Learn How to Pass in Netball and Improve Your Skills

Passing is one of the most important skills in netball.

A great pass can create attacking opportunities, maintain possession and help your team move the ball effectively around the court. Whether you’re new to netball or looking to improve your game, understanding different passing techniques is essential for becoming a confident and effective player.

At Brentwood Apex Netball Club, we help players develop strong fundamentals, including passing, catching, movement and decision-making, so they can perform with confidence during training and matches.

Why Is Passing Important in Netball?

Unlike some other sports, netball relies heavily on teamwork and accurate passing.

Players cannot run with the ball, meaning successful teams need to:

Create space
Communicate effectively
Choose the correct pass
Move the ball quickly
Make good decisions under pressure

Good passing helps teams maintain possession, break down defensive pressure and create scoring opportunities.

Different Types of Passes in Netball

There are several different passing techniques used in netball. Each pass has a different purpose depending on the situation, distance and pressure from defenders.

Chest Pass

The chest pass is one of the most common passes in netball and is often one of the first techniques players learn.

The ball is passed from the chest using both hands, with the arms extending forward towards the target.

When to use a chest pass:

Short to medium distances
Quick passes between teammates
Moving the ball around the attacking circle

Key coaching points:

Hold the ball with two hands
Step towards your target
Push through the ball with your arms
Follow through towards your teammate

A strong chest pass should be quick, accurate and easy for your teammate to receive.

Bounce Pass

A bounce pass involves passing the ball into the floor so it reaches a teammate at a lower height.

This pass can be useful when defenders are blocking direct passing options.

When to use a bounce pass:

Passing around defenders
Delivering the ball into the circle
Finding a teammate in a crowded area

Key coaching points:

Aim for the space in front of your teammate
Use a strong push through the ball
Avoid bouncing too close or too far away

Timing and accuracy are important when using bounce passes.

Shoulder Pass

The shoulder pass is a powerful one-handed pass used to move the ball over longer distances.

It is commonly used by attacking players to quickly move the ball down court.

When to use a shoulder pass:

Longer passes
Fast attacking transitions
Moving the ball into space

Key coaching points:

Turn your body towards your target
Use your shoulder and arm to generate power
Follow through after releasing the ball

A controlled shoulder pass can help teams move quickly from defence into attack.

Overhead Pass

The overhead pass is thrown from above the head and is useful for passing over shorter defenders.

When to use an overhead pass:

Passing over defensive pressure
Finding taller targets
Changing the angle of attack

Key coaching points:

Keep the ball controlled above your head
Use both arms to generate power
Aim accurately rather than simply throwing high

Lob Pass

A lob pass is a higher, softer pass that travels over defenders.

This pass is often used to feed the ball into attacking players near the shooting circle.

When to use a lob pass:

Feeding shooters
Passing over defensive players
Creating attacking opportunities

Key coaching points:

Use controlled power
Aim for your teammate’s safe catching space
Consider the defender’s position

A well-timed lob pass can be extremely effective, but poor timing can allow defenders to intercept.

Bounce, Drive and Flat Passes

More advanced players may also use different variations depending on the match situation.

Drive Pass

A fast, direct pass used to move the ball quickly through court.

Flat Pass

A quick, low pass that travels directly towards a teammate.

Feed Pass

A pass into the shooting circle, usually aimed at a Goal Shooter or Goal Attack.

Each type of pass requires awareness of teammates, defenders and available space.

How to Improve Your Netball Passing

Great passing comes from practice, repetition and understanding the game.

Players can improve by focusing on:

Accuracy

A good pass should be easy for your teammate to catch.

Timing

Pass when your teammate is ready and has space.

Communication

Use your voice and body language to support your teammates.

Decision Making

Choose the right pass instead of simply passing quickly.

Footwork

Strong footwork helps create better passing opportunities.

Netball Passing Drills

Some simple drills that help improve passing include:

Partner Passing

Players practise different passes with a partner while focusing on accuracy and technique.

Moving Passing

Players pass while moving into space, developing timing and communication.

Pressure Passing

Players practise passing while defenders apply pressure.

Triangle Passing

Players work in groups to improve movement, passing options and decision-making.

Common Passing Mistakes

Players often improve quickly by understanding common errors.

Common mistakes include:

Passing without looking for space
Throwing too hard for the receiver
Standing still after passing
Choosing the wrong type of pass
Not communicating
Passing directly towards defenders

Good passing is not only about technique—it is about making smart decisions.

Develop Your Netball Skills with Brentwood Apex

At Brentwood Apex Netball Club, we help players develop every part of their game, including:

Passing
Catching
Footwork
Shooting
Defence
Attacking movement
Match awareness

Our coaching programmes support players of all ages and abilities, from beginners learning the basics through to experienced players looking to improve their performance.

Learn More Netball Skills

Continue developing your understanding of netball with our other guides:

Start Your Netball Journey

If you’re searching for:

Netball passing techniques
Types of passes in netball
Netball skills for beginners
Netball coaching Essex
Junior netball Brentwood
Netball training Brentwood

Brentwood Apex Netball Club is here to help players learn, improve and enjoy the game.

Explore our Learn Netball guides or join Brentwood Apex Netball Club and start developing your skills today.