Walking Netball All About Strategy

How does one play a game of netball when you’re not allowed to run or jump and one foot must remain on the ground at all times?

It’s all about strategy in ‘Walking Netball,’ and a group of Alexandra players are figuring it all out, since the sport was first introduced to the town this winter.

Organiser Helen Thayer played the game when she lived in Dunedin and then decided to start a new group when she moved to Alexandra 12 months ago.

Held at the Molyneux courts every Thursday at 1pm, Helen said the Alexandra Netball Club had been most supportive, sharing bibs and balls to help get them started.

“We held a few trial days and before we knew it, had enough players for games.”

Every week they play five-a-side using a full court or just half a court if there’s not enough players.

At half time players change around bibs and teams just to mix it up a bit.

How does one play a game of netball when you’re not allowed to run or jump and one foot must remain on the ground at all times?
It’s all about strategy in ‘Walking Netball,’ and a group of Alexandra players are figuring it all out, since the sport was first introduced to the town this winter.
Organiser Helen Thayer played the game when she lived in Dunedin and then decided to start a new group when she moved to Alexandra 12 months ago. — Pic credit: The Central App

Most have played netball before – even if it might’ve been 30 years ago, whilst for some it’s their first time.

You’d expect the average age to be around 65 but surprisingly, even younger players are turning up each week.

“It certainly keeps people’s brains going,” Helen said. “It’s all about fun, fitness and friendship.”

The rules are quite different to standard netball. No running and no jumping up for the ball. But the three second rule has been extended to four seconds to give players more time to get into position.

It looks like quite a challenge moving from one end of the court to the other quickly, when you can’t burst into a sprint. Especially when the ball is still flying just as fast.

Helen’s been busy both coaching and umpiring, and the majority of the time when her whistle blows it’s to tell a player to stop running.

I guess it’s just natural instinct, and for many of these players – particularly those who are over 65, that can’t be a bad thing.

Helen said because of how popular the sport has become, they intend to continue playing through the summer months as well.

Source: https://centralapp.nz/NewsStory/walking-netball-all-about-strategy/6aa312a3ad450e002da74035

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