Netty's Netball blog - May 2010

Let the games begin! Our FNB Netball Classic Clashes kicked off in Queenstown on 17 April 2010 with Kingsridge High School (KHS) vs. Girls High School (GHS). Congratulations to both teams for a great display of netball. Final score: KHS (32) vs. GHS (9). We got to hear about Sanelise (Sasa) Mgijima an eighth grader playing in Kingsridge first netball team and we asked coach Debbie Herbst to tell us more about this amazing fourteen year old netball player:

Spotlight on Sasa Mgijima

Position:  

Sasa was first spotted by Reg Sharp (SA Umpire and Coach) at a Knysna Netball Festival when she played WD (wing defence) for the Kingsridge u/13 netball team.  However, later in the year she was moved to C (centre) as she was needed more in this position. Earlier this year, Sasa successfully tried out for the 1^st netball team. She is playing WA (wing attack) and WD (wing defence).  Next year coach Debbie Herbst is hoping to move Sasa back into the centre position. Sasa plays in all KHS 1^st team netball matches.  She also recently accompanied the team to Stellenbosch where she took part in the All Girls Festival 2010.

Why Sasa loves playing netball:

Sasa is an extremely gifted netball player.  Her ball skills are exceptional and she reads a game very well.  Mostly, Sasa loves playing netball for the enjoyment of the game.  When you watch Sasa play, the expression on her face shows her ‘love of the game’ !

Hobbies:

Sasa enjoys all sports but when she is at home she enjoys listening to music and reading.

You go Sasa, congratulations from all of us at FNB Netball Classic Clashes!

Netball in the news

Malawi netball team missing in action:

Sadly the Malawi national netball team failed to arrive in South Africa for a three test series against our Proteas. The Proteas netball team was hoping to use the series to improve their world ranking and qualify for the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India later this year. This was a huge disappointment for the team, but the game goes on.

We wish our Proteas well as they now focus on preparing for their trip to New Zealand, where they will play some of the top league teams, and then move on to Samoa for a two-Test series as they continue the Road to London 2012.

Under 19 SA trials:

The Under 19 SA netball trials took place on 2 May 2010 at St Mary’s in Pretoria and we will share with you the final selection in our next blog. In the mean time you can visit netball-sa.co.za to see what’s happening in the world of netball.     

Coaching tips:

One hand catching

Ball handling skills are a must! The more things (tricks) that you can do with the ball the better you will be able to catch a difficult pass. A good drill is to learn to catch one handed. You can reach much higher using one hand to intercept or catch a high ball. You need to get underneath the ball, reaching off one leg; your catching hand turned in towards your face, arm slightly bent. This catching movement is more like hooking the ball towards you. Once you have control of the ball, you need to place your non-catching hand on the ball to ensure that you can control a good pass.

Shooting tips

You will come across many different approaches or variations of netball shooting and you will more than likely use the technique that works for you. The shooting tips below are good basics for you to apply and think about before each shot:

Always have a good view of the ring, making sure that your feet are shoulder width apart so that you are well balanced. Try to make yourself as tall as the post! With your fingers spread wide open, the ball should rest on your finger tips, with your other hand supporting the ball. Remember that the power of the shot will come from your feet, so your knees need to be bent as the energy flows from your feet to your hand. Now, as you prepare to release the ball you need to drop the ball behind your head, aiming at the back of the ring. The ball must be released at the same time as you straighten your legs. And now for the final important action, add spin by flicking your wrist. It’s like waving goodbye to the ball. Always follow up your shot for the rebound. And it is here, going for the rebound, that one hand catching will help you out jump your opponent, securing the ball and having a second shot at goal.

FNB Netball Classic Clashes have three iPods to give away, so keep watching this space for the competition details.

Until next time

Pass it on

Netty 

PS: A reminder that the following games will be televised, so don’t miss them: