Fiji’s Netball Team Triumphs with Revolutionary Defense Move

The Fiji men’s netball team made headlines last week with their historic victory in the Men’s Netball Nations Series held in Singapore, thanks to a strategic defense tactic known as the ‘hoist.’ This innovative defensive move, which has its roots in the Singapore netball team and gained traction when former Silver Ferns star defender Anna Harrison popularized it more than a decade ago, proved pivotal during the finals.

Fiji faced significant challenges in the match, particularly as Australia surged ahead with an eight-point lead in the first quarter. Recognizing the need for a strong defensive strategy, Fiji’s head coach Jioweli Makare devised a plan to combat Australia’s precise shooting. “Australia is too clinical and very structured,” Makare stated, acknowledging their shooters’ remarkable accuracy. His approach involved training his defenders to execute the hoist maneuver effectively, which allowed them to disrupt Australia’s scoring attempts.

Makare encouraged his players to understand that mistakes are part of the game and emphasized the importance of working together to block shots. This collaboration proved successful, as the Fijian defense improved throughout the game, leading to missed shots from Australia, even from close range.

The hoist, also referred to as a “chair lift” in some regions, is a legal move that allows a defender to lift a teammate for more effective blocking. The defender must be within three feet of the shooter to carry out this technique.

In celebration of their remarkable achievement, the Fiji men’s netball team was honored with a morning tea by their sponsors, FinanceHub, at Vinod Patel in Centrepoint, Suva, highlighting the support and recognition they received for their hard work and dedication.

Overall, Fiji’s triumph not only showcases their resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity but also emphasizes the significance of strategic thinking in sports. This victory may pave the way for greater recognition and support for men’s netball in the region, inspiring future athletes to strive for excellence in the sport.