A Parent’s Guide to Your Child’s First Netball Season

Starting a new sport is an exciting milestone for kids and parents alike. If your child is about to begin their first netball season, you might be wondering what to expect and how to help them have the best possible experience.

Netball is one of Australia’s most popular team sports for young players and is known for being welcoming, inclusive and community focused.

What to Expect in the First Season

For many children, their first netball season is about learning the game, developing skills and having fun with teammates.

Training sessions usually focus on:

• Basic ball skills such as passing and catching

• Footwork and movement around the court

• Understanding positions and simple game rules

• Building confidence and teamwork

Games are played weekly on saturdays during the season, giving players the chance to practise what they’ve learned at training.

Equipment Your Child Will Need

One of the great things about netball is that it requires very little equipment.

Most players only need:

• Comfortable netball or court shoes

• A water bottle

• Their club uniform for game day

Clubs often provide team equipment such as balls and training resources.

Supporting Your Child on Game Day

The first few games can feel a little overwhelming for young players, especially if they’re still learning the rules. The best way parents can help is simply by offering encouragement and keeping the experience positive.

Some helpful tips include:

• Celebrate effort rather than the result

• Encourage teamwork and sportsmanship

• Remind your child that learning takes time

Confidence grows quickly when kids feel supported and enjoy being part of a team.

Learning Positions and Skills

In junior netball, players are often given the opportunity to try different positions on the court. This helps them develop a range of skills and understand how the game works.

As the season progresses, children often discover the positions they enjoy most and where their strengths lie.

Building Friendships Through Netball

One of the biggest benefits of joining a team sport is the friendships that come with it. Many children form strong friendships through netball that last for years.

Being part of a club also helps players feel connected to their local community.

Getting Started with Netball in Ryde

Families looking to introduce their children to netball can join a local club through the Eastwood Ryde Netball Association, which runs junior competitions and development opportunities for players across the Ryde area.

With supportive clubs and experienced volunteers, new players quickly feel welcome and part of the netball community.

Finding a local netball club

If you or your child is interested in playing netball, joining a local club is the best way to get started. Netball is one of the most popular team sports for girls, young athletes and females across Australia, and families in the Ryde area have many opportunities to get involved.

Step 1: Find a Local Netball Club

The first step is to find a club that competes within the Eastwood Ryde Netball Association competition. ERNA includes a number of community clubs located across Ryde and surrounding suburbs.

Clubs welcome players of all experience levels, from beginners through to more competitive teams.

Step 2: Choose the Right Age Group

Netball competitions are generally organised by age groups so players can develop alongside others of a similar age and ability.

Most clubs offer:

• Junior teams for primary school aged players

• Intermediate teams for early high school

• Senior teams for older players and adults

If you’re unsure which team is right for you or your child, clubs are always happy to help guide you.

Step 3: Register for the Season

Registration usually takes place online before the season begins. Once registered, players will be placed into a team and provided with information about training sessions and game schedules.

Competitions run weekly during the season, with games played at West Ryde.

Step 4: Attend Training and Game Day

After joining a team, players will attend regular training sessions to develop skills and prepare for games. Training is also a great way for kids to build friendships and become part of their club community.

Game day is the highlight of the week for many players, where teams come together to compete and have fun.

A Welcoming Community Sport

Netball is known for being inclusive and community-focused. Whether you or your child wants to play competitively or simply enjoy being active with friends, being social off the court, joining a local club is a great way to start their netball journey.

If you are looking to get involved can visit the ERNA website to explore local clubs and upcoming registration opportunities.

10 Skills Every Junior Netball Player Should Learn

Netball is a fast-paced team sport that requires a combination of physical skills, teamwork and quick decision-making. For junior players, learning the fundamentals early helps build confidence and create a strong foundation for future development.

Here are ten key skills every junior netball player should work on.

1. Catching the Ball

Catching is one of the most important skills in netball. Players should practise catching with both hands while keeping their eyes on the ball.

2. Accurate Passing

Netball relies heavily on passing rather than dribbling. Players should learn different types of passes, including chest passes, bounce passes and shoulder passes.

3. Footwork

Understanding the footwork rule is essential in netball. Players need to learn how to land correctly and use a pivot foot to change direction without stepping.

4. Movement and Dodging

Quick movement helps players create space and receive passes. Dodging and changing direction quickly are key skills in attacking play.

5. Shooting Technique

For players in shooting positions, learning proper shooting technique helps improve accuracy and confidence in the circle.

6. Defensive Positioning

Defenders need to learn how to position themselves between the ball and their opponent to make interceptions and apply pressure.

7. Court Awareness

Good players develop an understanding of where teammates and opponents are on the court, helping them make smarter decisions with the ball.

8. Communication

Talking on the court is an important part of teamwork. Calling for the ball and communicating with teammates helps teams move the ball more effectively.

9. Fitness and Agility

Netball requires players to move quickly across the court. Developing agility, speed and endurance helps players perform at their best.

10. Teamwork

Perhaps the most important skill of all is teamwork. Netball is a true team sport where success comes from working together and supporting teammates.

Developing Skills Through Netball

Junior players build these skills through regular training, games and development opportunities offered by local clubs.

Competitions run by the Eastwood Ryde Netball Association provide a supportive environment where players can improve their skills, gain confidence and enjoy being part of a team. FIND A CLUB TODAY!

With practice and encouragement, young players quickly develop both their netball abilities and a lifelong love of the sport.