Good netball training does not need to be complicated.
For beginners, the best drills are the ones that build confidence quickly: more touches on the ball, better footwork, clearer passing, stronger movement into space and a simple understanding of positions.
Whether you are coaching a school group, helping a new club team or learning the game for the first time, beginner netball drills should keep players active. Long queues, one ball between too many players and unclear roles slow the session down.
The aim is simple: more movement, more repetition and more confidence on court.
This HiPro Netball guide shares simple netball drills for beginners, with practical coaching tips and the kit needed to run each drill properly.
Key Takeaways
Beginner netball drills should focus on passing, catching, footwork, movement, shooting and communication.
The best sessions keep players active with enough netballs, clear bibs and simple court markers.
Footwork drills are essential because netball is built on landing, pivoting, stopping and changing direction.
Shooting drills should build routine and confidence, not just accuracy.
Schools and clubs need a basic training setup: netballs, bibs, cones, pumps, ball bags and proper netball trainers.
What’s on This Page
· What beginner netball drills should focus on
· Passing drills for beginners
· Footwork and pivot drills
· Movement and space drills
· Shooting drills
· Defensive drills
· Position rotation games
· Beginner netball training kit checklist
· FAQs about beginner netball drills
What Beginner Netball Drills Should Focus On
Beginner players need structure, but they also need repetition.
The biggest mistake in beginner sessions is trying to teach too much too soon. New players do not need advanced tactics straight away. They need to understand the basics of how netball feels: receiving, landing, pivoting, passing, moving again and communicating with teammates.
A good beginner session should build:
· Passing accuracy
· Catching confidence
· Footwork control
· Pivoting and balance
· Movement into space
· Basic defending
· Shooting rhythm
· Position awareness
· Communication
· Confidence under light pressure
The right equipment makes this easier. If a group of 20 players only has two balls, the session becomes waiting, not training. If players do not have bibs, positions become harder to teach. If the court is not marked clearly, movement drills become messy.
Better drills start with a better setup.
Drill 1: Passing Lines
Skill focus
Passing, catching, timing and quick release.
Why it matters
Passing is the base of every netball attack. Beginners need to learn how to pass accurately, catch cleanly and release the ball without holding it for too long.
This drill is simple, but it works because players get repeated touches.
How to run it
Set players up in two facing lines.
The first player passes to the player opposite, then follows the pass to the back of the opposite line.
The receiving player catches, steps forward, passes back across and follows their pass.
Start slowly, then build speed once players are comfortable.
To make it more useful, change the type of pass every few rounds:
· Chest pass
· Bounce pass
· Shoulder pass
· Overhead pass
Kit needed
· 2 to 4 training netballs
· Cones or markers for lines
· Enough space for players to move safely
Coaching tip
Do not let players stand flat-footed. Ask them to step towards the ball, catch strongly and prepare their next pass quickly.
HiPro Netball kit lesson
More netballs mean more touches. If you are coaching a school or club group, using multiple training balls keeps the drill moving and gives every player more chances to improve.
Drill 2: Footwork and Pivot Control
Skill focus
Landing, balance, pivoting and body control.
Why it matters
Netball is not a running game with the ball. Players must learn to stop, land and pivot before passing. For beginners, footwork is one of the most important skills to build early.
Good footwork helps players stay balanced, avoid stepping infringements and make better passing decisions.
How to run it
Set out a line of cones.
Players jog towards the first cone, jump or step into a landing position, then pivot to face the next cone.
At each cone, they should:
· Land with control
· Keep balance
· Pivot on one foot
· Face the next direction
· Pass or mime a pass before moving again
Once players understand the movement, add a ball. A coach or teammate passes to the player as they land. The player catches, pivots and passes to the next person.
Kit needed
· Cones or markers
· 1 to 3 netballs
· Proper netball trainers for safe court movement
Coaching tip
Watch the landing. Beginners often land too upright or off balance. Encourage soft knees, strong posture and a controlled pivot before the pass.
HiPro Netball kit lesson
Footwork drills put pressure on grip and lateral movement. Proper netball trainers help players move, stop and pivot with more confidence than general running shoes.
Drill 3: Give and Go Movement
Skill focus
Moving into space after passing.
Why it matters
Beginners often pass the ball and then stop. In real netball, movement after the pass is just as important as the pass itself.
The give and go teaches players to pass, drive forward and receive again.
How to run it
Set up players in groups of three.
Player A passes to Player B, then drives forward into space.
Player B passes back to Player A.
Player A then passes to Player C and continues the movement.
After each sequence, players rotate roles.
Start without defenders. Once the group understands the pattern, add one passive defender to create light pressure.
