Want to take your netball game to the next level? Whether you’re just getting started or you’re already smashing it on court, there are loads of ways to improve your netball skills and become a more confident player.
The good news? You don’t need to spend hours doing complicated drills. A little regular practice, plenty of movement and a willingness to keep learning can make a big difference.
And if you’re looking for something to work towards, our 2027 netball tournament weekends could be the perfect goal. They give you the chance to put your skills to the test and enjoy a full weekend of netball with your teammates.
So, if you’ve been wondering, how do I get better at netball? Let’s get into it!
1. Build Your Strength
Netball is a fast-paced sport. You’re constantly running, stopping, jumping, changing direction and battling for space, so having a strong body can help you feel more powerful and stable on court.
If you’re wondering how do you improve strength in netball, start with simple exercises that build strength safely and support the movements you use during a game. Bodyweight exercises such as squats, lunges, step-ups and controlled jumps can all be useful additions to a training routine.
2. Work on Your Coordination
Good coordination can make everything on a netball court feel that little bit easier. Catching, passing, moving into space and reacting to what’s happening around you all require your eyes, hands and feet to work together.
So, how do you improve coordination in netball? Practice passing and catching regularly, and try mixing things up. Pass while moving, practice catching from different angles and work with a teammate to make drills more unpredictable. Even simple ball-handling exercises can help you become more comfortable controlling the ball.
The more you practice, the more natural those movements can start to feel. Keep challenging yourself, mix up your drills and, before long, you’ll find yourself reacting more quickly and confidently on court.
3. Get Faster Around the Court
Speed isn’t just about being able to run quickly in a straight line. In netball, you need to accelerate, stop, change direction and react quickly to what’s happening around you.
If you’re asking, how can I improve my netball speed, try adding short bursts of movement into your training. Sprint for a few metres, stop, change direction and go again. Shuttle runs, reaction drills and quick-footwork exercises can all help you practice moving at game speed.
4. Sharpen Your Passing and Catching
You can have all the speed in the world, but if your passing and catching aren’t reliable, it’s going to be tricky to keep the ball moving.
Practice different types of passes, including chest passes, shoulder passes and bounce passes. Work on passing accurately while standing still, then make it harder by adding movement.
Don’t forget your catching either. Try catching with both hands, catching while moving and receiving passes from different directions.
The aim is to become the teammate everyone can rely on when the game gets busy.
5. Improve Your Shooting
For attacking players, shooting is one of the most important skills to practice. But becoming a confident shooter isn’t just about throwing the ball towards the hoop and hoping for the best!
If you’re looking at how to improve shooting in netball, focus on your technique first. Practice your stance, balance, hand position and follow-through before worrying about how many shots you can score.
When thinking about how to improve netball shooting, start close to the post and gradually increase the distance as your technique becomes more comfortable. You can also practise shooting when you’re slightly tired, as this can help you get used to maintaining your technique during a busy match.
And don’t forget to practise different situations. Shooting from different positions and receiving the ball before shooting can make your training more realistic and more fun.
6. Get Comfortable with Your Footwork
Footwork is a huge part of netball. With strict movement rules, being able to stop, land and pivot under control can make a big difference.
Practise landing with balance, pivoting smoothly and changing direction without losing control. You can also work on quick-feet drills to help you feel more comfortable moving around the court.
The more confident you become with your footwork, the easier it can be to concentrate on what’s happening around you.
7. Improve Your Game Awareness
Getting better at netball isn’t only about becoming faster or stronger. You also need to understand the game.
Watch where your teammates are moving. Look for open space. Think about where your next pass could go before the ball reaches you.
One of the best ways to improve is simply to play more. Every training session and match gives you another opportunity to spot what works, learn from mistakes and understand the game a little better.
8. Practice Little and Often
You don’t have to wait for your next team training session to work on your game.
Spend 10–15 minutes practising passing, catching, footwork or shooting when you can. Grab a teammate, head outside with a ball or practise some movement drills at training.
Small amounts of regular practice can add up over time.
If you’re wondering how to improve netball skills, consistency is one of the biggest things to focus on. Keep practising, keep challenging yourself and don’t expect everything to click straight away.
9. Play Against Different Teams
One of the best ways to develop as a player is to experience different opponents, playing styles and match situations.
Playing against new teams can challenge you to adapt, communicate and think differently. It can also be a brilliant way to build confidence and enjoy the competitive side of netball.
Ready for 2027?
Now’s the time to get your team together and start preparing.
Our 2027 netball tournament weekends are the perfect chance to put your skills to the test, take on new teams and enjoy a brilliant weekend of competitive netball.
Train hard. Play together. Make memories.
Find your 2027 netball tournament and start planning your weekend today.
