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| Netball Under 8 Team 'Blog' |
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Wednesday 24th September v Bishopsgate (home) Under 8 v Bishopsgate Lost 0 - 7 Team: Zara Anichebe, Madeleine Brant (Captain), Emily-Louisa Brett, Lucinda Hammond, Maria Mikhaylenko, Eleanor Sherlock and Holly Wright. Rotation Pattern: Scorer - GA - GD - Time Keeper - C - GS - GK - The Under 8’s first ever netball match was approached with great excitement. The girls were looking slightly nervous by the time we reached Bishopsgate but determined to play some good netball. Bishopsgate provided an excellent team who worked extremely well together – something our girls could learn from. Saying that, the score does not really reflect the level of effort and determination put in. By half time the score was 4-0 up to Bishopsgate and everyone was looking a bit down, but after a quick rotation and team talk the girls were back on with a new level of energy and enthusiasm to put up more of a fight. Which is exactly what happened, despite not actually scoring any goals Maddie and Zara had an excellent attempt in the second half managing to four or five shots at the goal before Bishopsgate managed to get the ball back into their possession. A special mention must go the Zara for really taking on board any advice given to her and putting it into practice – some great running and passing! Madeleine also did the girls proud with some really good teamwork.
Thursday 9th October v St Piran's
Drew 2 - 2 Team: Madeleine Brant (Captain), Emily-Louisa Brett, Lucinda Hammond, Maria Mikhaylenko, Eleanor Sherlock and Holly Wright. What an entertaining game! Such a great improvement! Eagle House had looked quite shell shocked during the first quarter as St Piran's easily moved the ball around them, scoring a goal. Gradually the team settled down and after a drink and a reminder of dodging practices, there was better movement on the court. The girls realised that moving into a space, away from their opponent, meant that it was easier to receive the ball. This led to a great set of passes down the court and a goal from Emily! This extra drive and determination continued throughout the game as their confidence grew and we witnessed some excellent interceptions from Maddie. An accurate goal from Holly in the third quarter brought Eagle House into the lead but a goal from St. Piran's during the last couple of minutes brought the final score to a draw. The fairest result I think for two teams that had improved immeasurably during this short game Thank you to all the parents who came to support and provided the cheering and encouragement from the sidelines
Wednesday 15th October v's St Andrew's Pangbourne Lost 5 - 2 Team: Zara Anichebe(Captain), Madeleine Brant, Emily-Louisa Brett, Lucinda Hammond, Maria Mikhaylenko, Eleanor Sherlock and Holly Wright. Rotation Pattern: Scorer - GA - GD - Time Keeper - C - GS - GK - Another very promising game from this little team. Eagle House looked the better side, their passes were accurate and the girls moved out away from their opponent to receive the pass. We dominated the court play for the first half but unfortunately our shooting let us down. Eagle House drew into the lead in the third quarter with some excellent interceptions from Maddie but St. Andrew's scored on the whistle. Some of our passes were much longer and stronger especially from Maddie, Holly and Emily. In the fourth quarter the GA from St.Andrew was a quick, nimble player and scored 3 excellent goals in the final couple of minutes. Eleanor worked well out in the centre court and demonstrated quick changes of direction as did Lulu. Maria's dodging really improved so it was a good performance from everyone. The reason we did not win this game was because of our inaccurate shooting. EH had many more chances at goal than St. Andrew's, unfortunateley we could not convert them. Lots of practice is needed in this area.
Wednesday 12th November v Marlston House(away) Lost 2 - 7 Team: Zara Anichebe, Madeleine Brant (Captain), Emily-Louisa Brett, Lucinda Hammond, Maria Mikhaylenko, Eleanor Sherlock and Holly Wright. Rotation Pattern: Scorer - GA - GD - Time Keeper - C - GS - GK - Today's match was organised as a High-5 U8 fixture (please see below for a full set of rules) and the score does not do the Eagle House girls justice. Being the only team to follow the correct procedure, they were at a distinct disadvantage. During the first quarter, 5 girls from our squad of 7 stepped onto the court, clearly showing a far greater understanding of the game that their opposition, by understanding the correct positioning before the game began. Marlston House had won the toss and scored a goal within the first minute due to quick and accurate passing. Nevertheless, our U8s were not disillusioned and quickly took the ball back to the centre and repeated the performance to balance the scores. Zara and Eleanor shone in the first quarter, using spaces effectively and passing quickly and accurately. The scoreline after the first quarter was 3-2 to Marlston House and although we had forgotten to mark our partners closely, the teams seemed evenly matched and it was to be a close game. Unfortunately as we started the second quarter, it was clear that only Eagle House were rotating positions, whilst Marlston House maintained the same 5 positions and players. However, our marking improved tremendously and we were putting far more pressure on the opposition. Holly and Emily worked tirelessly in defence, using spaces and passing the ball effectively between them. A particular mention must go to Holly in this quarter, who showed a marked improvement in her performance and became a pivotal member of the team. After half time, with the score 5-2 to Marlston House, it was Zara and Emily's turn to lead the attack. Emily showed a great understanding of thegame, by getting into space and moving quickly around the court. Getting the ball into our attacking third to be able to score proved to be more challenging in this quarter and therefore we were not able to add to the score card and make the most of the Zara and Emily's teamwork. With the score being 6-2 as we entered the final quarter, the girls were still incredibly focused and determined. They were far more vibrant than in the 3 previous quarters and were certainly not going to give up without a fight! They were not only remembering to get into spaces but they were marking the opposition closely too. Holly and Zara developed great teamwork to move the ball down the court and Maddy deserves a special mention for great interception and dodging. With the ball in our attacking third for a greater proportion of this quarter, it was a shame that we did not close the gap on the opposition. I saw a huge improvement in the girls' netball today and they should feel very proud of their performance. Playing High 5 netball at this age, enable the girls to develop ALL their skills and understand the roles of both attack and defence. By rotating the players we clearly end up with stronger and weaker combinations on the court in different quarters, but they all have the opportunity to learn and progress in preparation for 'standard' netball in year 5.
Wednesday 3rd December v's White House Won 3-0
We were very slow to get going in this game and seemed to forget many of the skills that we have worked on during games sessions. High 5 is challenging as the girls have to remember a new position each quarter but this will enable them to be better netball players in the long run. As the girls warmed up, the ball was passed a little quicker. Unfortunately EH hid behind their opponent instead of dodging and running into the space. Most of the girls displayed the beginnings of good skills, Lulu and Eleanor made some great interceptions, Emily and Zara worked hard in the centre court finding space whilst Holly and Maddy demonstrated an excellent shooting technique. White House were quick to pass the ball helped by our lack of marking so allowing them to find the spaces easily. When the ball was in our hands in the shooting circle EH were very good with all the girls using the correct action and because of this EH won the match. Wednesday 21st January v The Oratory Won 7 - 1 Eagle House were off to distinct advantage with a term's netball already under their belt. From the start this experience showed in our ball skills and the manner in which we found space down the court. At times during the first quarter, the attack tended to hide behind their defender but Zara and Maddie threw quick accurate passes and Maddie scored the first goal. Eagle House put on 3 goals in the second quarter, all from Zara who displayed a beautiful shooting action. The teams seemed more evenly matched during the next quarter as Oratory found confidence and started to throw the ball more accurately, getting it down into the circle. They had several attempts and managed to score one goal. Emily and Eleanor each scored during this quarter and Maria made a couple of excellent interceptions. Holly showed a good understanding of positioning in the final quarter playing GA. With Lulu as her attacking partner they found space easily but the GK and GD made some great interceptions making this the most lively quarter of the match. Holly sealed their win with an accurate shot just before the final whistle. The team also took on the roles of timekeeping and scoring which they performed with confidence.
