GIANTS fans can expect even more action with the introduction of a two-goal ‘Super Shot’ in this year’s Suncorp Super Netball season, commencing on 1 August.
The Super Shot will provide goal attacks and goal shooters the opportunity to score two goals by shooting from a designated zone within the goal circle, and will be active in the final five minutes of each quarter, providing a blend of the traditional game with the new.
Suncorp Super Netball CEO Chris Symington said the Super Shot will add an element of thrill to the matches.
“Our statistical analysis of the first three seasons found that almost 90% of goals scored during Suncorp Super Netball matches were within three metres of the goal post. We know that the long shot is statistically more challenging, but the game has always been predicated on the ability for our shooters to score from anywhere in the circle,” he said.
“We want to encourage this spectacular element of our game and, when combined with the introduction of rolling substitutions this year, we believe the Super Shot will spark new tactics, further showcase the world-class skills of our athletes and add another level of hype and excitement to our matches.
“With the ever-growing competition for the attention of fans, the time is right to introduce an innovation that will make the game even more dynamic and unpredictable.”
Since its inception, Suncorp Super Netball has actively embraced innovation within the game to enhance its entertainment value, such as awarding a bonus point to the winner of each individual quarter. A rule which, last year, took the determination of the top four-placed teams down to the final seconds of the home and away season.
If scores are tied at the end of the match, teams will play five minutes of extra time – another innovation for the 2020 season – and the Super Shot will be active for this entire five minutes.
The Super Shot was seen in action at Netball Australia’s bushfire relief match earlier this year, with all three GIANTS shooters in action.
The 2020 season begins in just six weeks, on Saturday 1 August, with the fixture to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The Super Shot will apply to the Suncorp Super Netball competition only and will not be introduced at any other level of the game.
