Positive feedback for Netball Smart

Mangonui Netball Centre junior players participate in the Netball Smart programme on a recent Saturday morning. Photo / Supplied

The Mangonui Netball Centre has joined the rest of the country in getting on board with the Netball Smart Programme by introducing a warm-up/cool-down regime for Saturday morning junior players to perform as a group under the guidance of Sheree Blakeborough.

Netball Smart is the official injury prevention programme of Netball New Zealand and is designed to help enhance performance and prevent injury, noted local netball commentator Renee Walters Price.

"The programme roll-out also consists of a week-by-week skill sessions content, followed by teams and their star coaches, which enables players to learn new netball skills in a fun way," she said noting it also made things much easier for those volunteers leading teams to step into this role by taking all the guesswork out of coaching.

She also noted the centre had adjusted quickly to the new 6v6 format for the Years 5/ 6 grade: "Only four weeks in and games have improved dramatically, with players coming up with new and improved strategies of getting from one end of the court so much faster than before."

Walters Price noted the MNC committee was very pleased with the roll-out, which had also received plenty of positive feedback from players, teams and spectators alike.

"The group warm-up cool-down session is so great -- having all teams come together as one for a greater purpose, and the smiles and laughter of those participating is why we do what we do. It's about the children and for the children. Together with Netball New Zealand and their Netball Smart programme, it's a brighter future for all!"