Jaguars Trial Information 2026:

Jaguars Grading Trial Information:

The first part of the trial consists of individual assessment of netball skills, knowledge and positional understanding on court. The second component of the trial involves the initial formulation of potential teams and combinations. 

Through the registration process, Jaguars request information from the player regarding preferred playing positions and playing history. This information is used to assign playing positions for grading trial games. 

When players are graded, individual player skill set and netball knowledge is assessed, however, graders must similarly ensure teams are appropriately positionally balanced. 

The Grading Committee uses the following criteria to assess each individual player during the trials. The level of proficiency in these skills is adjusted relative to the age of the player. 

-       Ball Skills:

-    Good basic ball handling skills under pressure

-    Good pass selection under pressure

-    Execution, accuracy and placement of the ball 

-    Catching ability (two-hands, one-hand)

-       Individual Movement Skills: 

-    Good footwork and change of direction 

-    Acceleration and deceleration (change of pace)

-    High work rate and timing

-    Balance and control with and without the ball

-    Speed, agility, endurance and elevation 

-       Positional Understanding:

-    Strong and consistent knowledge and understanding of their positional requirements

-    Timing 

-    Vision

-    Understanding of defensive structures (one-on-one, zone style, rebounding position, defensive positioning through court, reading play) 

-    Understanding of attacking structures (preliminary movements, outside foot landing, use of outside/inside pivots, vision through court, fakes/baulks, connections with other attacking players, creative use of space)

-    Accuracy of shot (shooting positions only) 

-    Understanding of circle movement and appropriate circle rotations (shooting positions only)

-       Court Awareness and Strategy:

-    Effective use of space

-    Timing and vision

-    Ability to read play and make appropriate decisions

-    Recognises and adapts to attacking/defensive strategy changes by opposition

-       Character: 

-    Commitment and reliability 

-    Consistency of performance 

-    Competitiveness and intensity 

-    Resilience 

-    Accountability for their position on court

-    Social and teamwork skills

-    Focus and concentration 

Attendance at all Winter grading and trials is mandatory for all players turning 10 years and older. 

Absent:

If a player is absent from grading, the Grading Committee will use information and feedback received from previous coaches, and the player will be subsequently paper-graded into a team based on this feedback. 

Grading Feedback:

If players would like to request feedback on their final team placement, this request must be completed within 2 days of team announcements. This request must be in writing, and emailed to the Northside Jaguars Club President & Club coaching convenor president@northsidejaguars.com and coaching@northsidejaguars.com

New to Netball: