Classic Clashes

Episode 17: HS Waterkloof vs HS Garsfontein and HS Sasolburg vs HTS Sasolburg

Tara — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:17:00 GMT

This week on FNB Classic Clashes, our first stop is in Pretoria for the clash between HS Waterkloof and HS Garsfontein. Waterkloof appear to be the stronger team on paper but anything can happen in the game. Joey covers this clash which is sure to be EPIC!

After that, we join Maps in Sasolburg for the much anticipated encounter between HS Sasolburg and HTS Sasolburg. Watch out for the awesome HTS Sasolburg warcry, lead by 1st team Coach and Headmaster, Wimpie Lodewyk!

In Momentum Masterclass this week, Gary Gold moves onto Part 3 of his 4 part Scrum Tutorial, where he examines the roles and techniques of the front row and the locks.

Go to the various media galleries on the menu on the left to check out the pics and video downloads!

Next week on Classic Clashes: Be sure to catch Glenwood vs DHS in Durban and Rondebosch vs Bishops in Cape Town!

EP 16: POTCH GIM vs POTCH VOLKIES and BEN VORSTER vs MERENSKY

Tara — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:20:00 GMT

This week on FNB Classic Clashes we go to Potch for a massive encounter between Potch Gim and Potch Volkies, where Jenna also covered a major netball encounter.

Then it's off to Tzaneen to watch Ben Vorster and Merensky lock horns in another huge clash.

Both games offer quality rugby and great moments!

Gary Gold, in Momentum Masterclass, moves onto Part 2 of his Scrum Tutorial, where he shows the front row how to scrum with maximum power and efficiency.

Go to the various media galleries on the menu on the left to check out the pics and video downloads!

July Netball Blog..

Netty — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:09:00 GMT

2010 FIFA World Cup™ - and netball

What have we learned and what does this great event have to do with netball?

Oh you have to be so proudly South African at the moment! Hosting this big event has given us a deep sense of pride and once again united us as a nation. Viva South Africa!

I have so far watched all the games up to 29 June 2010 and more than often found myself comparing netball and soccer (all sport for that matter) reminding me of basics, ball skills, the will to win and playing by the rules.

Netball and soccer similarities

The target of both netball and soccer is to get the ball in the net. The difference is that in soccer you use your feet (unless you are Thierry Henry!) and in netball you use your hands.

Netball and soccer are played with a similar size 5 ball (younger netball players sometimes play with a size 4 ball). Yes, the rules are different, but at the end of the day it’s about the game that is bigger than any individual.

Classic Clashes Episode 14

Tara — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:25:00 GMT

This week on Classic Clashes we take a trip to the Free State where Bloemfontein is assaulted by a massive clash between Hoërskool Sentraal and Hoërskool Jim Fouché and afterwards we travel North to the sleepy town of Klerksdorp that is certainly woken up for an exciting and entertainment-filled game between Hoërskool Wesvalia and Klerksdorp Hoërskool.

In Momentum Masterclass Gary Gold talks us through decision making at the ruck. How do you make the right decision when arriving at the breakdown? Do the attacking players go in and clean, or do they pick up the offload and play on? Watch this episode to find out!

Fancy cars, beauty queens, good food and of course great rugby come with the package in this episode of FNB Classic Clashes!

Classic Clashes Episode 13

Tara — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:12:00 GMT

This week on Classic Clashes we arrive at the banks of the Vaal River where Hoërskool Transvalia take on Hoër Tegniese Skool Vereeniging. We then travel to the Western Cape where Belville-Suid Sekondêre Skool goes up against Kasselsvlei Comprehensive High School in a great battle of the Cape Flats.

In the Momentum Masterclass we take a look at Supplements and Steroids: Dangerous or Necessary?

Gary and Steve give us their opinions and we hear what Specialist Sport Physician Jon Patricios has to say.

Excellent Rugby is guaranteed in this episode, and if you missed it on TV, not to worry! We have it all right here for you..

