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THE ROLE OF THE SELECTOR AND SELECTING A NETBALL TEAM
A selector is an observer and note taker, they observe the players as often as possible, consider the
players potential for further coaching and should do this before listening to the comments of others.
Expectations of Selectors;
Those personnel on the selection panel should
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Attend all selection activities [i.e. meetings, trainings and games] as deemed necessary by
the selection panel
Act with integrity and objectivity in all aspects of the selection process
Ensure that selection materials, discussions and meetings remain confidential to the
selection panel
Declare a conflict of interest and notify the appropriate person of the conflict as soon as
they become aware it exists and remove herself/himself from the selection or resign as a
selector
Responsibilities of Selectors;
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Be familiar with the relevant Selection Policy for the team/squad they are selecting
Be aware of the level and type of competition/event for which the team is being selected
Review the; Nominations, date of birth of players for squad/team eligibility and playing
positions
Ensure that the selection policy/guidelines are followed
Whenever possible view all players at least twice prior to selections
Record statistical and other information to support the decision made during the selection
process
COMMON ERRORS IN SELECTION
Correction to errors made by selectors can be difficult resolve as selectors are often unaware they
are marking errors which result in an inappropriate selection. Listed below are some of the selection
pitfalls and possible solutions to avoid them
Contrast effects;
This occurs when a player is evaluated relative to other players rather than to the requirements of
the position.
To avoid this effect;
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Evaluate a large number of players at the same time as errors are made more frequently
when only few players are observed
Base evaluation on the specific criteria for the position
Compare players for the same position after evaluating the individuals
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First impression;
First impressions, either favourable or unfavourable, often bias for or against the player and may
influence later judgements, especially if negative points are observed first.
To avoid this effect;
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Reserve all judgements regarding a player until after the observation period
Halo or Horns effect;
A player’s performance, either favourable or unfavourable, influences judgement about other
aspects of the player’s performance
To avoid this effect;
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The selector should not listen to comments from others until after their own evaluation
Selection panels should complete individual evaluations prior to discussions
Similar to me or belong to the same club;
The player is judged more favourably when the selector perceives that they are similar to them or
belong to the same club
To avoid this effect;
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Base the evaluation on specific criteria for the position
Ensure the selection panel comprises of selectors from different clubs
Central Tendency or Negative or Positive Leniency
A central tendency is when all players are rated as average to avoid making mistakes in judgement. A
negative or positive leniency is when players are assessed to easily or to hard
To avoid this effect;
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Record observations of exactly what is seen and compare with the specific criteria
Most players will have good and poor areas of performance so if a player does not have a
range of ratings there may be leniency
Sequence effect;
The order in which players are viewed affects the assessment made e.g. view an exceptional player
first and all others pale and vice versa
To avoid this effect;
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Record observations of exactly what is seen and compare with the specific criteria
Only compare players once evaluations are made
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Before selecting a Netball team or squad, there are a number of points to be considered:
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Selecting a squad;
How many players are required for the squad?
How long should the squad remain together?
How important is it to balance the squad[i.e. ability, age, experience, positions and
potential]
Selecting a team;
How many players?
Should only the best players be selected, regardless of positions?
Should inexperienced players be offered the opportunity?
Should the positions be balanced?
Should players that combine well together be selected?
Should reserves be nominated, if so how many?
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When selecting players consideration to the player’s present ability and potential ability, match
experience, consistency, determination, creativity, temperament, the players response to other
players, the coach and match conditions are all factors that need attention.
THE SELECTION PROCESS;
There may be a number of conditions that will influence the selection process;
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Size of the area from which the players are drawn from [ i.e. club, district, region]
Timing of selections [i.e. early season, end of season, mid-season which could influence
players response]
Size of the selection committee, the level of experience in selections and coaching, etc.
Selectors, regardless the number on the committee or experience should be looking for the
following qualities in the players;
Individual Movement Skills;
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Good footwork and change of direction
Acceleration and deceleration
High work rate
Balance and control without the ball
Balance and control with the ball
Speed, agility, endurance and elevation
Body type, athletic ability, body control and coordination
Ball Skills;
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Good basic ball handling skills under pressure
Good pass selection options under pressure
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Selection of ball delivery finesse and touch
Accuracy of pass
Catching ability-two hands/one hand
Attacking Skills;
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Ability to make appropriate decisions
Effective use of space
Timing
Vision
Defending Skills;
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Good one on one defending
Defence of the pass
Strategies;
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Recognises and adapts to attacking/defensive strategy changes by the opposition
Netball Knowledge;
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Court craft-ability to read the game
Flair and creativity
Ability to combine
Involvement in the game
Knowledge of the rules and adjusts to umpiring decisions
Position specifics
Accuracy of shot
Character;
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Consistency of performance
Temperament, aggressiveness, competitiveness, intensity
Ability to concentrate
Coachability-understanding and application of coaching direction
Commitment and reliability
Ability to accept responsibility of actions
Does the player listen?
Do they re-act?
Social skills
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Selecting a Netball Team
As with other team games, a particular position requires specific qualities;
Goal Shooter;
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Should have a good goal average [ approximately 80%]
Good rebounding and awareness of position in the goal circle
Should be aware of the goal attacks position
Good ball handling skills
Be a persistent defender
Goal Attack;
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Awareness of space when entering the circle
Aware of the goal shooters positioning
Good rebounding, accuracy, defending and speed
Good peripheral vision
Link tactically with wing or centre players
Wing Attack;
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Good control of body movements
Good ball handling skill
Accurate passing into the circle
Good peripheral vision
Quickly switches from attack to defence
Creative use of space around the circle
Centre;
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Great stamina
Quick in attack and defence
Good control of body movements
Good ball handling skills
Good speed when backing up in attack and defence
Awareness of space is essential
Wing Defence;
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Requires tremendous determination with the ability to intercept the ball
To switch from attack to defence
Tactical awareness to force the Wing Attack into mistakes when passing
Good body skills to avoid contacts and or obstructions
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Goal Defence;
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Skills to upset the shooting action of the opposition
Ability to read the game to close down the attackers space
To operate under stress
Confidence to attack the ball when appropriate
Good ball handling skills
Goal Keeper;
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Skills to upset the shooting action of the opposition
Ability to read the game to close down the attackers space
To operate under stress
Communicate effectively with the Goal Defence and Wing Defence
Good ball handling skills
Be confident in conducting back line throw-ins
Summary;
The qualities for which a selector would be looking for with attacking players is they should be able
to demonstrate fast, accurate footwork and passing, space awareness and creativity to score goals.
The defence should show concentrated marking, interception abilities and good awareness of the
attacking players so as to shut down the attacker’s space.