Kit needed
· 1 netball per group
· Cones to mark starting points
· Bibs if adding defenders or position roles
Coaching tip
The movement should happen immediately after the pass. Encourage players to move early, not wait to be told.
HiPro Netball kit lesson
This drill works best when every small group has its own ball. More balls mean more repetitions and less waiting between turns.
Drill 4: Shooting Repetition
Skill focus
Shooting technique, balance and confidence.
Why it matters
Beginner shooters need repetition. Shooting is not only about aiming at the post. It is about foot position, balance, hand placement, routine and confidence.
A few rushed shots at the end of training are not enough.
How to run it
Set players around the shooting circle.
Each player takes a shot, collects the rebound and passes to the next player.
Start close to the post, then gradually move players further out.
To make it more realistic, add a feeder. The shooter must receive the ball, land, balance and shoot.
You can also add a simple pressure rule:
· Shooter has three seconds to prepare.
· Shooter must reset after every miss.
· Shooter must take two shots from each marked spot.
Kit needed
· Netball post
· 2 to 4 netballs
· Cones or markers for shooting spots
· Ball bag to keep extra balls nearby
Coaching tip
Do not only count goals. Watch the routine. A beginner who learns to land balanced and shoot with control is building a stronger foundation.
HiPro Netball kit lesson
Using consistent training netballs helps players build shooting rhythm. For schools and clubs, multiple balls keep the shooting drill moving and allow more players to practise at the same time.
Drill 5: Defensive Shadowing
Skill focus
Body positioning, movement, reaction and defensive control.
Why it matters
Beginner defenders often chase the ball instead of controlling space. Defensive shadowing teaches players to stay with an opponent, move their feet and understand body position without heavy contact.
How to run it
Pair players together.
One player is the attacker. The other is the defender.
The attacker moves between cones using changes of direction. The defender shadows them, staying close without contact.
Start slowly, then increase the speed.
Once players understand the movement, add a ball. A feeder can pass to the attacker, while the defender works on staying balanced and applying pressure.
Kit needed
· Cones or markers
· Bibs to separate attackers and defenders
· 1 netball if progressing the drill
Coaching tip
Defenders should not reach or lean too much. Encourage quick feet, balanced posture and controlled movement.
HiPro Netball kit lesson
Clear bibs help players understand attacking and defensive roles. This is especially useful for schools and beginner groups where players are still learning positions.
Drill 6: Position Rotation Game
Skill focus
Understanding netball positions, court roles and team structure.
Why it matters
Beginners need to understand where each position can move and what each role does. A position rotation game helps players learn the court without making the session feel like a classroom lesson.
How to run it
Split players into two teams and give them position bibs.
Start with a short half-court or modified game.
After a few minutes, rotate positions so players experience different roles.
Keep the focus simple:
· Where can your position move?
· Who are your passing options?
· What is your job when your team has the ball?
· What is your job when your team is defending?
For very new players, begin with fewer positions or smaller groups, then build towards a full match setup.
Kit needed
· Full set of netball bibs
· 1 match or training netball
· Cones if using a smaller court area
Coaching tip
Do not rotate too quickly. Give players enough time to understand one position before moving to another.
HiPro Netball kit lesson
Bibs are not just for match day. They are one of the most useful coaching tools for beginners because they make positions visible and help players understand team structure.
Drill 7: Quick Reset Drill
Skill focus
Reacting after mistakes, turnovers and missed passes.
Why it matters
Beginners often stop after a mistake. In netball, the next action matters. A dropped pass, missed shot or turnover should be followed by a quick reset, not frustration.
This drill teaches players to recover and keep playing.
How to run it
Set up a simple passing drill with three or four players.
After every dropped ball, missed pass or whistle, players must reset quickly into their next position.
The coach calls one of three commands:
· Reset attack
· Reset defence
· Start again
Players must react quickly and reorganise.
To make it more game-like, add a defender or a time limit.
Kit needed
· 1 to 3 netballs
· Cones or markers
· Bibs for team roles
Coaching tip
Praise the response, not just the mistake-free play. Beginners need to learn that recovery is part of the game.
HiPro Netball kit lesson
Short reset drills work best when the equipment is ready. Cones, bibs and spare balls help coaches keep the session moving without long pauses.
Drill 8: Four-Corner Passing
Skill focus
Passing angles, movement and communication.
Why it matters
Netball is full of angles. Beginners need to learn that passing is not always straight ahead. Four-corner passing helps players move, communicate and pass into space.
How to run it
Set up four cones in a square.
Place one player at each cone and one player in the middle.
Players pass around the square while the middle player offers support and changes direction.
After a set time, rotate the middle player.
To progress the drill, add a defender or ask players to pass and move to a new cone.
