A walking netball group in Barnes is keeping players connected to the sport they loved at school.
The popular ball game is adapted to be safe and accessible to everyone, including older players and those recovering from illness or injury.
Walking netball players cannot run or jump as they can in the traditional running game. But they can take one step with the ball and hold onto it for four seconds before passing, rather than three.
Judi, who played in a running netball league until Covid, said the walking game offered the perfect route back into the game after some time off.
She said: “You have to adapt, but it’s just as enjoyable.
“I did find it hard to remember not to jump or run because that’s been drilled into us for so long, but because we’re doing this every week, it does become a new habit eventually. And I realised my body actually prefers this pace now.
“As well as getting to play the sport that I really love, I’ve found a whole new set of friends.”
The Barnes group meets every Tuesday morning for a few training drills followed by a game.
Players pay per session and have their court fees subsidised by charity u3a.
For more information visit https://rut.u3asite.uk/u3a_groups/walking-netball/
Feature image: Natasha Norris
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