Passing is one of the most fundamental skills in netball. Whether your child is new to the game or already showing strong potential on the court, developing solid passing techniques is key.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of netball passes, why good passing matters, and share four fun netball passing drills for kids that will help your child not only improve their accuracy and reaction time but also build confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong love for the sport!
The different types of passes in netball
If you are a beginner, let’s break down the different types of passes in netball. Each pass serves a specific purpose, and players should be comfortable using them all in different game scenarios. Here are the five main types of passes:
1. Chest pass
This is the most frequently used pass in netball. This is a two-handed pass thrown from the chest and travels in a straight line. It’s great for quick, accurate passes over short to medium distances when a direct route to the receiver is clear.
How to do it:
- Grip: Hold the ball with both hands, fingers spread comfortably behind the ball and thumbs underneath, pointing towards each other. Bring the ball close to your chest.
- Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, one foot slightly in front of the other for balance. Maintain a slight bend in your knees.
- Execution: Step forward with your leading foot, extending your arms straight out from your chest. Push the ball forward with a flick of your wrists and fingers, ensuring a flat trajectory.
2. Bounce pass
The bounce pass is designed to be thrown downwards to the floor, so it bounces up towards a teammate. This is especially useful when defenders are blocking a direct path, allowing the ball to travel under their outstretched arms, reducing the chance of interception.
How to do it:
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- Grip: Similar to the chest pass, hold the ball with both hands near your chest, with thumbs and forefingers forming a ‘W’ behind the ball.
- Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight balanced. Remember, your dominant foot should be slightly forward.
- Execution: Step forward with your leading foot and push the ball downwards towards the floor. Aim for a spot roughly two-thirds of the way between you and your receiver, making sure the bounce reaches them at waist to chest height. Use a downward flick of your wrists and fingers to control the angle of the bounce.
3. Overhead pass
Unlike the chest pass, the overhead pass is delivered from above the head using both hands. It’s one of the most powerful and versatile passes in netball, ideal for covering long distances and getting the ball over tall defenders, making it harder to intercept.
How to do it:
- Grip: Hold the ball with both hands above and slightly behind your head, with your elbows bent. Your fingers should be spread comfortably around the sides and back of the ball.
- Stance: Maintain a balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Execution: Step forward with your leading foot and extend your arms upwards and forwards, using your whole body to generate power. Release the ball with a flick of your wrists and fingers, aiming for a higher trajectory.
4. Shoulder pass
The shoulder pass is thrown with one hand from the shoulder, much like a throw in basketball or cricket. It’s ideal for quick, direct passes over medium to long distances, especially when switching play across the court in quick succession before defenders can react.
How to do it:
- Grip: Hold the ball in your dominant hand, with your fingers spread along the back and sides of the ball. Your non-throwing hand can be used to support the ball momentarily before the throw.
- Stance: Stand with your non-leading shoulder pointing towards your target. Your weight should be on your back foot.
- Execution: Transfer your weight to your front foot as you bring the ball back behind your ear, elbow bent. Then, bring your arm forward and over in a throwing motion, releasing the ball with a flick of your wrist and fingers. Use your body rotation to generate power.
5. Lob pass
Now we come to one of the trickier types of passes in netball—the lob pass. This is a high, arcing throw, where the ball goes over a defender and into the safe hands of a teammate. It’s effective for both short and long distances, but it requires good timing, control, and awareness to avoid interceptions.
How to do it:
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- Grip: Just like the chest pass, hold the ball with both hands near your chest,
- Stance: Stand side-on to your target with knees slightly bent and weight evenly balanced.
- Execution: Step forward with your leading foot and push the ball upwards and forwards, using a lifting motion with your arms and a flick of your wrists and fingers to create height and arc. The aim is for the ball to have enough loft to clear the defender and drop accurately for your teammate.
If you want to learn more about the sport, check out our blog on why netball is so great! Did you know, we also do our very own netball camps in the summer, in association with England Netball! Keep reading to find out more.
Why is a good netball passing technique important?
Each type of netball pass has its own strengths, and choosing the right one often depends on how the game is unfolding. Teaching kids a variety of passes early on helps them become adaptable, confident players who can respond to any situation with ease.
Here are a few more reasons why a good passing technique is essential:
- Improves team play:
A team that passes well operates like a well-oiled machine. When players consistently use the correct passing technique, the ball moves quickly and accurately between teammates, allowing them to maintain possession and control the rhythm of the game.
- Reduces turnovers:
Turnovers can dramatically shift the momentum of a game, often giving the opposing team an easy opportunity to score. Poorly executed passes can lead to dropped or intercepted balls. A good passing technique reduces these risks by ensuring each pass is accurate, well-timed, and suited to the situation.
- Boosts confidence:
Kids who know how to pass effectively will naturally feel more confident on the court. Young athletes are better prepared to make smarter in-game decisions, support their teammates, and grow into well-rounded netballers.
- Enhances game speed:
Fast and accurate passes mean teams are more likely to catch the opposition off guard and exploit gaps in their defence. A strong passing technique allows players to maintain the flow of the game and create scoring opportunities.
- Builds communication:
During passing drills, players must constantly talk to each other: calling for the ball, giving instructions, or offering encouragement as part of a unit. This vocal interaction helps children develop important social and teamwork skills, such as listening, cooperating, and staying aware of their surroundings.
Four fun netball passing drills for kids
Now, let’s dive into five fun netball passing drills for kids. These are suitable for beginners and more experienced young players alike, meaning anyone can give them a go
1. Target tag
Equipment: Netballs (one per pair), cones or markers (4-6).
