What is the best way for a Goal Keeper to defend?

Netball CoachCoach

They should protect the post as much if not more than the GS (she finds it harder to shoot if she is further away). They should play as a partnership with GD and not just mark their opposite player. Where possible they could try to defend Side on (45 degree angle is good), with their head/eyes up. So that they can see both their player and the ball coming into the circle. Yes, they should always watch the ball.

Netball CoachCoach

Hi Team. Barneybunch answer is good and has taken in the majority of requirements for a defender. you can also stand in front with your back facing the oponent ensuring you can see half your player, head up moving with use of periferal vision to keep an eye on both player and ball. It is interesting to test the defenders periferal vision. A simple test is to have the player focus on an object straight ahead arms out wide and hands out of vision. move both arms forward moving fingers ubtil 1 or both become visible. This will show if the players lateral vision is good or requires attention.

Netball CoachCoach

I find the most effective way to defend as a GK is to forse the GS out of the circle. Standing directly behind a GS, but not touching will almost always cause her to want to move forward, and ultimatly, out of the circle. If the GS does run out of the circle on her own accord, teach your GK to hold her out by zoning. GD can be taught to do the same with the GA.

Of corse, as mark jones and Barneybunch have said, its also important to always have eyes on the ball and for the GD/GK/WD to always talk and be aware of one another

Netball CoachCoach

This question is really hard one. I would think it really depends on how the GS plays. If she likes the little straight front passes, then cut that off. If she likes lobs, make sure the defender is always on her toes moving. If the GS likes to feel the defender on her, then play the space not the player.

I like to take the first 5 or 10 minutes to see what they like and how they play, then stop what they like to do.

hope this helps.

Netball CoachCoach

Always on a angle. if the ball is travelling left side down the court, the defender will always angle her body on the opposite side of the attacking player. the defender is able to watch the passer, her attacking player and time her intercept for the ball.

Always change from side 2 side by moving infront of the attacking player, never swap sides from behind and then coming forward. always start moving on the balls of your feet as this will allow you to sprint off in any direction to intercept the pass.

Netball CoachCoach

i am a GK, and i find that most of the GS' are post players. If i can stand behind them and discreetly push them out of their comfort zone it is easier for to put a ZONE defense on them. Body on body, shoulders back and zone them away from the post, it forces more passes around the goal circle and thus allowing a possible turnover.

Hope this helps. Good Luck

Netball CoachCoach

at training get the to stand side on to an opposing player. they should have their inside foot in front of the other player and have body and body contact, but only just so that they know where the player is. get another player to stand in front of them with a ball.

as the defender if they can see the ball and the player. if they cant, get them to adjust a tad

when the other player moves, the defender should shuffle in the same direction, keeping their vision and body position.

now introduce ball side. get the player with the ball to move it from left to right. the defender should be able to move left to right and follow the path of the ball keeping the vision and body position the same again.

Netball CoachCoach

Inforce the 3 D Vision, this is where a player can see the player with ball and their opponent without having to move their head from side to side. Learn to angle your body from side and side and marking infront of the player. this will put the attacker off and a player is moving infront of her all the time.use quick feet and always have head up watching the ball at all times.

Netball CoachCoach

i have always taught my defenders in the circle to stand behind but also on their side making sure that they stay on the same side as the goal post and sticking on their player so it is harder for the shooters to move closer to the post and easier for the defender to move the shooter out and using the outside arm to contest for the ball!

Netball CoachCoach

I got taught in representative netball to stick to the side of them just put your body on to them and don't let them off your body and when the ball comes just stick to your player and when they try to get the ball to your player use your outside arm to reflect the ball so they don't get it. 

Netball CoachCoach

Keep tight! The GK main role is too keep the GS out of the circle , forcing them to go a different direction. Keep side on and on your toes- ready for an interception. Remember, you are the last line of defence , so your role is very important! I play GD and WD , sometimes C ; playing these positions I realise how important having a tight and physical GK is. Being tall and strong also helps defensively.