How do I break a zone defence?

Lee-annes NetballCoach, Australia

hi brenda

trying to understand your question.  are you asking how does your team break a zone setup by the opposing team that is spread out between the center third and your attack third?  if so how have they set this up, using what players, and who are they are targeting?  there are ways to use your players to block the zone that is set up, by having them stand with their chest facing the shoulder (in a T figuration) so your player can run around the player that is helping block.  but if it is your GA that is being caughter up in this zone, then she is going to have to learn how to get fast on her feet, learn to fake or double fake her moves as she is running into the circle.  if i have it wrong then feel free to further explain what you mean.  maybe try drawing a diagram.

Netball CoachCoach

Hi Brenda,

I find the most effective way to break a zone defence in the centre third is to have the attacking players each stand next to a defensive player. This then almost forces the defending team back into man on man defence. Natural instinct will lead you to follow a player and therefore give up on defending the space.

Have short passes around the zone until you can receive a pass somewhere near the centre circle, the next pass should be a long pass into the attacking third. This will then completely break the zone.

We played a team on the weekend that tried the zone many time throughout the game. Every time we used the above tactics and every time we broke the zone without a problem.

Hope this helps.