Classic Clashes Episode 12

ClassicClashes — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:17:00 GMT

This week on Classic Clashes, Episode 12 takes us to the Eastern Cape where Itembilihle Comprehensive School take on Ndzondolelo High School in a game that really shows our rural players' metal, and later on we move up to the Northern Cape where Hoërskool Upington go head to head with Hoërskool Duineveld.. this match might just be hotter than the climate! In the Momentum Masterclass, Gary Gold shows us how to counterattack from turnover ball. Gary and Steve have created some drills to show how a turned over ball could give the attacking team an advantage to score some points

Classic Clashes Episode 7

Tara — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:16:00 GMT

This week on Classic Clashes we have a momentus game between Pretoria Boys' High and Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) where over a hundred matches have been played between these 2 very old rivals. These games always promise to show quality rugby and support and regardless of who wins, everyone always has a fantastic time!

On Momentum Masterclass Gary Gold takes us through Part 1 of his drills on how to unlock the oppositions defences and he explains what exactly overs and unders lines are, and how one can use them.

Classic Clashes Episode 8

Tara — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:07:00 GMT

This week on Classic Clashes we find ourselves in Grahamstown, the student hub of the Eastern Cape, where St Andrew's College go up against Graeme College in a massive encounter, and afterwards we take a trip to Brits where Hoërskool Brits take on Hoërskool Rustenburg and motorbikes and fancy shows are all the norm!

In Momentum Masterclass Gary Gold picks up on Part 2 of an explanation on how to penetrate and unlock the positions defences.

Don't forget bloopers and other fun-filled content from the episodes are also available on this site so if you just want a laugh.. you're still in the right place!

Classic Clashes Episode 10

Tara — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:59:00 GMT

This week on Classic Clashes we travel to Southern Gauteng for a big Afrikaans testosterone-filled Clash between Hoërskool Vereeniging and Hoërskool Dr Malan, and then we take a look at the game between Hoër Tegniese Skool Drostdy vs Worcester Gimnasium in the funky town of Worcester.

Gary Gold takes us through the Flyhalf and his decision making skills in Momentum Masterclass, and he and Steve show us some drills that all high school coaches can use when teaching their teams important decision making skills.

If you missed this episode on the big colourful box don't despair! We have all the exciting content right here!

Classic Clashes Episode 11...

ClassicClashes — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 07:40:00 GMT

This week on Classic Clashes, Episode 11 takes a look at the awesome games played between Hoër Tegniese Skool Potchefstroom and Potchefstroom Boys' High in the quirky little town of...yes, you guessed it.....Potchefstroom. We then take a trip further down to the Western Cape where Hoërskool Piketberg and Schoonspruit Sêkonder come head to head for the biggest challenge of their sporting calender.

The Momentum Masterclass sees Gary Gold taking the boys through a defensive play drill. He shows us what to do when you're down on numbers defensively in a three vs four situation, i.e. four attackers and three defenders, and how you can use this to your advantage. Do you go for the ball carrier or the man on the outside? Watch this episode to find out!

(Please visit the site to view this media)

May Netball Blog...

Netty — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 07:13:00 GMT

Let the games begin! Our FNB Netball Classic Clashes kicked off in Queenstown on 17 April 2010 with Kingsridge High School (KHS) vs. Girls High School (GHS). Congratulations to both teams for a great display of netball. Final score: KHS (32) vs. GHS (9). We got to hear about Sanelise (Sasa) Mgijima an eighth grader playing in Kingsridge first netball team and we asked coach Debbie Herbst to tell us more about this amazing fourteen year old netball player:

Position:

Sasa was first spotted by Reg Sharp (SA Umpire and Coach) at a Knysna Netball Festival when she played WD (wing defence) for the Kingsridge u/13 netball team. However, later in the year she was moved to C (centre) as she was needed more in this position. Earlier this year, Sasa successfully tried out for the 1^st netball team. She is playing WA (wing attack) and WD (wing defence). Next year coach Debbie Herbst is hoping to move Sasa back into the centre position. Sasa plays in all KHS 1^st team netball matches. She also recently accompanied the team to Stellenbosch where she took part in the All Girls Festival 2010.

