Netball is a fast-paced, action-packed sport that challenges players to use their speed, coordination, and agility to outsmart the opposition and score goals. While passing and movement are crucial, shooting is one of the most important skills on the court.
In this article, we’ll break down the different shooting roles, introduce some basic techniques, and share five fun netball shooting drills that your netballers will love. Whether you’re coaching beginners or helping more experienced players sharpen their skills, these netball drills for kids will keep them engaged, learning, and smiling every step of the way!
Why is shooting important in netball?
Shooting is the ultimate skill in netball. It’s how you score, it’s what all the movement leads to, and it’s what makes matches exciting. For children, developing strong shooting skills offers a multitude of benefits, from boosting their confidence to enhancing hand-eye coordination and much more!
Here’s a quick breakdown of why shooting is crucial:
Boost confidence
Scoring a goal is a huge confidence builder, especially for young players. With each successful shot, their self-belief grows, reminding them that their practice is paying off. This often carries over into other aspects of their lives, including school and relationships.
Enhance hand‑eye coordination
Shooting is a brilliant way to develop hand-eye coordination. It teaches kids to gauge distance and height, all while keeping their bodies balanced and controlled. The more they practice, the more naturally these skills begin to kick in. Over time, that sense of rhythm and awareness helps them not just shoot better, but catch cleaner, pass sharper, and move more confidently across the court.
Reinforce positional play
Netball has clear zones and defined roles, and the shooters (Goal Shooter and Goal Attack) have to know exactly where they can move and when to make each shot easier and more effective. Shooting drills naturally help kids understand the space around them, including when to pivot, how to maintain their position, and where the best angles for shooting are.
Fuel team strategy
A successful shot is rarely just about the shooter; it starts with smart passing, clever movement, and well-timed feeds from the rest of the team. Shooting drills help kids understand the importance of teamwork in creating scoring opportunities. Whether it’s timing their movement to lose a defender or calling for the ball at the right moment, the shooter becomes the finishing touch on a well-executed team play.
Netball shooting positions and technique
In netball, two key positions are responsible for scoring points: the Goal Shooter (GS) and the Goal Attack (GA).
Goal Shooter (GS):
The GS’s main job is to score goals from within the shooting circle. They stay close to the post, using smart positioning and strong footwork to hold their ground against defenders. Great balance, timing, and jumping ability are essential to create clear shots at the goal.
Goal Attack (GA):
The GA also shoots from inside the circle but plays a more dynamic role across the attacking third. Their key task is to feed accurate passes into the GS and create scoring opportunities through clever movement and support play. It’s a role that demands precise passing, quick decision-making, and confident mid-range shooting.
Shooting technique
Great players rely on strong fundamentals and consistent technique. Understanding the proper shooting form is essential for accuracy, confidence, and long-term development. Below is a breakdown of the key components of netball shooting technique, followed by an overview of the main types of shooting used in the game.
- Stance and footwork:
Begin by standing with your feet roughly shoulder-width apart. Keep your knees slightly bent and your weight balanced on your front foot to stay steady and ready to shoot. - Grip and hand placement
Hold the ball with your shooting hand underneath for support, while your guide hand rests on the side of the ball. The ball should be close to your chest in the ready position before you lift into the shot. - Focus on the hoop
Keep your eyes fixed on the centre of the hoop (not on the ball) as this helps with aiming and accuracy. - Shoot with follow‑through
As you release the ball, fully extend your shooting arm upward. Keep your wrist relaxed and let your fingers finish the motion by pointing naturally toward the hoop. - Balance and landing
After the shot, land with both feet together in a stable position, ready to go for the rebound or prepare for the next phase of play.
Types of shots in netball
Different situations call for different types of shots. Teaching kids when and how to use each one adds versatility to their game and builds confidence in match scenarios.
1. Set shot (or Standing Shot)
The most commonly used shot, especially by Goal Shooters.
- Used when there’s time and space (typically close to the post).
- The player sets their feet, lines up the shot, and releases with full control.
- Best for short to mid-range accuracy.
- Ideal for building basic technique in beginners.
2. Jump shot
This shot is taken while in mid-air and is often used by more advanced players.
- Helps to shoot over defenders, especially if being tightly marked.
- Timing is key—players must release the ball at the peak of their jump for best accuracy.
- Requires strong leg muscles and good body control.
- Used when under defensive pressure or to gain height advantage inside the circle.
3. Step-in shot
Used when a player receives a pass and uses a quick step in to gain momentum before shooting.
