Technical performance differences amongst international netball teams at the Commonwealth Games 2022

Abstract

ABSTRACT Team and opposition quality are factors that can influence netball performance. Although these effects are present within domestic netball, there is currently no assessment of these at the international level. The aim of this study was to assess performance differences between teams during all competition stages and matches at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Thirty-six fixtures from all 12 teams were analysed, with performance indicators (PIs) relating to centre passes, turnovers and goal scoring assessed. Teams were split into three groups based on their finishing position in the competition (top 4, middle 4, bottom 4). When assessing team quality differences, significant differences were revealed for all but three PIs between groups (total number of restart and live turnovers and the total number of these combined). The quality of the opponent was also found to affect teams differently, with top-quality teams performing more consistently than lower-quality teams and being able to beat these teams by large winning margins (average of 55 goals and 26 goals versus bottom-quality and middle-quality teams respectively). Therefore, lower-quality teams should focus on implementing clear and effective tactical plans prior to matches, and performance analysis tools should be created for these teams to raise the quality of international netball.