Wednesday 4th March Hockey v Marlston House
Lost 3-4 Zara (1) Maddie 2) Team: Madeleine Brant, Emily-Louisa Brett, Maria Mikhaylenko (half game), Eleanor Sherlock, Zara Anichebe, Ellie Moore (half game), Holly Wright Girls you played your little socks off and I am so pleased with all of you, even though you lost, the way you played as a team was wonderful to see. Considering we are a very inexperienced hockey team there were plenty of positives. Eleanor you were incredible in defence, clearing our goal circle on many occasions. Maddie, no one would believe you had your foot in plaster only a couple of weeks ago – great positioning & tackling and of course two accurate strikes at goal. Zara, your strength in the middle of the pitch certainly held us altogether, and a fantastic shot at goal. Eagle House were winning throughout most of the match and it was literally in the last couple of seconds of the game that Marlston drew level and then intercepted our push back and went on to score and win. The main thing we need to take from this match, and remember, is that we must keep our sticks on the ground when defending as we often found ourselves watching as the ball sailed past us. Thank you to Marlston House for a lovely tea, and to the Mums and Dads who came to support their girls.
High Five: At Eagle House, the U8s and U9s play High 5 netball. High 5 netball follows a different set of rules which are briefly outlined below. The main differences between High 5 and standard netball have been highlighted in italics. 1. The Court: 5 members of the squad are on court at any one time and are allowed in the following areas:
Scorers: Keep a simple score card for their own team. Timekeeper: Time the six minute quarters and indicate to the umpire when the quarter is finished. 3. Duration of the game: Matches should be 4 x 6 minutes with 2 minutes at each interval during which squad members’ positions should be rotated. All players must play in at least 2 quarters, but these need not be consecutive. Each player must play in at least two different positions in each match (shooting, centre, defending). Substitutions may be made at any time in the event of illness or injury. Rotation patterns:
A rotation pattern must allow for all players have been off court at one time throughout the rotation. No player should ever be off court consecutively Rotation patterns will be continuos through both the matches being played and the tournament in which teams are playing 4. Start of Play: Team Captains toss a coin to determine who takes the first Centre Pass. Subsequent centre passes must be taken alternately. At the start of play the GS, GA, GD and GK may be anywhere in the goal third. The opposing Centre shall be in the centre third and free to move. When the umpire blows the whistle, the Centre must pass the ball within 4 seconds and obey the Footwork rule. The ball must be caught or touched in the centre third. 5. Playing the Ball: A player must: a. Pass or shoot within 4 seconds;
a. Deliberately kick the ball; 6. Footwork Rule: a. A player may receive the ball with one foot grounded or may jump to catch the land on one foot. While that landing foot remains on the ground the other foot may be moved in any direction and any number of times, pivoting on the landing foot if desired. Hopping is not allowed; 7. Scoring a Goal: A goal may only be scored by the Goal Shooter or the Goal Attack from within the shooting circle. 8. Obstruction: The player with the ball must be permitted an unimpeded throwing or shooting action. One jump to intercept a throw or shot at goal is permitted provided that the player is at least 1m away and that the arms are not outstretched prior to the jump. Jumping up and down in front of a player is not permitted. 9. Contact: No player shall knock or push an opponent or interfere with his/her play, either accidentally or deliberately. 10. Out of Court: A ball is out of court when it, or a player touching it, touches the ground or an object outside the court. The line counts as part of the court. If the ball hits the post and bounces back into court, it is still in play. 11. The Throw-in: The throw-in is taken at the point where the ball crossed the line. Any player allowed in that part of the court may take the throw-in and must stand outside the court with both feet behind the line. When the player taking the throw-in has checked that all other players are on court, she/he must release the ball within 4 seconds. 12. Offside: A player is offside if she/he enters an are of the court in which she/he is not allowed. http://www.englandnetball.co.uk/assets/File/PDF/High5_summary_handout.pdf
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