- Helps close the distance to the post and builds rhythm into the shot.
- Great for Goal Attacks who receive feeds on the move.
- The step should be controlled to avoid footwork violations.
4. Turn and shoot
This shot is used when a shooter receives the ball with their back to the post.
- Involves a quick pivot or spin to face the ring, followed by a shot.
- Requires great footwork and spatial awareness.
- Common for more experienced players who know how to hold space and react quickly.
Five fun netball shooting drills for kids
These netball shooting drills for kids are ideal for both beginners and more experienced players. Each one emphasises a specific skill, blended with a playful twist.
1. Hot‑spot challenge
Objective: To improve shooting accuracy from various positions within the shooting circle. This drill also introduces a fun, game-like element that keeps players engaged. By adding friendly competition, it encourages kids to experiment with different types of shots while reinforcing key shooting fundamentals.
Setup:
- Place 4–5 markers (e.g. cones, spots) inside the shooting circle.
- Each marker represents a “hot-spot” worth points.
How to play:
- Child stands at a marker, receives a pass (or uses a rebounder/bounce back net), and takes a shot.
- If they score, they earn points (e.g. 1 point = single, 2 points = bank shot, 3 points = jump shot).
- Move around the hot-spots and keep a running score.
2. Pass before you shoot
Objective: To develop timing, teamwork, and shooting under pressure. This drill helps players improve their catching and quick-release shooting technique while reinforcing strong communication between the feeder and the shooter. Plus, involving a partner keeps the drill social and fun!
Setup:
- Pair up players—one feeder and one shooter.
- Position the shooter inside the circle at a set distance from the post (start close, then gradually move back). The feeder stands just outside the circle with a ball.
How to play:
- The feeder passes the ball (using chest, bounce, or overhead passes) to the shooter.
- The shooter catches the ball, squares up to the post quickly, and takes the shot in one smooth motion.
- After 5–10 shots, partners switch roles.
3. Moving‑target shooting
Objective: Develop jump-shot timing and coordination with a moving target, replicating the pace of a real game. Kids learn to time their jump shot for maximum height and accuracy under pressure. It’s challenging but highly rewarding.
Setup:
- Parent or coach jogs slowly along the baseline with a ball.
- The shooter stands inside the circle, ready to hold or move.
How to play:
- The coach jogs along, passing the ball to the shooter as they move laterally or backpedal.
- Shooter catches and immediately goes for a jump shot.
- Repeat with different movement directions (left, right, forward).
4. Beat the clock drill
Objective: This drill combines time pressure, self-retrieval, and repeated shooting to help young players build both physical stamina and mental focus. Adding a “beat your score” element introduces a personal challenge, motivating players to improve their accuracy and consistency over time.
Setup:
- Set a timer (e.g. 30 seconds).
- Shooter starts with six balls placed around the circle at different heights.
How to play:
- On ‘go’, the shooter runs between stations, collecting one ball at a time.
- They shoot quickly and retrieve bounce‑outs themselves.
- At the end, count the number of successful shots.
5. Shooting Relay Race
Objective: By moving between different shooting spots at speed, players learn to adjust their technique depending on distance and angle. The relay format adds energy and excitement, keeping children highly motivated. It also helps improve fitness, encourages team support, and reinforces accuracy.
Setup:
- Split players into two or more teams with equal numbers.
- Place five cones in a semi-circle around the shooting post (at varying distances or angles).
How to play:
- The first player in each team runs to the first cone, receives a pass from their team’s feeder, and takes a shot.
- After shooting, they collect the ball (whether it goes in or not), return it to the feeder, and go to the back of the line.
- The next player repeats the process at the next cone. First team to complete all cones wins!
Develop your shooting skills at a PGL Netball Camp!
Improving your kids’ netball shooting skills at home is fantastic. However, for a truly immersive experience, like our netball camps offer top-tier coaching, high-energy games, and, above all, fun! Here’s why attending a PGL netball camp could be a game-changer:
- Expert coaching
Qualified England Netball coaches bring structured progressions in technique, strategy, and shooting consistency. - Peer learning
Training alongside others creates a positive, energising atmosphere where players can learn by watching and supporting their teammates. - Fully inclusive
Sessions tailored for mixed-ability groups. Beginners and advanced players receive personalised feedback. - Team‑building & confidence
Over the course of a camp, players make friends, bond as a team, and experience the thrill of adventure!
For more information, get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today to see how we can help!