Why Sasa loves playing netball:

Sasa is an extremely gifted netball player. Her ball skills are exceptional and she reads a game very well. Mostly, Sasa loves playing netball for the enjoyment of the game. When you watch Sasa play, the expression on her face shows her ‘love of the game’ !

Hobbies:

Sasa enjoys all sports but when she is at home she enjoys listening to music and reading.

You go Sasa, congratulations from all of us at FNB Netball Classic Clashes!

Netball in the news

Malawi netball team missing in action:

Sadly the Malawi national netball team failed to arrive in South Africa for a three test series against our Proteas. The Proteas netball team was hoping to use the series to improve their world ranking and qualify for the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India later this year. This was a huge disappointment for the team, but the game goes on.

We wish our Proteas well as they now focus on preparing for their trip to New Zealand, where they will play some of the top league teams, and then move on to Samoa for a two-Test series as they continue the Road to London 2012.

Under 19 SA trials:

The Under 19 SA netball trials took place on 2 May 2010 at St Mary’s in Pretoria and we will share with you the final selection in our next blog. In the mean time you can visit netball-sa.co.za to see what’s happening in the world of netball.

Coaching tips:

One hand catching

Ball handling skills are a must! The more things (tricks) that you can do with the ball the better you will be able to catch a difficult pass. A good drill is to learn to catch one handed. You can reach much higher using one hand to intercept or catch a high ball. You need to get underneath the ball, reaching off one leg; your catching hand turned in towards your face, arm slightly bent. This catching movement is more like hooking the ball towards you. Once you have control of the ball, you need to place your non-catching hand on the ball to ensure that you can control a good pass.

Shooting tips

You will come across many different approaches or variations of netball shooting and you will more than likely use the technique that works for you. The shooting tips below are good basics for you to apply and think about before each shot:

Always have a good view of the ring, making sure that your feet are shoulder width apart so that you are well balanced. Try to make yourself as tall as the post! With your fingers spread wide open, the ball should rest on your finger tips, with your other hand supporting the ball. Remember that the power of the shot will come from your feet, so your knees need to be bent as the energy flows from your feet to your hand. Now, as you prepare to release the ball you need to drop the ball behind your head, aiming at the back of the ring. The ball must be released at the same time as you straighten your legs. And now for the final important action, add spin by flicking your wrist. It’s like waving goodbye to the ball. Always follow up your shot for the rebound. And it is here, going for the rebound, that one hand catching will help you out jump your opponent, securing the ball and having a second shot at goal.

FNB Netball Classic Clashes have three iPods to give away, so keep watching this space for the competition details.

Until next time

Pass it on

Netty

PS: A reminder that the following games will be televised, so don’t miss them:

Vereeniging vs Dr Malan	Vereeniging	8 May
Upington vs Duineveld	Upington	8 May
HTS Middelburg vs HS Middelburg	Middelburg	15 May
Sentraal vs Jim Fouche	Bloemfontein	15 May
Potch Volkies vs Potch Gimmies	Potch	22 May – netball on Friday, 21 May
Voortrekker vs Witteberg	Bethlehem	17 Jul
Diamantveld vs Noordkaap	Kimberly	1 August

Spotlight on Sasa Mgijima

June Netball Blog..

Netty — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:55:00 GMT

Our FNB Netball Classic Clashes are well underway and looking at the results we have had some really close Clashes, Viva FNB and viva netball!

