South’s Emma Shanahan looks for a teammate to pass to on Saturday. 040812BSC10
TAMWORTH Netball’s Netta divisions are all about introducing the game to the youngest players in the district and helping them develop their skills.
Even though goals are scored, it is a non-competitive form of the game for girls who are nine years and under.
One of the teams in this year’s Netta Division A is Tamworth South Sunshine, which took on Manilla on Saturday at the Sports Dome.
“Some of the girls have just started playing but others have played for two or three years,” coach Deb Hall said.
“We’ve just started to put them in positions in the last couple of weeks.
“It’s all about fun for my kids.”
Even though winning and losing doesn’t matter, the side still tries its best.
The girls are working on their skills in preparation for more competitive games to come in the future.
“They’ve been going really well,” Hall said.
“They’re developing their skills, like passing and catching and looking for where the ball is and anticipating where the ball will go.
“But they’re a lovely group and they love getting together for a game.
“It doesn’t worry them whether they win or lose.”
In the younger age groups it is important to give all players the chance to try different positions on the court.
That helps them develop different skills but also indicates which positions suit which players.
“We wanted them to learn the skills first,” Hall said.
“We’ve just started putting them in positions I think they are best suited to.
“On the weekend I just let them have some fun and then put them in positions in the second half.
“They just love playing their netball on the
weekend.”
The season continues for a few more weeks and the girls will enjoy it while it lasts.
Next year, some will step up to the 10 years division.