Up and In Netball Shooting eBook

Victoria Smith started playing netball in the Gold Coast, Australia and furthered her netball career by jumping the ditch and representing teams in New Zealand in 2005. She's a gutsy and determined goal-defender and reveals her tips on becoming an international netballer in this interview exclusive to the 'Up and In' website

"Do that extra shuttle, put up those extra shots or throw that ball against the wall in your down time. It’s the extra effort that can set you apart from other players at your level"

Victoria Smith - Player Profile

Position: GD, GK.
Netball career highlights:
Central Pulse (NZ) 2011
Canterbury Tactix (NZ) 2008 - 2010
Capital Shakers (NZ) 2005 - 2007
Queensland Firebirds 2003 - 2005
Australian 19 & Under Team: 2002 - 2003

Up and In: Why did you decide to play down the defence end?
Victoria: The only reason my coach put me in the shooting circle was because I was the tallest. When I trialled for my first Under 13 Rep team I was put in the defensive end, where I have played ever since (I think the selectors realised that I couldn’t really shoot, although I was very good at rebounding!). .

Up and In: What do you think, personally, has been the biggest factor in you playing at a national level?
Victoria: The biggest factor in playing at a national level is my determination and competitiveness. Growing up I may not have always been the most naturally skilful (I think I took a bit longer then some of my team mates to develop), but I was the most determined and wanted it more than the others. So I worked hard to make it happen. I feel that that determination gives me an edge when I play in the Trans-Tasman competition. .

Up and In: What's the best advice you could give to any up and coming netballer?
Victoria: Enjoy what you do and remember what you put in, is what you’ll get out of the game. Do that extra shuttle, put up those extra shots or throw that ball against the wall in your down time. It’s the extra effort that can set you apart from other players at your level.

Up and In: Shooters: You face them week in and week out... what strengths do you find difficult in shooters?
Victoria: Shooters who shoot 100%! Also shooters who have a good combination and great timing with their mid-courters, it is then up to the defence to upset the rhythm.

Up and In: Are there any weaknesses you like to exploit in a shooter's game?
Victoria: Whenever I go out on court I use the first 5 minutes to assess my opponent – whether she is a holding shooter, a moving shooter, how long she takes to release the ball on her shot, whether she shoots left or right hand etc. I then adapt my game to combat her style. It is a good tip to do whatever position you play on the court – that way you can get the better of your partner.

Up and In: Who are tougher: Shooters or defenders?
Victoria: Definitely defenders!! There is always a bit of camaraderie between the shooters and defenders, with defenders often referring to shooters at the Princesses of the team! Although at the end of the day the pressure rests on the shooters shoulders, as we won’t win if we don’t get the goals in. So the middies and defenders jobs are to keep the shooters happy!

Up and In: Who did you look up to when you were a junior player?
Victoria: I always looked up to Liz Ellis – I loved the way she played and how smart she was at assessing her opponents. She was never the tallest player in the circle, but she would always work out a way to get the better of her opponent.

Up and In: How do you prepare for a big match?
Victoria: I like to do some analysis on my opponents earlier in the week, so that I have already figured out what they like and don’t like and I can work out ways to combat them. On match day I like to have a sleep in, then do a run light run through at the courts to get the butterflies out. My afternoon is pretty chilled with a good meal and time to myself to focus!

For more shooting tips, check out the Up and In Netball Shooting eBook.