I decided to take a drive to Piketberg on 15 May to watch Piketberg vs Schoonspruit. After taking the wrong road, I ended up driving around forty kilometers through huge potholes and heavy mud; I finally arrived in the beautiful town of Piketberg. It was a wonderful FNB Classic Clashes day and the trip was well worth it in the end. It was a close encounter for the first two quarters, but in the end Piketberg won 34 vs Schoonspruit 12. I spotted loads of talent in both teams and congratulate players, teachers, coaches and organisers on the wonderful spirit in which the game was played. I was also touched by both netball captains’ messages in the programme, promoting friendships between the two schools vs winning at all cost.

I have received so many wonderful profiles of teams and individual players and will share some of these as we go along. Thank you to coaches and teachers for forwarding the profiles.

Tall Talk at Sentraal Bloemfontein

Have a look at this champion team’s heights, together they make up almost half the length of a netball court!

Kifiloe Tsotetsi (GS) @ 2,01m (FS u/17)

Bianca Prinsloo (GA) @ 1,81m (FS u/17)

Elsje Oosthuizen (WA) @ 1,78m

Bernadette Visser (C) @ 1,89m (FS u/17)

Sheherezide Duimpies (WD) @ 1,79m (SA u/17)

Charissa du Plessis (GD) @ 1,90m (FS u/17)

Jana Stofberg (GK) @ 1,97m

Coach: Poedels du Plessis. I wonder how tall coach is??

How does one play against tall players?

Coaching tip – playing against tall players

Though height is a distinct advantage, smaller players can still contain taller players!

Generally speaking smaller players are quicker and faster than tall players, so you need to outrun, out jump and outsmart them.

Firstly, don’t let them get the ball!

Out jumping a taller player is your best bet and here are some jumping drills which will help you:

Tuck jumps-stand in one place, jump, and tuck your legs. Get them as close to your chest as possible.
Squat jumps- make sure that you don’t squat all the way down as this is hard on your knees, so just squat a little, and then jump up as high as you can.
Jump kicks - take a few steps then jump off your right foot as high as you can. At the peak of your jump kick your left foot down and repeat with the opposite foot.

You need to do at least 30 jumps each of these drills and remember that skipping is always a great exercise to improve your jumping ability.

Don’t forget to use the bounce pass when you are facing a tall opponent. Generally speaking, tall players do not like bending down to retrieve a ball.

Spotlight on

Danelle Willemse and Marike Vermaak

I would like to share with you the following amazing netball profiles received from HTS Middelburg:

Danelle Willemse (GS)

Danelle has over a seven year period participated in SA Schools Athletics and has won three gold, four silver and three bronze medals. She has represented SA Schools Athletics and has won many accolades as Female Athlete and Athlete at many of these meets. Danelle received provincial colours for hockey as a u/12 and u/13 player as well as SA colours for karate as a u/11!

And now for her netball achievements! Danelle has represented her provincial team since u/12 and was chosen as best netball player in the country during 2006. She received SA Schools colours in 2009. You name it, from cultural to academic achievements, Danelle shines.

I asked her why netball and this is what she had to say:

‘I use the talent that I have been blessed with, I do what I love and I make new friends through playing netball.’

What life skills have you learnt from netball?

‘Netball has taught me perseverance, determination, tolerance, self confidence and humility.’

Marike Vermaak (GK)

As Danelle, Marike also excels in other sport and boasts gold medals in 800m and 1500m events at Mpumalanga Championships as well as SA u/17 team representation at the Cossasa meeting in Botswana. Here Marike won gold in the 4x400m relay and bronze in the 800m events.

Marike also excels at cross country and represents the Mpumalanga cross country team every year and was voted Mpumalanga Champion during 2008 and 2009. She is also an active member of the Bronkhorstspruit Athletics Club.

Marike’s netball achievements started as a u/14 team member and they have been Mpumalanga champions on many occasions. She was also selected to participate in an international tournament in Singapore

Besides all these sporting achievements Marike maintains an 80% academic average and participates in other cultural activities. What an achievement!