How to play:
Divide the players into pairs. One player in each pair has a ball. Set up several cones or markers as “targets” scattered around the playing area. The player with the ball tries to tag the targets by hitting them with a pass (any type of pass is allowed).
The player without the ball moves around to make themselves available for a pass and can also try to strategically position themselves to help their partner hit the targets. After a set time (e.g., 2 minutes), players swap roles.
Benefits:
Target tag is fantastic for developing multiple key skills at once. As players take part, they learn how to choose the most effective type of pass based on distance, angle, and their teammate’s position. It also encourages movement off the ball, helping non-ball players understand how to create space, time their runs, and offer strong passing options.
Variations:
- Specific pass focus: Call out a specific type of pass that must be used to hit the targets (e.g., “Only chest passes!”).
- Point system: Assign points to different targets based on difficulty (further away = more points). Pairs score points each time they hit a target.
- Moving targets: Have coaches or other players gently move some of the targets, requiring more accurate and adaptable passing.
- Two balls: Introduce a second ball into the activity to increase the pace and demand more awareness.
2. Number dash pass
Equipment: Netballs (one per group), cones or markers to define the circle (optional).
How to play:
Divide the players into groups of 4-6. Each player in the group is assigned a number (1, 2, 3, etc.). The players stand in a circle, spread out. One player starts with the ball and calls out two numbers (e.g., “Two to Four!”). The player with number two must quickly pass the ball to the player with number four, who then calls out two different numbers, and so on.
Benefits:
A fast-paced passing drill that’s perfect for improving speed, reaction time, and focus. Players must respond quickly when their number is called, making swift and accurate passes under pressure. The drill encourages kids to stay alert and listen carefully, helping to strengthen communication and teamwork.
Variations:
- Specific pass: Call out a specific pass type that must be used for each exchange (e.g., “Number one to three – bounce pass!”).
- Two balls: Introduce a second ball into the circle once the players are comfortable with one, requiring them to be more alert and make quicker decisions.
- Add movement: After passing, the player must move to a different spot in the circle before receiving the next pass.
- Timed rounds: Time each round and challenge the groups to complete as many accurate passes as possible within the time limit.
3. Obstacle course
Equipment: Netballs (one per pair), cones, poles, skipping ropes, agility ladders, or other items to create an obstacle course.
How to play:
Set up a simple obstacle course using cones, poles, or even skipping ropes laid on the ground. In pairs, one player starts with the ball and navigates the obstacle course, making a designated pass to their partner at specific points along the course.
The partner moves to receive the pass and then continues through the next part of the obstacle course, making a pass back. Players complete the course, stopping at stations to make different types of passes to a partner or coach.
Benefits:
This challenging netball passing drill for kids combines movement with skill execution. It focuses on maintaining accuracy while running and changing direction. As they navigate cones or agility ladders, players must stay aware of their surroundings and their partner’s position, improving spatial awareness, coordination, and agility through quick footwork and controlled movement.
Variations:
- Change obstacles: Change the types of obstacles to challenge different aspects of agility and coordination.
- Specific passes at stations: Designate a specific type of pass that must be used at each passing station.
- Timed runs: Time each pair to complete the course and make all the passes accurately. Introduce a penalty (e.g., adding time) for dropped balls or inaccurate passes.
- Add a “Defender” (Passive): Have a coach or another player stand passively at a passing station to encourage players to think about passing around an opponent.
4. Relay race
Equipment: Netballs (one per team), cones or markers to define the start, finish, and passing zones.
How to Play:
Divide players into two or more equal teams and mark a start and finish line with cones. Set up 2–3 passing zones between them, spaced according to age and ability. The first player runs to the first zone and makes a designated pass to a teammate waiting there.
After the pass is caught cleanly, the passer continues running while the receiver carries the ball to the next zone and repeats the process. The relay continues until the final player runs with the ball to the finish line. The first team to finish wins!
Benefits:
The relay race drill can be adapted to include different passes, encouraging kids to practise and apply a variety of techniques in real time. It improves technique, timing, and the ability to lead a teammate effectively while boosting communication, as players must coordinate passes and positions throughout. Best of all, it adds a healthy dose of fun and competition, keeping players motivated and fully engaged.
Variations:
- Specific pass per zone: Assign a different type of pass that must be used in each passing zone (e.g., Zone 1: Chest Pass, Zone 2: Bounce Pass, Zone 3: Overhead Pass).
- Target in the zone: Within each passing zone, place a small target (e.g., a cone to touch with the ball or pass near). The pass must be accurate enough to hit or come very close to the target before the next player can take the ball.
- Number of passes: Require a certain number of consecutive successful passes within each zone before the runner can move on. This emphasises accuracy and teamwork.
- “Penalty” for dropped ball: If a pass is dropped outside a passing zone, the team might have to go back to the start of that zone or perform extra passes.
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- Vary the distance: Adjust the distance between the passing zones to challenge players at different ranges.
- Backwards passing: For an extra challenge, require players to pass backwards to a teammate in the next zone while running forward.
Improve your passing skills at Netball camp!
Looking for the best way to improve your kid’s passing skills during the school holidays? Attend a specialist netball camp with PGL!
We offer structured sessions, professional coaching, and the chance to play with peers of similar skill levels. Here’s why netball camps are a fantastic option:
- Expert coaching: Kids learn the correct technique from qualified England Netball coaches.
- Focused training: Sessions target specific skills like passing, shooting, and footwork.
- Peer learning: Training with others creates a positive and motivating environment.
- Fun and friendship: Netball camps blend skill development with social interaction.
- Adventurous activities: Enjoy an action-packed selection of classic PGL multi-activities!
Get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today to see how we can help!
