By Tan Yan Ting Japhanie (26A01E, Captain), Glenda Sam Xin Yun (26S03I, Vice-Captain), Tyra Liew En-Xi (26S03Q, Quartermistress)
Adapted from CCA Previews ’24-’25
Contrary to popular belief, netball is far more than just a girl’s version of basketball. While it’s often dismissed for being a non-contact sport and for having a predominantly female community, there is much more to the game than meets the eye.
Netball requires both physical agility and mental acuity, where each of the 7 players on court are indispensable to converting a centre pass into a goal. All players on court must stay focused as they carry out attacking movements or defensive plays, while taking care not to incur infringements and maintain possession of the ball. There is also heavy emphasis on accurate passing, positioning and timing—all three elements need to come into play for the players in their respective positions on court to execute seamless coordination, and ultimately score.
Our team trains thrice a week during competition season at our school’s Gryphon Netball Courts (6:00pm to 8:00pm on Mondays, 8:00am to 11:00am on Wednesdays and 4:30pm to 6:30pm on Fridays), and twice a week during off-season (Including one Strength & Conditioning session on Fridays at the Gym!).
Court sessions are conducted by our coach, Ms Chng Li Li, during which we focus on developing our skills and finesse on court. We typically begin the session with a thorough warm up, followed by targeted drills to improve certain skills. Then, we end off with court games, where we are given the chance to execute what we have learnt! Weekly strength and conditioning (S&C) sessions with Coach Alvin also help us further develop the necessary strength, agility and endurance to perform in a match and minimise the risk of injury. Forming the backbone of the CCA are our Teachers-in-charge: Ms Cheng Rui Ting, Mrs Magdalen Wong Kum Fai and Ms Nicole Andrea Solis Magno.
So, why Netball? Through our vigorous training sessions, we have shed blood, sweat and tears, and experienced our equal share of ups and downs together as a team. However, as we look back on the past season, we can confidently say that it was all worth it and we leave no regrets! It is only through the most gruelling training sessions that we forge stronger bonds with each other and spur one another on to reach our fullest potentials. At the end of the day, even amidst the stressful academic rigour and our busy school lives, we come together as a team and as a family. To us, Netball is not purely a sport and ‘co-curricular activity’, but also somewhere we can reconnect with our friends and develop ourselves holistically.
With us, you can look forward to many exciting events, such as the National School Games, friendlies and carnivals that will build us up as a team and shape you to become a better player. Pssssst, we are the A’Division NSG champions this year!
Additionally, look out for overseas training trips where you get the chance to spar against and learn from different opponents and playing styles. This year, our team travelled to Hong Kong where we got to play against local clubs and schools, even going up against national team players of Hong Kong! Not only did we get to improve on our skills and team chemistry, we also had a lot of fun bonding with each other and trying out local delicacies together.
If you have prior/present competitive experience in netball, are willing to put your 101% into the sport, and are determined to improve your skills as a netballer, joining Raffles Netball might just be the right choice for you! We hope to see you on court with us ‘nets’ year!
