Throw and go. Give and go. Double play…
Whatever you call it when your players pass the ball and simultaneously drive to receive the next pass, it’s a skill that will become an important part of their attacking repertoire as they move forward with their netball.
It’s also quite an advanced skill with a higher degree of risk when performed in matchplay, so it’s critical to get the basics correct from the outset, to ensure your players are competent enough to perform it under pressure on court.
Here ‘s a five-drill session plan you can use to build up your team’s ‘throw and go’, from the basics through to implementing it in a team drill and finally a match scenario.
THROW AND GO GAUNTLET
This simple drill introduces players to the concept and technique of passing the ball and immediately/simultaneously driving to receive the next pass.
It also highlights the importance of being accurate with the initial pass, to enable the receiver to give a quick pass back to progress the ball downcourt with speed.
ADVANCED THROW AND GO GAUNTLET
Performing a ‘throw and go’ is one thing – now it’s time to add some defensive pressure. In this more advanced version, your players will introduce a step-around, as well as fine-tuning the skill of taking their first step at the same time as they pass the ball, in order to bridge the gap to their opponent and limit their opponent’s opportunities to step across and defend them.
DAN RYAN’S TRIANGLE DOUBLE PLAY
Now your players should be proficient at the basic ‘throw and go’ movements (if they’re not, spend more sessions working on ensuring they’re competent at it).
Next, put it into a team-based drill that allows the players to complete a lot of repetitions of the skill, and also highlights the importance of their passes being quick and accurate.
THROW AND GO COMPETITIVE
Time to make things a little more game-like!
In this drill your players will first have to fight for the ball, and then complete a ‘throw and go’ downcourt against some hard-checking defence.
Remember, if the defence is strong enough to shut down the initial drive, there should be lots of backspace to push off and receive a long ball!
HIT THE CIRCLE AND SPLIT THE GOALERS
For a drill that can incorporate half court matchplay, as well as the ‘throw and go’, try this one.
As the attacking midcourter receives the pass after their footwork sequence, the goalers must time their movements to split and provide two options. The worker must pick one, throw and go around the defender and hit the circle hard for a quick pass back. From there, play it out!
Your other midcourter can link in by balancing up the other side of the goal circle after the worker performs their ‘throw and go’.
The drill is also easily adapted for your defenders or defensive midcourters. Just move the cones into the defensive third, and use your GA/WA as the splitting players for your GD/WD to perform their ‘throw and go’ to down the court.
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