Super Netball 2021: Lisa Alexander on the latest rule changes

There’s several new rules in the Super Netball – some good, some bad – but one in particular needs to go, writes Lisa Alexander.

Former Diamons coach Lisa Alexander explains what she does and doesn’t like ahead of the new Super Netball season. Picture: Eugene Hyland

With some new rule changes, a swath of young stars and some fascinating storylines, we’re set for a brilliant season ahead.

I’m most looking forward to seeing how the younger brigade perform in their second years on the court – the likes of Georgie Horjus and Tippah Dwan who burst through last season.

I want to see what Tara Hinchliffe and Kim Jenner can produce in tandem for the Firebirds, and what Simone McKinnis can do with a talented group of youngsters at the Vixens.

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People forget that Simone has done this before, and if anyone can deliver on a rebuild with some great Victorian talent, like Allie Smith and Tayla Honey, it’s her.

I’m particularly interested in seeing how the eight coaches adapt this year, with new rule changes to go on top of some that were introduced last season – but with another year under their belts to develop tactics to make the most of them.

ALEXANDER ON: ROLLING SUBS

Last year I really liked the introduction of the rolling subs rule. It allowed the use of the bench to be much more strategic, and was used very well by certain teams at different times.

In fact, I’d like to see it brought into the international game – and if you ask any international umpire they’ll say that as well.

We all think that the fake injury time and the injury changeover for a sore finger or whatever is ridiculous. Bringing that rolling subs rule from Super Netball to the international game is a definite for mine and hopefully it’s something that will come into World Cups and Comm Games sooner rather than later.

Those rolling subs are needed when you’ve got 10 on your roster, and three on your bench, because you really want to press your advantages. I think you’ll see coaches using it even in the last five minutes.

This year will have a lot more strategy around it. Teams have had a lot more time and preparation for it this season, so I think they’ll hit the ground running with their performances. They’ve had that practice match schedule and also had basically a normal pre-season.

There’ll be lots of rotations, lots of coach interjection into the game and seeing the youngsters out there and taking the sport to the next level is exciting.

ALEXANDER ON: THE SUNCORP SUPER SHOT

One rule I could do without is the Super Shot – I’ve never been a fan of it because it just changes the flow of the game.

You get a certain flow in netball, and then all of a sudden that five minutes come up and you get more of that basketball style, which if you’re a basketballer you might like it, but part of the beauty of netball is its difference to basketball.

It is a different rule to what is going on in the community and what happens internationally. I know there are examples around the world of that happening.

Super Shot explainer for online

Obviously English soccer has different rules to what happens internationally, but not in the essence of scoring – that’s why I’ve always been someone who has argued against it.

I think you can have really tight games and close games without the two-point shot.

I don’t think it added to any of the games and if you look at the grand final, it really didn’t make a difference. I think fans would be annoyed if teams make their way up based on the two-point shot.

The Giants were big adopters of the two-pointer last year, while the Lightning – with Steph Wood and Cara Koenen – have some exceptional deep shooting options to take advantage of it.

Again, I do think there will be more strategy involved around the two-point shots this year, especially defensively.

The first few weeks they’ll have a go at a few things, but after that coaches and players will work on ways of counteracting the two-point shot and I hope the defenders win so that they get rid of it!

ALEXANDER ON: EXTRA TIME

Netball has always had play until a result and so I think in normal round games, draws are fine, and then finals they change.

It just adds to the atmosphere and the excitement of the game that the two extra five minutes can happen.

It’s like another game at the end of the game, and coaches are going to have to be prepared for that. It’s going to advantage the two-point shot, therefore strategy will be around making the most of that, putting the score on the board with those two-point shots is going to be critical.

Whether that makes it more exciting, I don’t know. We’ll just have to wait and see whether people enjoy that!

Originally published as Super Netball 2021: Lisa Alexander on the latest rule changes