By Erin Lim (22S03F), Captain, Sasha Poh (22S03H), Vice-Captain, Caryn Chew (22S07A), Quarter Mistress
Netball. What exactly is it? To some, it may just be a weird spinoff of basketball that seems boring or pointless. However, that could not be further from the truth!
Netball is a ball sport involving 7 players per team. In this high-intensity sport, timing is of essence. The timing of one’s run or pass has to be precise, down to the milliseconds, to execute effective attacks under high-pressure situations. One could even say that the ball moves so fast, there is hardly any time to think. Hence, our instinctive movements on the competition court largely depend on the skill training done prior.
Our current team of 7 trains thrice a week during competition season and twice a week off-season. Court sessions are conducted by Mr Goh Seck Tuck (aka Jiaolian), where we focus on ball and skill work on court. Weekly visits to the school gym with our strength and conditioning (S&C) coach, Coach Nithiya (aka Coachie) help us develop the necessary strength, agility and endurance to perform on court. Our CCA is immensely blessed to have dedicated coaches that push us to become not only better players, but also better individuals.
The current pandemic has led to a more fluid situation with regard to our training and competitions. This year, we were unable to participate in our usual netball carnivals and A-Division NSG, and the outlook for next year remains uncertain. However, we assure you that you will have a fulfilling experience in netball nonetheless. When group sizes were limited to 8 people, we held our own internal league (aka the Dim Sum Derby) playing 3v3 street netball. During heightened alert phases, we had online S&C sessions, netball umpiring recap sessions, and our own online game sessions.
For all of us, Raffles Netball is much more than just a CCA—it is a second family where we share tears and joy, celebrate small breakthroughs, and strive to improve together. Beyond training, we can often be seen learning (or rather, attempting to learn) dance moves from Mr Chan, having team dinners, or just having fun together. We also try to pick up skills beyond Netball such as handstands, or just cool ball and body tricks. Being part of Raffles Netball is undoubtedly a highlight of our JC life and the bonds we’ve forged don’t just end after our 2 years in RI.
Regardless of whether you have a background in netball, we help each other to improve and achieve. If you are someone who wants to work with a team of equally passionate individuals, has the commitment and will to improve, and shares our love of chocolate milk, then we would love to have you join us!
