Improve Your Skills with Simple and Effective Netball Drills
Whether you’re new to netball or looking to improve your game, practising the right drills is one of the fastest ways to develop confidence and become a better player.
At Brentwood Apex Netball Club, we use a wide variety of fun, engaging and progressive netball drills to help players of all ages improve their skills. From passing and catching to shooting, movement and teamwork, every drill has a purpose.
This guide introduces some of the best netball drills for beginners that can be practised at training, in school or even at home.
Why Are Netball Drills Important?
Regular practice helps players develop good habits and improve the key skills needed during matches.
Netball drills help players:
- Improve passing accuracy
- Develop quicker footwork
- Increase confidence
- Build fitness
- Improve communication
- Learn better decision-making
- Understand movement and spacing
- Prepare for match situations
The more consistently players practise, the more natural these skills become.
Passing Drill
Objective
Develop accurate passing and catching.
How to do it
Stand with a partner around 3–5 metres apart and practise different passes including chest passes, bounce passes and shoulder passes.
Focus on:
- Accuracy
- Timing
- Strong catches
- Good communication
As confidence grows, increase the distance or add movement.
Footwork Drill
Objective
Improve balance, stopping and changing direction.
How to do it
Place cones a few metres apart.
Players sprint, stop under control, pivot and move to the next cone while maintaining correct footwork.
This drill develops movement, agility and confidence.
Shooting Drill
Objective
Improve shooting technique and consistency.
How to do it
Shoot from different positions around the shooting circle.
Focus on:
- Correct hand position
- Balance
- Follow-through
- Consistent technique
Start close to the post before gradually increasing the distance.
Movement Into Space Drill
Objective
Learn how to create passing opportunities.
How to do it
Work in groups of three.
One player passes while the other two continually move into space to receive the ball.
Players should:
- Change direction
- Accelerate into space
- Communicate clearly
- Keep moving after passing
Movement without the ball is one of the most important skills in netball.
Defensive Shadow Drill
Objective
Improve defensive positioning.
How to do it
Work in pairs.
One player moves around a marked area while the defender mirrors every movement without making contact.
This develops:
- Agility
- Balance
- Defensive footwork
- Reaction speed
Reaction Drill
Objective
Improve speed and reactions.
How to do it
Players react to different coach commands by sprinting, changing direction or receiving a pass.
This encourages quick thinking and prepares players for match situations.
Small-Sided Games
One of the best ways to learn is by playing.
Small-sided games give players more touches of the ball and encourage:
- Better decision-making
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Movement
- Confidence
These games are suitable for beginners and experienced players alike.
Practising at Home
Players don’t always need a full court to improve.
Simple activities at home include:
- Passing against a wall
- Shooting if a netball post is available
- Ladder footwork exercises
- Balance drills
- Ball-handling challenges
- Fitness circuits
Even 15–20 minutes of regular practice can make a significant difference.
Tips for Better Training
To get the most from every session:
- Practise regularly.
- Focus on technique before speed.
- Communicate with teammates.
- Stay positive when mistakes happen.
- Challenge yourself with new drills.
- Have fun while learning.
Consistent practice is the key to long-term improvement.
Train with Brentwood Apex Netball Club
At Brentwood Apex Netball Club, every training session is carefully designed to help players improve through structured coaching and enjoyable activities.
Our programmes include:
- Skill development
- Match play
- Tactical coaching
- Position-specific training
- Fitness and movement
- Age-appropriate development
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced player, our coaching helps you become a more confident and capable netballer.
Continue Learning
Explore more guides from our Learn Netball section:
- Netball Rules Explained
- Netball Positions Explained
- Netball Passing Techniques
- Netball Footwork Rules Explained
- Netball Fitness Guide
- How to Start Playing Netball
Each guide is designed to help players build their knowledge and improve every aspect of their game.
Join Brentwood Apex Netball Club
If you’ve been searching for:
- Netball drills
- Netball drills for beginners
- Junior netball coaching
- Netball practice ideas
- Netball coaching in Brentwood
- Netball clubs in Essex
Brentwood Apex Netball Club offers a welcoming environment where players can learn, improve and enjoy the game.
Whether you’re taking your first steps into netball or looking to develop your skills further, we’d love to help you reach your potential.
Explore our programmes or complete our Trial Request Form today and start your journey with Brentwood Apex Netball Club.