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Netball Zone Defence Checklist

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Netball Zone Defence Checklist

After a short zone-defence game, rate each skill using the scale below. Base your ratings on what you actually did, then use the scenarios and reflection to choose a specific next step. Rating scale: 1 = not yet; 2 = beginning; 3 = sometimes; 4 = usually; 5 = consistently. Follow your coach’s instructions and the rules used in your game.

Zone defence at a glance

In zone defence, players protect areas and work together to limit passing options. Track the ball, keep useful distance from opponents, communicate early and move together when the ball travels. You still need to obey the footwork, contact and obstruction rules.

Self-rating checklist

Rate each skill from 1 to 5. In the evidence box, note a moment you observed or experienced during play. Ratings are for reflection, not a test score.

1.I stayed goal-side or between the ball and the attacking options in my area, without crowding a teammate. Rating (1–5): ____. Give one example of when you held or adjusted your position.

2.I watched the ball and shifted with my teammates when it moved, while remaining aware of attackers in my area. Rating (1–5): ____. What cue helped you decide when to move?

3.I kept an appropriate distance when marking, avoided contact and obstruction, and challenged for an intercept without snatching. Rating (1–5): ____. Name one safe defending action you used or could use.

4.I used clear, early calls such as “ball”, “switch” or “help”, listened to teammates, and recovered into my zone after a change of possession. Rating (1–5): ____. Write one call that would help your team and when to use it.

Read the play

Use the written play description to answer the next questions. A has the ball, D1 is nearest to A, and D2 and D3 are positioned to protect passing space through the middle. This is one possible moment in play, not a fixed formation.

5.A still has the ball and a pass may go through the middle. Which response best supports zone defence?

All defenders chase A and leave the middle open.
D1 pressures A legally while D2 and D3 protect passing space and communicate.
D2 turns away from the ball and follows an attacker out of the area.

6.Why is the response you chose in Question 5 more effective than having every defender chase the ball?

7.A defender reaches across an attacker’s arms while marking and makes contact. Is this a safe, legal defensive choice? Explain a better option.

8.Your team loses the ball and the opposition starts a fast attack. What should you do first to help the zone recover?

Stop and discuss whose fault it was.
Call to teammates, turn to recover goal-side into your area, and track the ball.
Run directly towards the nearest attacker without checking where the ball is.

9.Which checklist skill is your strongest today? Name it and give one specific example from play that supports your rating.

10.Choose one skill to improve next time. Write a specific action you will practise and a cue that will remind you to do it.