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Netball

I have been watching Nauvoo's netball team this past season, many times silently frustrated at the incompetency and even a bit annoyed at the attitude the coach and helpers for her team have. I came to the conculsion they must not have played Netball before. Now I am no talented vetran or anything but have played long enough to know the basics. It was frustrating to see that the kids were loosing out because they were not being taught the basic skills and encouraged the way I would expect. So, for most the season I have contemplated approaching them if they needed help. I did not want to step on any toes as such(knowing when I start something I go full steam) but so wanted the team to at least noticably progress rather than get a thrashing every week and the adults shrugging their shoulders, "oh-well"...UUUHHH!!!!!

I started taking Nauvoo to another teams practice of a friend from neighbouring town. She was learning some great skills. With some encouragement from my friend Mili I approached the team coach and manager about helping out. I was informed that indeed none of the adults associated with her team have ever played Netball, and the coach was literally thrown in the deep end.... Yes, so instead of judging I should have stepped up earlier...I know....
Well  for the last few weeks I have been helping out. I have enjoyed it. The first week was a little frustrating but at last weeks game I did what I do best. Nauvoo's team was up against one of the toughest teams in their competition, Parakai. They have a couple of key players that obviously have older siblings and parents involved in the game. Last time they played the team they lost 30-0. Their spectators can be a little intimidating too...Now if any of you have seen be 'spectate' you will know I am not a quiet sit back and relax with the game...... not for rugby, and well any sport. I just can't help myself.... this day was no exception. So, instead of shaking my head wondering why the coach was not 'coaching' the girls on the court. I stepped up. (and loved it too) The whole game I stayed down the opponents shooting end and made sure that our defenders "stuck to their buddies" and shut their GA and GS down. It worked!!  I was SOO pleased. The other words you could hear me calling out was the good old, "one,two. One, two" forget the 3 seconds they had to catch the ball and pass it off to their team mates with a "one two" They did a great job. I have not seen them play as well as they did that day. They were able to get the ball into their shooting 3rd ALOT. (previously some games they would never see the ball in that 3rd). I was so pleased with the kids, and let them know it. The final score was 16 - 4. A great effort.

Yesterday at practice, there was a different note about them, I taught them a drill to practice on how to shoot properly. (thank you mili again) The parents for the shooters for saturday were also taught the drill to help their child at home. It was so good to hear the one boy on our team say, "I love Netball it's my favorite game" .... now isn't that rewarding.

Now I am regretting not stepping in earlier, this little team that was branded never to win, really has great potential. It is a shame that there is only 3 more games left. Next season, I want to put my hand up from the beginning and help these little players reach their potential.!!!!

I was reminded, not to hesitate out of fear, grasp that fear, throw it aside and go with confidence.... Have a great day!!

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