THE 5 BEST NETBALL PASSING TECHNIQUES FOR ACCURATE PASSES EVERY TIME
Passing the ball effectively and accurately is one of the most important skills in netball. Whether you are looking to pass short or long, being able to pass precisely to teammates in space is crucial for buildup play and scoring opportunities.
This article explores the 5 best netball passing techniques to improve your ball-handling skills and help you make crisp, clean passes to cut through defences.
Grip The Ball Securely
The first technique is having a strong, secure grip on the ball. You want to spread your fingers evenly around the ball so it doesn’t slip out of your hands.
A relaxed but firm grip allows you to pass with power and control. Place your fingers on the seams of the ball for extra friction. This confident hold is the foundation for an accurate pass.
Use Your Fingertips
When passing, avoid gripping the ball tightly in your palm. Instead, use your fingertips for a softer touch.
This allows you to gently push or roll the ball to your teammate rather than throwing hard. Passing with your fingertips gives you better precision over the speed and spin of the ball for placing it exactly where your receiver needs it.
Take the power out of your grip for maximum accuracy.
Step Into The Pass
To generate power and spin on the ball, step into the pass with your opposite foot. For example, if passing with your right hand, take a step forward with your left foot.
This allows you to transfer your body weight into the pass for increased distance and ball velocity. Stepping into the pass helps your teammate track the ball’s flight path for a clean catch. Proper footwork is important for an on-target delivery.
Follow Through
Don’t forget to follow through with your passing motion after releasing the ball. Snapping your wrist forward and extending your fingers sends a message to the ball about the intended direction and speed.
A strong follow-through reinforces the pass and prevents any wobble or change of trajectory mid-flight. Track the ball’s flight with your eyes until your teammate catches it.
Practice Two-Handed Chest Passes
For quick, short passes within your team’s third of the court, master the two-handed chest pass. Hold the ball with both hands before your sternum and gently push it to your teammate.
Like the basketball chest pass, this is an incredibly accurate technique as your arms and hands work together for control. Use chest passes to change direction and switch play rapidly.
MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN PRACTICING NETBALL PASSING TECHNIQUES:
Conclusion
Developing sound netball passing techniques through regular practice takes time but pays dividends. Having a repertoire of passes like the chest pass, push pass, and bounce pass in your arsenal allows you to manipulate the ball precisely according to the situation.
Consistently making tape-to-tape passes is a skill that will uplift your team’s offensive chemistry and scoring potential. Focus on using your fingertips, stepping into passes, and following through for the crispest deliveries
FAQS ABOUT BEST NETBALL PASSING TECHNIQUES:
The 5 key netball passes are the chest pass, the shoulder pass, the overhead pass, the bounce pass, and the lob. These passes have different advantages and disadvantages depending on the situation and the distance between the players.
You can improve your passing accuracy in netball by practising drills focusing on your technique, timing, and vision. You should also work on your strength, speed, and coordination to support your passing skills. Additionally, you should communicate with your teammates and anticipate their movements.
The rules of passing in netball are that you can only hold the ball for 3 seconds before passing or shooting it, and you cannot pass the ball over a third of the court without it being touched by another player. You also cannot pass the ball to yourself or a player in an offside position. If you break these rules, you will lose possession of the ball.
A chest pass is a fast, flat pass ideal for short distances. To perform a chest pass in netball, you should stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the ball with both hands at chest level. You should then extend your arms and push the ball directly towards your target, using your fingers to add spin and control.
A lob is a high and arcing pass that is useful for avoiding defenders and reaching players who are far away. To perform a lob in netball, you should hold the ball with both hands above your head and step forward with one foot. You should then release the ball with a smooth and controlled motion, aiming for a high point above your target. You should use your wrists and fingers to add spin and direction to the ball.