Annabel DunnillCoach, England

Hi Billie,

Encouraging your netball team to communicate more and louder requires a combination of positive reinforcement, team-building activities, and fostering a supportive environment. Here are some strategies you can try:

Lead by Example:

Demonstrate the behaviour you want to see. Be vocal on the court, call for the ball, and communicate effectively. Your teammates are more likely to follow suit if they see you actively engaging in positive communication.

Highlight the Benefits:

Emphasize the advantages of effective communication. Explain how it helps with coordination, teamwork, and overall performance. Reinforce the idea that better communication leads to better results on the court.

Positive Reinforcement:

Acknowledge and praise players who make an effort to call for the ball. Positive reinforcement can motivate individuals to continue the behaviour. This can be done during practice sessions and games.

Communication Drills:

Incorporate specific drills into your practices that focus on communication. For example, you can have exercises where players are required to call for the ball before making a pass or when they are open for a pass. This can help them get into the habit of vocalising their intentions.

Team-Building Activities:

Engage in team-building exercises and activities that promote unity and communication. These activities can be both on and off the court. Building strong relationships off the court can positively impact communication on the court.

Hope this helps.

Archie