H
elen Housby became a hero and household name after scoring the winning shot at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games final against Australia. That match-winning shot – later voted the Sporting Moment of the Year at the BBC’s SPOTY awards – earned England its fist ever gold medal. Now at 27, with two Suncorp Super Netball league titles to her name, she’s ready to repeat the feat for England on home soil at the 2022 Games.
LASER FOCUS
Last-second winners have become a Housby trademark, something she credits to blocking out external noise and trusting her instincts. “When I was younger, I was just going out there and playing because I enjoyed it,” she says. “That mindset works better for me, rather than doubting my ability or overthinking it.”
Aim for good height and power to arc the ball into the net
TARGET PRACTICE
“Fearless” was the word used by former England Netball U21 head coach Karen Greig when describing a 15-year-old Housby.
“Just like Bambi,” remembers former England head coach, Tracey Neville: “She was all legs and arms but she had one of the best shooting arms in the game,” she added.
Flex and extend your knees and elbows together, and flick your wrist, as you release the ball
FINISHING SCHOOL
That lethal finishing will no doubt be tested to its limits again when England take to the court at Birmingham 2022. “In those big moments you have to rely on your gut,” Helen says. “If it comes down to it again I’ll go back to the basics and just play on instinct because that’s when I’m at my best.” So far, so good for this gifted sharp shooter.
