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Netballers adjust to long-range Super Shot

3 minute read

It's not just shooters making adjustments for the introduction of the two-point shot in Super Netball with defenders and midcourters also making changes.

Super Netball.
Super Netball. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

The hotly debated two-point shot also has midcourters and defenders looking to make adjustments heading into the new Super Netball season starting this weekend.

The Super Shot, which will be from a designated zone within the goal circle, comes into play in the final five minutes of each quarter.

When it was announced back in late June it triggered a firestorm of chatter.

"I think that's probably what Super Netball actually wanted," said Giants captain and English shooter Jo Harten, who likes shooting from distance.

"They wanted a talking point other than a pause to our season so kudos to them.

"I wasn't surprised because I knew the fans would probably be in uproar about it, just because there's a lot of traditionalists out there. I'm one myself."

Swifts captain and midcourter Maddy Proud said while there had been a lot of controversy around the Super Shot, the sport needed to keep innovating.

"You've got to keep evolving the sport as other female sports start competing for that No.1 spot," Proud told AAP.

"We've got to be innovative and keep wanting to give the spectators something that's going to draw them back to the game or draw them to the game."

Fever and Diamonds goalkeeper Courtney Bruce said the Super Shot would fundamentally change the way teams defended.

"Usually you want to push the shooter away from the post, but this time in that five minutes you will be pushing the shooter under the post so they are taking a one-point shot over a two-point shot," Bruce told AAP.

"It's going to be an adjustment for everyone to get used to, being aware of the clock and the time and how long is left."

Bruce said she expected every shooter to be capable of taking long-range attempts, even some of the taller players who usually venture far from the post.

She said Fever's prolific Jamaican shooter Jhaniele Fowler, who is almost unstoppable near the post, had been nailing plenty of two-point shots in training.

Magpies and Diamonds midcourter Madi Browne expected players across her line might find themselves doing additional defensive duties.

"Defending on the outside of the circle might be something we see," Browne said.

"Who knows, I might get a rejection, that's a stat I've never had before.

"I've even had to go to circle defender Geva (Mentor) and say 'how do I defend a shot?'

"Because if they are that close to the outside perimeter then I can put a little sneaky hand up. I'm not sure I'd be much of a threat."

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