Marking Meaning in Netball

Marking describes the action of a defender staying close to an opponent to prevent a pass. The goal is to track every movement and limit the space available to the attacker. Effective marking involves staying between the opponent and the ball at all times during play. This constant shadowing makes it difficult for the offensive team to find an open player. A wing defence uses tight marking to stop the wing attack from reaching the circle. High-quality marking requires excellent footwork, speed, and the ability to anticipate the next move. This pressure often forces the attacking team to make risky passes or technical errors. One real-world example shows a defender following an attacker closely across the center third.