Getting players to warm up properly in social netball competitions has always been a challenge. Despite efforts to promote its importance, many teams still opt to arrive just in time for the first whistle, skipping warm-ups entirely. But a recent visit to Auckland Netball Centre has sparked change.
While attending a senior social competition last week, Amelia Pasco, NetballSmart Development Officer at Netball Northern, excitedly shared that a team had been consistently warming up before their matches, a rare sight in the social scene. That team is the Ball Busters, and they’re proving that good habits can flourish, even in a relaxed competition.
The Ball Busters are a newly formed social team, with many players new to netball and to each other. But thanks to Jess, one of their more experienced players, they’ve embraced the NetballSmart dynamic warm-up as a key part of their routine. Jess, who has played for years, encouraged her teammates to treat preparation as part of their team culture, and not just something for elite players.
The team now arrives early for every match to complete their warm-up properly, setting a great example for others in the social format. Their commitment didn’t go unnoticed. After hearing about their efforts, Netball Smart awarded the team a prize pack to recognise and encourage their continued dedication.
Stories like this show that NetballSmart is starting to make a real difference and it’s awesome to see. It’s a good reminder that even at social level, a bit of prep can go a long way. If your team hasn’t jumped on board yet, now’s the time! NetballSmart is an easy way to keep players moving well, playing longer, and enjoying the game even more. Give it a go — your team will thank you for it.
To learn more about the NetballSmart Dynamic Warm-Up, visit the NetballSmart website.
