Over the last week, people have been using social media as a tool to get their netball fix.
The Netball Family have found innovative ways to stay connected during this time through shooting challenges, home workout tips and sharing positive stories online.
We have pulled together the best bits shared on social media from the last seven days.
Celebrating new PBs
From virtual matches to improvised posts, the Netball Family have truly embraced being stay at home netballers.
Netball training has looked quite different with the focus shifting to individuals challenging themselves and honing their own specific skills, including ball handling, shooting and core strength (see Sophie Drakeford-Lewis’ #TakeNetballHome drills with Gilbert) just to name a few.
The extra individual practice has been paying off with new personal bests sets and skills improving on a daily basis – all ready to put into action when it’s safe to return to the courts.
A new PB for my 9 year old daughter – practice and persevere is paying off 😀👏 #netball @Lancs_Netball @EnglandNetball @NetballSL @SkyNetball #prouddad pic.twitter.com/CTbpKHtDTP
— Stefan Verstraelen (@4improvement) May 6, 2020
Year 6 student, Madison, wanted to show Miss Santamera just how much her netball skills have improved. Well done, Madison – we’re impressed! @EnglandNetball pic.twitter.com/WgwM3m7xmf
— Rossall Juniors (@RossallJS) May 5, 2020
A hive of activity
There’s been a real buzz around Bee@Home with U11s (and their families and teachers) swarming to check out the weekly skill and creative challenges on offer.
Our Buzzers (age 5-7 years), Fliers (age 7-9 years) and Stingers (age 9-11 years) have been active, hardworking and continuing to develop the values and skills netball instills through all the activities.
BEE@HOME TUESDAY! 🐝🐝🐝
Introducing Yr 2 Ambassador, DB, getting her buzz on today with some Bee@Home netball challenges! Fab tenacity to keep trying those shots & chasing those loose balls! Skills DB! 🔥#5WaysFamily #5WaysBuzzers #keepthemplaying #BeeNetball @EnglandNetball pic.twitter.com/ZbU9p2HgXu
— DLC@5WaysNetball_Brighton (@DLewis_Collins) May 5, 2020
@EnglandNetball our Bees are busy at home practising their skills 💙💛#keepingsafe pic.twitter.com/busnrfGSWd
— Tameside Netball Clb (@TamesideNC) May 7, 2020
All of the creative resources released so far can be downloaded here and the latest skill challenges can be viewed here.
Marking Deaf Awareness Week
The 4th – 10th May has been Deaf Awareness Week.
Vitality Rose and Team Bath Netball defender Summer Artman got some of her netball friends together (virtually, of course) to record a special message and to help raise awareness.
Back in 2013, The National Deaf Children’s Society created a series of videos to support clubs and coaches to learn some quick and simple British Sign Language related to netball. Presented by England Netball Ambassador Sasha Corbin, you can watch all the videos here.
To those who gave so much, we thank you
Friday 8th May was the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
To mark the occasion, British Army Sport shared a video put together by and featuring the UK Armed Forces Netball team.
These ladies are not only award-winning netballers (currently the UK Armed Forces Team of the Year), but also continue to honour and protect what previous generations fought for.
Today is the 75th anniversary of VE Day. The UK Armed Forces Netball Team are award-winning netballers but also honour and protect what the generations before them fought for#VEday #Netball #VEDay75
Full 🎥 https://t.co/HCQprOJj8G@UKAFNetball @army_netball @EnglandNetball pic.twitter.com/CD11kk0zwE
— British Army Sport (@ArmySportASCB) May 8, 2020
Apart but still united
The Netball Family have been separated over the last seven weeks but the undeniable team spirit has continued to shine through.
From the pass the ball challenge to quizzes to Walking Netball sessions followed by a cuppa and a chinwag, everyone has been staying connected and looking out for one another.
They may be apart at the moment but our #Year9 Netball girls remain united in their love of the game and their strength as a team 🏐👇🏼🌟💪🏽 Check out their brilliant #PassTheBall Challenge 👏🏾 @EnglandNetball #Apartbutstillunited ❤️ #SPANetballFamily 💪🏽#leadersonandoffthecourt 🌟 pic.twitter.com/WXok4SkHz6
— SPA_Greenwich (@SPA_Greenwich) April 28, 2020
CEO Fran Connolly has also met with regional and county volunteers to hear about all the fantastic work currently going on and to talk about continuing to support the Netball Family.
Lovely to meet with volunteers from across the East & West Midlands this evening to talk about supporting the netball family to stay connected, active and to return to courts (when it’s safe to do so!) #StrongerTogether #NetballFamily https://t.co/3OrIr7ZSKZ
— Fran Connolly (@NetballFran) May 6, 2020
The hugs, high fives and handshakes will return but until then, keep talking and stay united.
Staying positive… important message from the Northern team (@🏠) to the netball family and friends ♥️🏐 #feelgoodfriday #StayHomeSaveLifes #StaySafe #north @EnglandNetball pic.twitter.com/BzoJmEuZv9
— Caer Harrison (@caerh) May 8, 2020
Make sure to return next week to see a comprehensive round-up of the most exciting netball content from the last week!
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