Q&A for How to Defend in Netball

Stand next to your partner, but move your body to face them side-on. Make sure you leave your outer side open to allow you to see the game. Try to stick with your partner all the time to avoid losing them. Keep your partner in the corner of your eye.

Not necessarily. By doing so, you become distracted and are unable to view the play. This puts you, the defender, in a vulnerable position as you cannot see the ball. Therefore, you're not able to react as quickly. By standing sideways, you are able to see both the attacker and ball.

Side on marking is good, because you can see the player and the ball at all times. When defending, you don’t always have to catch the ball for an interception. If you can’t catch, don’t just let the attacker get it, you can smack it away before they catch it.

As a tall player, you are best suited as an attacker or a defender. Your height gives you an advantage.

It really depends on how good you are at shooting. If you're good, go for an attack position. If you're fast and good and intercepting, then I would advise defense.

You can just make sure that you're fast enough to take the balls when someone is throwing to her. You just have to stretch very high.

Of course, as long as you stay a meter away from the defender, and make sure your hands remain in the air or on the ball. If your hands are in the attacker's face, this becomes a violation and is classified as obstruction.

Being fit is always the best. Work on fitness as much as possible so that you can always be fast on the court. Make sure that your focus is always on your opponent and the ball. If possible, you can also try to scan for the player that is most likely to have the ball thrown at them so that you can intercept it.

Good question, it's important to maintain a balance when it comes to attacking and defending, as it is required from all positions on court. Based on the information you have given me, I suggest you remain a shooter and continue to progress. Talk to your coach for guidance. Remember, a shooter still needs to defend, especially on a rebound or intercepting a ball from circle defense.

Yes you can. You might have to pay midfield, but there's no rules saying otherwise. The most important this is to practice to improve your playing and have fun.

You should never make contact with the ball when it is in the possession of the opposition, nor should you forcibly touch the opposing player. By doing so, you will be violating the no contact rule. Instead, I encourage you to mark the ball using the 1-meter rule or intercept the ball as a way of gaining possession.

It really depends. If you are a good jumper, then you should try to jump a lot. If you can't jump very high, get some training in. Do box jumps, and if you have a hoop, jump as high as you can so that you can measure your improvement. Personally, I used to wind the clothesline as high as it goes, then I tried to touch the top of it. It worked miracles. Just make sure you stay 1m (100cm) in front of your player. Remember to keep on your toes and have your hands in the air. Make sure you think positively as well. If you mess up and you get upset about it, you'll get distracted from the game.

Make sure you are facing the ball so you don't get a knock to the head. Stand in front of your player and try to keep them away from the ball/post.

Yes they can. It is their job to stop the shooter from shooting and getting the ball to their teammates.

To ensure that you stay with your attacker, always stay on your toes. This enables you to move quickly and increases your agility and speed. Watch your player at all times and take small steps to stay close. Try to stand directly next to your player even before the whistle blows unless you have strategically decided on zonal marking. If your goal attack or goal shoot gets away and leaves the D, don't worry: if they have left the D mark them face on so that they don't have the chance to shoot! Remember to stay side on but position yourself slightly closer to the post when you can. When marking a WA or C, pressure is sometimes more effective than distance: practice intercepting.

No, that is intimidation and classed as obstruction. You can only defend the ball and not the face. A penalty is given.

You need soft hands when catching. It generally only hurts if your hands are "hard" when receiving the ball. Let your hands give a little as you catch and make sure your fingers are spread out, level and behind the ball.

Count to 3. Over 3 seconds is a held ball, so on the 3rd count, jump as high as you can to get that ball. But make sure you jump up and not forward because if you get too close, you'll get called for obstruction.