How to Stay Active in the Netball Off-Season
September 18, 2024
Ashleigh Moore
The off-season is a great opportunity for netballers to maintain their fitness, refine skills, and prepare for the upcoming season. Here are some effective ways to stay active during this time:
1. Set Personal Goals
Establish clear, achievable goals for the off-season. Whether it’s improving your shooting accuracy or increasing your stamina, having specific targets will keep you motivated.
2. Join a Fitness Class
Consider joining a fitness class that complements your netball training. Options like Reformer Pilates, yoga, or strength training can help enhance your overall fitness and flexibility.
3. Engage in Cross-Training
Mix up your routine with activities like swimming, cycling, or running. These sports can improve your cardiovascular fitness while reducing the risk of overuse injuries.
4. Work on Skills
Dedicate time to practice essential netball skills. Dribbling, passing, and shooting can all be refined with solo drills or by partnering with a teammate.
5. Stay Flexible
Incorporate stretching or yoga into your routine to improve flexibility and prevent injuries. A good stretching regimen will also help with recovery.
6. Play Social Games
Find or create friendly matches to participate in. Playing informal games is a fun way to stay connected with the sport and maintain your competitive edge.
7. Join Our Spring Netball Development Academy
To take your skills to the next level, consider joining our Netball Development Academy! We offer programs at six locations across broader Sydney: Avalon, Narrabeen, Curl Curl, Pennant Hills, Baulkham Hills, and Bankstown. With some of the best coaches in Australia, including Tilly McDonell, Kelly Singleton, April Brandley, Matisse Letherbarrow, Jemma Donoghue, Maddie Hay, Carissa Tombs, Tarsha Saint (U23 Sapphires Assistant Coach), Teigan O’Shannassy, and rep coach Jess Bowden, you’ll receive top-notch training and support.
8. Focus on Nutrition
Use the off-season to improve your diet. Eating well will help you stay energised and recover faster. Consider meal prepping to make healthy choices easier. Need inspo? Learn from the best, Teigan O’Shannassy with her new E-book ‘Tossed Together’ for some great high-protein meals and snack ideas!
9. Rest and Recover
Don’t forget the importance of rest! Allow your body time to recover from the previous season, which is crucial for long-term success.
10. Stay Connected
Keep in touch with your teammates. Organise group workouts or skills sessions to stay motivated and accountable.
11. Plan for Pre-Season
As the off-season comes to an end, start planning for your pre-season training. Gradually increase your activity levels to prepare for the return of structured practices.
Staying active during the netball off-season doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right approach, you can maintain your fitness, improve your skills, and come back stronger for the next season. Embrace the time off to enhance your game and enjoy the journey! And don’t miss out on the opportunity to join our Netball Development Academy for expert coaching and training!
