Should a coach rotate beginner netballers each week?

In my personal opinion, the answer is no. Teaching beginner netballers the positions on court requires consistency and repetition with a more settled approach.

I understand why coaches do change positions each quarter:

– To give everyone a go

– Be “fair” with positions

– Logistics of 9/10 in a team and needing to get everyone on the court.

However there is still a way to achieve all of this with a little bit of planning.

If you set the expectations with all the players and parents that you will run each player in the same positions or “areas of the court” (attack or defence) for 2 weeks, then change with an opportunity to play all positions by the end of the season, they will know their turn in each position is coming up.

Meanwhile, you can work specifically with each player in each position for a good amount of time. It helps develop a well-rounded understanding of the position and game which consolidates learning. They can also work out what they like the most and where their strengths lie.

Like anything, planning and communication is key. Simply get yourself a note book for the season and keep everything recorded.

Kids are brilliant- they can learn so quickly – we just need to maintain consistency and make sure we use repetition in the most positive way.