What is the Netball Retrospective?
The Netball retrospective uses the language of netball to help your team look back on its work. Netball depends on footwork, positioning and passing, so its terms map neatly onto how a team coordinates. The four columns cover what you achieved, what got in your way, where you overreached and which positions to change. Point celebrates what the team scored. Obstruction (in netball, defending too close to the player with the ball) covers what stood in your way. Stepping, the footwork violation, is about the times you took on too much or lost your balance. Switch positions asks what you could change to play better next time. Each column ties individual effort back to the team's result. It suits teams that respond well to sports analogies, and it's a natural fit for anyone who plays or follows netball. If some people don't know the game, explain the four terms at the start. They're simple, and each column's prompt makes sense on its own.
Netball retrospective format
Point
What did we achieve?
Like a goal in netball, this column celebrates what the team scored. Ask for major wins and the smaller ones that moved things forward, both individual and team achievements.
Obstruction
What got in our way?
In netball, obstruction stops a player moving freely. Use this column to discuss the barriers that held the team back, and look for problems in the system instead of blaming individuals.
Stepping
What made us overreach or lose balance?
Like a stepping violation, this column covers the moments the team took on too much or lost focus. Help people spot patterns of overcommitment or conflicting priorities.
Switch positions
What can we change to improve our performance?
Like a coach changing positions mid-game, focus on practical changes the team can make. Look for ideas that play to people's strengths and deal with the problems raised earlier.
When to use this retrospective
- After a major project or milestone, to review how the team performed and worked together
- When coordination or communication between team members needs work
- For teams that respond well to sports analogies and a bit of competition
- When roles are being reassigned or the team is being restructured
Suggested icebreaker questions
- If our team was a sports team, what would be our signature winning move?
- What position would you play in our team's game, and why?
Want a warm-up your team plays, not just answers out loud? Browse free icebreakers →
Ideas and tips for your retrospective meeting
- Ask people to think about their own performance and the team's
- Explain the netball terms at the start for anyone who doesn't know the sport
- Keep feedback about what happened, not about the person
- Keep the energy up with a game-day feel
- Set a timebox for each column to keep the session moving
- Write action items clearly and give each one an owner
Frequently asked questions
What is a netball retrospective?
How do you run a netball retrospective?
When should a team use the netball retrospective template?
Do you need to know netball to use it?
How long does a netball retrospective take?
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Baby Steps Retrospective
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