Kit needed
· 4 cones
· 1 or 2 netballs
· Bibs if adding defenders
Coaching tip
Encourage players to call for the ball and open their body before receiving.
HiPro Netball kit lesson
Cones and markers make movement patterns clearer. For schools and clubs, simple markers can turn an open space into a structured training area.
Beginner Netball Drill Setup: What Coaches Need
A good beginner session does not need expensive equipment, but it does need enough of the basics.
The biggest priority is keeping players active.
|
Training Need |
Why It Matters |
Kit That Helps |
|
More touches |
Players improve faster with repetition |
Training netballs |
|
Clear positions |
Beginners understand roles faster |
Netball bibs |
|
Better movement |
Players need visual guides for space and direction |
Cones and markers |
|
Safer footwork |
Netball requires stops, pivots and lateral movement |
Netball trainers |
|
Better organisation |
Sessions run smoother when kit is easy to carry and store |
Ball bags |
|
Ball maintenance |
Flat balls slow training down |
Pump and spare needles |
The right kit does not replace coaching. It makes coaching easier.
Beginner Netball Training Kit Checklist
If you are building a beginner netball session for a school, club or small team, start with this simple setup:
· 4 to 10 training netballs, depending on group size
· One or two sets of netball bibs
· Cones or flat markers
· Netball post for shooting drills
· Pump and spare needles
· Ball bag for storage and transport
· Proper netball trainers for players
· Water bottles and basic first-aid support
· A clear session plan with 4 to 6 drills
For larger school groups, more netballs make a major difference. If players are standing in long lines, they are not building confidence. They are waiting.
How to Structure a Beginner Netball Session
For a simple beginner session, try this format:
Warm-up: 5 to 10 minutes
Use light movement, jogging, side steps and simple ball handling.
Skill drill 1: Passing
Start with passing lines or four-corner passing.
Skill drill 2: Footwork
Use cone-based landing and pivot drills.
Skill drill 3: Movement
Use give and go or space-creation drills.
Skill drill 4: Shooting or defending
Choose shooting repetition for attacking focus or defensive shadowing for defensive focus.
Game-based finish
End with a small-sided game or position rotation activity.
This keeps the session balanced. Players touch the ball, move their feet, learn roles and finish with something that feels like a game.
Common Beginner Netball Mistakes to Watch For
Beginners usually make the same mistakes, and that is normal.
The goal is not to correct everything at once. Focus on one or two key habits each session.
Common mistakes include:
· Standing still after passing
· Landing off balance
· Holding the ball too long
· Passing without looking
· Crowding around the ball
· Forgetting position zones
· Defending with arms instead of feet
· Shooting without balance
· Waiting too long between turns
The solution is repetition with purpose.
Short, clear drills help players build better habits without feeling overwhelmed.
FAQs About Beginner Netball Drills
What are the best netball drills for beginners?
The best netball drills for beginners are simple drills that build passing, catching, footwork, movement and confidence. Passing lines, footwork and pivot drills, give and go movement, shooting repetition and defensive shadowing are all good starting points.
How do you teach netball to beginners?
Start with the basics: passing, catching, landing, pivoting and moving into space. Keep instructions simple and use enough balls, bibs and markers so players stay active and understand what they are doing.
What equipment do you need for beginner netball drills?
Beginner netball drills usually need training netballs, bibs, cones or markers, a netball post, a pump, spare needles and a ball bag. Players should also wear proper netball trainers for court grip and support.
How many netballs does a beginner session need?
It depends on the group size. For small groups, 2 to 4 netballs may be enough. For schools or clubs, 6 to 10 netballs can help keep more players active and reduce waiting time.
What is the easiest netball drill for beginners?
Passing lines are one of the easiest beginner netball drills. They help players practise passing, catching, timing and movement with a simple structure.
How can beginners improve footwork in netball?
Beginners can improve footwork by practising landing, pivoting and balance drills. Cone-based footwork drills are useful because they teach players to stop, turn and pass with more control.
Why are bibs important for beginner netball?
Bibs help beginners understand positions, roles and team structure. They make it easier for coaches to organise drills and help players learn where they should move on court.
Final Thoughts
Beginner netball drills should be simple, active and confidence-building.
The best sessions give players more touches, more movement and more chances to learn by doing. Passing, footwork, movement, shooting and defending all improve faster when players are involved throughout the session.
For schools, clubs and coaches, the right setup makes a big difference.
More balls mean more touches.
Clear bibs mean clearer roles.
Cones create better movement patterns.
Proper netball trainers support the way players actually move.
Good organisation keeps the session flowing.
Better players are built through better sessions.
Shop netballs, bibs, trainers and training equipment at HiProNetball.com.