I also asked her why netball and this is what she had to say:

‘I have a particular love for netball, not only because I am blessed with talent, but because I can prove myself on the court and besides it helps me to grow and develop as a person.’

What life skills have you learnt from netball?

‘Always remain humble, even if you are the best. Work as a team because two is better than one. I have also learned through the years to trust my team mates.’

Enjoy the World Cup Soccer in the beloved country and go Bafana!

Until next time

Pass it on

Netty

A reminder that the following games will be televised, so don’t miss it:

Voortrekker vs Witteberg Bethlehem 17 Jul

Diamantveld vs Noordkaap Kimberly 1August

April Netball Blog..

Netty — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:53:00 GMT

I came across a netball player who started her playing career round about your age and I would like to share with you her netball story.

‘If I could name one person who added incredible value to my life it would be Lynette Ferreira, a netball legend, who dedicated her life to the game and to her ‘netball children’.

I can quite confidently say that any netball player in South Africa who had the great privilege of having been coached by Lynette Ferreira would agree that she is the best netball coach ever. She also taught us life skills, mostly we admired her as a person who lives by the following values: live, love, laugh.

Growing up in the seventies we didn’t have the luxury of Nike or Adidas sport shoes and most of us played in Bata shoes (known as takkies). Lynette would arrive at practice in her blue Tiger shoes and how we dreamed of one day playing in a pair of Tigers, like Lynette. Eventually we did!

It took me many years to realise that it was actually not about the Tigers, it was about this wonderful person. We so wanted to be like her.’

I decided to call this amazing woman and asked her to share some of her netball wisdom; this is what she had to say:

‘I do believe that the success of any team sport is about compassion and care for fellow players. It’s about making somebody else look good for the sake of the team.

Lynette’s coaching tips:

‘Once an opponent is in possession of the ball, you need to lose your identity i.e. a shooter now becomes a defender and all seven players need to defend.

We must be willing to share our strengths and weaknesses with each other. Let the team know if you battle to catch a high or hard ball. We need to protect each other’s strengths and weaknesses.’

I do wish that every player out there could find a Lynette Ferreira to not only lift your game, but to ‘raise you up, to more than you can be’.

Here’s to all teachers and coaches who so passionately drive the great game of netball and who add value to so many young women’s lives!

Pass it on

Netty

As we eagerly await the FNB Netball Classic Clashes, a reminder that the following games will be televised, so don’t miss it:

Vereeniging vs Dr Malan Vereeniging 8 May

Upington vs Duineveld                                   Upington                             8 May
HTS Middelburg vs HS Middelburg                Middelburg                         15 May
Sentraal vs Jim Fouche                                  Bloemfontein                      15 May
Potch Volkies vs Potch Gimmies                   Potch                                  22 May – netball is played on Friday, 21 May

Voortrekker vs Witteberg Bethlehem 17 Jul

Diamantveld vs Noordkaap Kimberly 1August

March Netball Blog..

Netty — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:51:00 GMT

I am Netty, the netball fanatic. I love this game and hope to pass that on to you via this blog.

If you are anything like me, right now you must be going ‘yah, it’s netball season, more so, it’s FNB Netball Classic Clashes time.’ So, kick off those Pradas, on with your netball shoes and pink shoelaces and let’s play the great game of netball. Here are some netball topics to get you going.

Why netball?

Besides the fact that netball is considered South Africa’s second most popular sport, it is such fun and will teach you life skills that will help you throughout your life. Netball will teach you teamwork, communication, resilience, creativity and much more. These are all components that we need to excel in our school, university and work lives. Besides, you will form friendships that will last forever.

Pre-season fitness training

By now you should be well into your pre-season fitness training which I will not go into great detail as your teachers or coaches are on top of the game here. Whatever you do, make sure that your training plan includes a great deal of ball handling. It would be pointless to run like crazy, and not being able to handle the ball!

