HOME Netball Drills Decision making

Netball: MAD- Make A Decision with Defender

Sportplan is fantastic with all the various drills for every area...

Julie

DESCRIPTION

*AUDIO DESCRIPTION ON*

Set up: At least 6 players form equal lines in a triangle formation. One defender in the middle. One ball.

Progression for MAD
Players are to pass the ball to either of the other 2 lines then move to the opposite.
Defender must apply pressure and attempt intercepts.
The aim is to keep all 3 line balanced so there is always someone to pass to and no one is ever left in a line by themselves.

COACHING POINTS

Players are to understand the importance of balancing court and to be a reactive player after they have passed.

PROGRESSION

Keep time of how long it takes each defender to force an error. Either intercept or no one in one of the lines.
Once defender has forced an error swap another defender in.
Make it a competition- fastest to force an error wins.

READ MORE

READ LESS

OFTEN USED WITH...

MAD- Make A Decision.:

*AUDIO DESCRIPTION ON*

Set up: At least 6 players form equal lines in a triangle formation. One ball.

Players are to pass the ball to either of the other two lines then move to the opposite line.
The aim is to keep all 3 lines balanced so there is always someone to pass to. No post is to be left with just one player.
Set goal for players to be able to maintain lines for 30 seconds.

Decision making

Reaction race and pass:

White player 1 initiates a move towards either ball (on cone). Red player 1 responds and tries to get the ball before white 1 . But whoever gets to the ball first throws to their team mate.

Defender must decide whether to

go for the ball and defend the throw if unsuccessful or
drop back and mark the receiver.

Decision making

Choosing Sides - 5 players:

On receiving the ball from the feeder player 1 turns.

Players 2 and 3 should both make strong sideways movements in opposite directions, the defender can go either way.

Player 1 must try and pass to the unmarked player as quickly as possible.

Footwork

Arms up defence:

*AUDIO DESCRIPTION ON*

Set up: 1 ball, one third space, 1 feeder in between 2 lines of players in partners.

Feeder sends ball into open court space.

Players contest for the loose ball. Player who does not receive the ball becomes the defender. Defender gets three feet and arms over the ball.

Player with the ball passes back to feeder.

Footwork

2100137

2128

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

search our library of 1200+ handball drills
create professional handball coaching plans
or access our tried and tested handball plans

Handball

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

search our library of 1200+ handball drills
create your own professional coaching plans
or access our tried and tested plans

Handball

LATEST FROM THE BLOG

The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour: What To Expect

As the Lions tour approaches with their first tour game this Friday against Argentina, we look ahead at what the fans can expect to see from both sides as the tour in Australia approaches...

June 18th, 2025

Cam Hughes