Another example of the energy systems in netball is the centre and the goal shooter. The centre uses a lot more of the oxygen system, which is used to keep up a medium intensity for long periods of time, because the have to move all over the court and continuously drive for the ball. They need to be able to keep going for at least one quarter (fifteen minutes) at any one time. They also use more Lactic (for going at a fairly high intensity for longer) because the do a large number of longer drives. In contrast to the centre the goal shooter uses mainly ATP-PC because they are confined to one third of the court and do more short sharp drives. This is especially in the circle when trying to lose their defender and get in a good position to shoot.
The different positions also need more of some particular fitness components than of others. For example the players who will need the quickest reaction times are the defenders because they need to be able see what their opposing player does and instantly counteract it. They also need large amounts of speed, agility and co-ordination in situations where their player begins to break away for a pass and they need to catch up to them and get in front for the intercept. The chase could include sharp direction changes where a high level of agility would need to be used. (Class Handout, 2005).
.
For high energy levels during a netball game the players would need to eat carbohydrates over a period of about two days before their game. Fats could be eaten as well but in smaller proportions because they are the secondary source of ATP and the carbohydrates are the primary source of ATP. (Class Handout, 2005). Quick sugar fixes, as they are known as, like a couple of jellybeans or lollies can be a helpful source of energy when eaten between quarters. These give short, high bursts of energy that will not last long but help to a give player’s a boost.
Another way of boosting a player’s performance is to use individual training programs that meet their needs. For example a centre would need to do more endurance training such as long runs unlike a goal shooter who would do more short sharp sprints with some shooting practice put in as well.
Various fitness tests combined with height suggest the position of either wing attack or goal attack is best suited to my fitness. These attacking positions all need to have players with a good endurance level, high agility and need to be fairly fast. The goal attack also needs experience and accuracy to shoot. Endurance to carry out the roles effectively also suggests I could play centre.
This assignment has used knowledge of energy systems, their fuel supplies and fitness components to discover the ways they are linked with netball. It has discussed ways of improving performance through foods and training and has used this information to figure out what positions a player should play from the abilities they have.
Appendix 1:
In each fitness test I scored as follows:
Vertical Jump 33cm Average
Agility 17.32secs Good
Speed 1.99secs Good
Beep/endurance 6.7 Good.
Bibliography
-
Anonymous. 2005, Class Handout n.p.
-
Ashfield. T, (2004) Netball. (WWW document) Available URL: [Accessed June 24th]
-
Human Kinetics. 2002, Anaerobic Threshold, VO2max and Netball (WWW document) Available URL: [Accessed 2004, June 24th]
------
The two shooters would need the most balance to stop, get into an upright position, aim and then shoot within three seconds. The centre would need the most speed and endurance to get from one end of the court to the other at turnovers. Other factors come into the decision of what fitness components players need. For example if a wing attack is to be able to be able to catch a ball that they were not expecting then they will need to have a quick reaction time and good co-ordination to catch it.
These tests combined with my height, which is 169cm (fairly average), would suggest I play the position of either wing attack or goal attack which both need agility, speed and endurance to carry out their roles effectively. It also suggests I could possibly play centre for part of a game, but not a full one as my endurance levels are only good which is not high enough to keep my energy up all game. I would not make a very efficient defender because I am not very tall and my vertical jump is not very high which would make it difficult for me to get intercepts and rebounds.
