PHYSIOLOGICAL
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
It’s vital that netball players are able to meet the
physical demands of the game in order to reach their optimal performance
(Martens, 2004). Even though the physical
demand varies dependent on the player’s position, the pace and duration of the
game mean the physical demand is high (Chad & Steele, 1990).
Player Results
Both Stuart and Daniel’s level of aerobic fitness is
below average. Netball is a fast-paced
game lasting 60 minutes and therefore it’s important that players have a high
level of aerobic endurance so they don’t fatigue easily which would impact on
their performance. Netball is an
intermittent game which requires bursts of high intensity activity, medium
intensity and low intensity activity, but it is certain that you will always be
moving meaning the demand on the aerobic system is high (HPathletes.com,
n.d.).
Stuart and Daniel’s low level of aerobic fitness means they
would find it difficult to keep up with the pace of the gym in certain
positions (for example, centres who run 8km in 60 minutes of play)
(HPathletes.com, n.d.). It is likely
that whatever position they play they are likely to tire towards the end of the
game. This means their play is going to
become much slower, giving the opposing team advantages such as intercepting in
defensive play, and dodging and moving into space during attacking play. Ultimately, if the team have possession of
the ball and they are able to move it down the court with ease they are going
to have more opportunities to score goals.
Therefore, its important Stuart and Daniel improve their aerobic
endurance to be able to meet the demands of the game and perform to the best of
their ability.
Another of Stuart’s weaknesses is his leg power, which is
below average. Lower body power is essential
for many aspects of netball, for example, jumping to intercept passes, changing
direction quickly, and stopping immediately having caught the ball
(Livestrong.com, 2011). Players must
have explosive power in the legs to be able to jump high in order to intercept
passes during defensive play, both gaining possession and preventing the
opposing team from scoring. Leg strength
is also key when players attempt to stop having received the ball, because if
they don’t stop the opposing team will be awarded a free pass for footwork. As
footwork is one of Stuart’s weaknesses, he would benefit greatly from having
stronger legs as he would find it easier to stop and find his balance,
therefore not losing possession of the ball.
One of Stuart’s physiological strengths is his hand grip and forearm strength, which is
fundamental in any sport where catching and throwing are important (Topendsports.com, 2013). Players must be able to catch the ball securely, otherwise they risk losing possession, and they may find that their team mates don’t pass them the ball therefore not utilising their position on the team. Alongside his good catching technique, Stuart’s forearm and hand grip strength mean he is able to catch the ball in most game situations and securely bring it into his body.
Daniel has a lot of lower body strength relating both to
speed and explosive power. This means it
is likely Daniel would be good at intercepting passes in defensive play because
he has the ability to jump high, gaining possession for the team. Daniel is also able to gather speed quickly
which is necessary in netball where the ability to cover short distances
quickly gives the player a ‘head start’ (Woodlands, 2006). This is because they are able to move into
space before an opposing player, to both receive and intercept passes. However, Daniel’s speed may be a disadvantage
because he isn’t always able to stop and change direction quick enough, or stop
when he receives the ball. His speed
should be ‘balanced with control and nurtured in combination with ball skills
and decision making’ (Woodlands, 2006) to that his speed doesn’t have a
negative impact on performance (for example, breaking rule 12 and awarding the
opposite team with a free pass).
Daniel's speed can be seen here during the Illinois Agility Test, however he finds it difficult to turn at the corners:
Both Stuart and Daniel have below average agility, however this
is essential in netball. The court is
relatively small with many players, especially in the goal circle where there
may be four players, so it’s ‘a game of working the tight spaces… with nimble
footwork, speed and changes of direction’ (Woodlands, 2006). Because netball is such a fast-paced game and
passes are made every three seconds (that is the maximum time it could take),
players are always reacting quickly and changing direction quickly. Even though Stuart and Daniel are able to
gather speed they are unable to keep it under control and find it difficult to
stop and change direction. As Stuart and
Daniel are less agile, this gives their opponents a distinct advantage
(Woodlands, 2006) because they aren’t able to mark their opponents efficiently
and their actions are slow and predictable during attacking play.
Daniel completing the Compass Drill:
Stuart completing the Compass Drill:
References
Chad, K. & Steele, J. (1990) Relationship between physical requirements and physiological responses
to match play and training in skilled netball players: Basis of tailor-made
training programs [online] Available from: https://secure.ausport.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/193654/KC1990.pdf
[Accessed 8th April 2013]
HPAthletes.com (n.d.) Fitness Training for Netball [online]
Available from: http://www.hpathletes.com/netball/
[Accessed 8th April 2013]
Livestrong.com (2011) Netball Power Exercises [online]
Available from: http://www.livestrong.com/article/462628-netball-power-exercises/
[Accessed 13th April 2013]
Thomas, M. (2000) Know The Game: Netball (3rd
Edition) A & C Black: London.
Topendsports.com (2013) Handgrip Strength Test [online] Available from: http://www.topendsports.com/testing/tests/handgrip.htm [Accessed 13th April 2013]
Woodlands, J. (2006) The Netball Handbook. Human Kinetics: Illinois.
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