal Attack) from scoring and get the ball away from defensive play to attacking play. The netball player must be good at intercepting and blocking the ball.

What are the 3 stages of defending in netball?

3 Stages of Defence – Full court defence

  • Stage 1. Mark the player- they haven’t got the ball yet but you can still man-mark them.
  • Stage 2. Your player’s received the ball and now you’re up close to make life difficult for them.
  • Stage 3.


What makes a good goal Defence?

The most important thing for a goal defender is to stay focused and keep your eyes on the ball. Ideally, your eyes should be watching the ball with help from your peripheral vision, while your body remains able to deny your opponents from throwing or receiving passes.

Can goal Defence shoot in netball?

Shooting circle – The shooting circles are the semi-circles (or Ds) at either end of the court. Only the Goal Keeper, Goal Defence, Goal Attack, and Goal Shooter are allowed in this area. Shots can only be taken within this area.

How do you teach Defence in netball?

Coaching points read cues from the thrower to anticipate the direction of the pass. Drive for an intercept at an angle. Focus on the ball. Emphasis. On strong first three to four steps.