Here are components which should form part of your training plan, you fill in the gaps:

Aerobic fitness, flexibility, strength and power, speed, agility, footwork, reaction drills

A good website to visit is www.netballsmart.co.nz.

Play by the rules

Firstly know the rules of netball, a player who knows her rules will become a great player because when the whistle goes, you will know what to do in an instant. I suggest that you ask your coach to take a turn at umpiring during your practice sessions and also write a quick exam or test on the rules.

We don’t cheat! Sure, we play to win, but always within the rules and with great humility. Also remember that not only your reputation but that of your school’s is at stake.

What’s with the pink shoelaces?

You would have noticed the pink short campaign in the FNB Varsity Cup competition where the man of the match wears a pair of pink shorts to support cancer awareness. We will be supporting this initiative through wearing pink shoelaces. So, we are calling on netball players to get behind South Africans living with cancer.

Fixtures for 2010

Duineveld vs Hoërskool Upington	Upington	Duineveld 37 - Upington 15
23 May	Zwartkop vs Eldoraigne	Pretoria	Eldoraigne 22 - Zwartkop 23
23 May	Schoonspruit vs Piketberg	Malmesbury
23 May	Klerksdorp vs Wesvalia	Klerksdorp
23 May	Nico Malan vs Framesby	Humansdorp
30 May	Potch Gimmies vs Potch Volkies	Potchefstroom	Potch Volkies 22 - Potch Gimmies 25
30 May	HTS Middelburg vs Middelburg	Middelburg	HS Middelburg 33 - HTS Middelburg 10
6 June	Hoërskool Marais Viljoen vs Hoërskool Monument	Krugersdorp
6 June	Ben Vorster vs Merensky	Tzaneen
6 June	Witteberg vs Voortrekker	Bethlehem
6 June	Dr Malan vs HS Vereeniging	Meyerton
25 July	Hangklip vs Aliwal North	Queenstown
25 July	Rooies vs Bloues	Kroonstad
1 August	George High vs Pacaltsdorp	George
1 August	Goudveld Hoërskool vs Welkom Gymnasium	Welkom
1 August	Marlow vs Oakdale	Cradock
8 August	Outeniqua vs Oudtshoorn	George
15 August	Langenhoven Gim vs Punt Hoërskool	Oudtshoorn
15 August	Noordkaap vs Diamantveld	Kimberly

Netball excellence

April holidays are coming up and you may want to check with your coaches and parents (they are the ones who usually have to foot the bill!) to join in a netball coaching camp in your area.

Click here to check out netball excellence coaching by some of South Africa’s leading netball coaches, www.netball-excellence.co.za.

In our next blog we will focus on certain aspects of the game, giving you netball tips and helping you become the best netball player that you can possibly be. Until then, play hard and have fun at both netball and your school work.

Pass it on!

Netty

Netty's Netball blog - May 2010

Classic Clashes Administrator — Mon, 03 May 2010 11:51:00 GMT

Spotlight on Sasa Mgijima

Position:

Why Sasa loves playing netball:

Hobbies:

Sasa enjoys all sports but when she is at home she enjoys listening to music and reading.

You go Sasa, congratulations from all of us at FNB Netball Classic Clashes!

Netball in the news

Malawi netball team missing in action:

Under 19 SA trials:

Coaching tips:

One hand catching

Shooting tips

FNB Netball Classic Clashes have three iPods to give away, so keep watching this space for the competition details.

Until next time

Pass it on

Netty

PS: A reminder that the following games will be televised, so don’t miss them:

Vereeniging vs Dr Malan	Vereeniging	8 May
Upington vs Duineveld	Upington	8 May
HTS Middelburg vs HS Middelburg	Middelburg	15 May
Sentraal vs Jim Fouche	Bloemfontein	15 May
Potch Volkies vs Potch Gimmies	Potch	22 May – netball on Friday, 21 May
Voortrekker vs Witteberg	Bethlehem	17 Jul
Diamantveld vs Noordkaap	Kimberly	1 August