There are 5 different types of passes – the Chest Pass, Bounce Pass, Shoulder Pass, Lob Pass and Overhead Pass. Practice drilling (both two handed and single hand) as you will definitely be using all these passes in a game. For a two handed chest and bounce pass, your palms and thumbs should make a “W” behind the ball.

Performing a Chest Pass in Netball

A chest pass is a very fast and flat pass. This enables a team to move quickly up a court in a precise and accurate fashion.

Stage one

• Stand with feet shoulder width apart and on the balls of your feet, with back straight and knees slightly bent.

• Place hands on the sides of the ball with the thumbs directly behind the ball and fingers comfortably spread.

Stage two

• The ball should be held in front of the chest with the elbows tucked in.

• Step in the direction of the pass, by extending their legs, back, and arms.

• Push the ball from the chest with both arms (not from one shoulder).

• Fingers are rotated behind the ball and the thumbs are turned down.

Stage three

• The back of the hands face one another with the thumbs straight down.

• Make sure the ball is released off the first and second fingers of both hands.

• Follow through to finish up with the arms fully extended, fingers pointing at the target and thumbs pointing to the floor.

Performing a Bounce Pass in Netball

A bounce pass is a short pass that enables the player to find a teammate in a crowded area. The height of the ball makes it difficult for the opposition to reach and intercept.

Stage one

• Feet shoulder-width apart in opposition, with knees bent.

• Place hands each side and slightly behind the ball, with the fingers comfortably spread.

• Hold the ball at waist level, with elbows tucked in.

Stage two

• Step in the direction of the pass, through extending your legs, back and arms.

• The wrist and fingers should be forced through the ball releasing it off the first and second fingers of both hands.

• Follow through with the arms fully extended, fingers pointing at the target and thumbs pointing to the floor.
  

Performing a Shoulder Pass in Netball

A shoulder pass is a very dynamic, fast and long pass. This enables a team to switch positions on court very quickly to either find a player in space or break defensive screens. However, a shoulder pass may not be thrown from the defensive third to the attacking third without being handled in the middle third.

Stage one

• Player's feet should be shoulder width apart in opposition.

• Opposite foot forward to throwing arm.

• Stand on balls of feet with toes pointing toward target, and knees slightly bent.

• Hold the ball at head height, slightly behind your head.

• Elbow should be at a 90° angle.

• Fingers spread behind the ball.

Stage two

• Step in the direction of the pass by transferring your body weight from back foot to front foot.

• Pull the arm through with the elbow leading.

• To follow through, fully extend your arm and wrist.

• Point your fingers in the same direction as the pass, with palms facing down.

Performing a Lob Pass in Netball

‘Up and over’ is the goal of the lob pass. The lob pass is suitable for both short and long distances and lets you earn back control for your team from a congested area.

The high, arching trajectory of the lob allows the netball to fly up and over the outstretched arms of defenders – mirroring the ‘Piggy In The Middle’ netball passing and defence drill.

The execution of the lob pass is challenging but you can improve your accuracy with plenty of practice at home. The setup has similarities to the shoulder pass.

Ideal for:

This ‘throw-up’ pass is ideal when you’re closed in by defenders and your teammates are being tightly marked, blocking their ability to receive flat passes without the netball being intercepted.

It allows you as the passer to create opportunities for your teammates to run for and receive the netball in more open space (technically called a drop pass) or to extend out of their defender's reach to catch it without sacrificing possession.

How to:

1. Hold: Cradle the netball in the palm of your throwing hand, with your hand beneath the ball and fingers spread behind it. Place your other hand on the front, upper area of the ball for support. Your elbow should form a 90-degree angle, in line with your shoulder.

2. Step: Stand with your knees slightly bent. Step forward with your dominant foot, transferring your weight forward to generate more power into the pass.

3. Push: Extend your throwing arm fully upwards and angled forward above your head (rather than straight out in front of you like a shoulder pass), targeting the space above the head of your teammate and generating force in the arm movement to gain height.

4. Release: Release the netball at its highest point and flick your wrist and fingers in the direction of your target to launch the netball in a high, looping trajectory out of your defender’s reach.

Performing a Overhead Pass in Netball

The two-handed overhead pass has similarities to the chest pass but rather than being thrown from the chest, the overhead pass is launched from above the head. Unlike the shoulder pass, the netball is held centered and in line with your body. Power and distance are a priority for the overhead pass to prevent interception by tall defenders.

Ideal for:

This strength-driven pass is ideal for when you’re being aggressively marked or crowded by defending players. It allows you to gain distance for your team and to hurl the netball above the opposing team’s heads. The overhead pass is particularly effective in driving the netball towards a receiving, open player in the next third of the court.

How to:

1. Hold: Hold the netball with a two-handed grip above your head with thumbs and forefinger forming a ‘W’ shape behind the ball. Your remaining fingers should be stretched evenly and comfortably to either side of the ball for a firm and controlled grip – you shouldn’t be cradling it in your palm like the shoulder pass. Keep your elbows tucked close to your body with arms bent. The netball should be centred above your body.

2. Step: Step forward with your dominant foot, transferring your weight forward and raising the heel of the back, non-stepping foot to elevate the momentum behind the pass. Simultaneously, lift the netball slightly behind your head to generate greater force. Note that stepping into the pass is critical for achieving longer distances where additional power is required.

3. Push: Target the pass between the head and chest of the receiver. Launch the netball forward fast and hard, using your arms like a catapult to build up power and backing it up with the force of your body.

4. Release: Release the netball when your arms, wrists and fingers are fully extended forward, pointing in the direction of your teammate. The pass should end with arms outstretched and palms down, facing the court.