A player with or without the ball cannot move into an area of the court that is not designated for their position. This will result in a free pass being awarded to the opposing team.
So. Netball. There have been many ‘offside’ moments in my life and comparing them to netball somehow seems to help me make sense of it all. Currently being on holiday has reminded me once again of times when I have stood out from the crowd. Glances at the airport at the age of three – “Why the heck is that kid in a buggy?” (Long legs dangling and scraping along the floor – even I was confused at my inability to lose this mode of transport.)
So moving on a few years, I have definitely been pulled up for being offside a few times (not as much as obstruction, granted) but enough to know what it feels like to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. My development as a player has been encouraged, nurtured and directed (literally towards my goal.) I’ve certainly been in the right place at the right time during certain occasions. For example, being selected for Wasps U19 team at the age of 15, not a ‘free pass’ by any means. This was a huge achievement which I am truly proud of. I also became Games Prefect at my school recently – after an epically long application letter and gruelling interview (I thought I was applying to be the next Prime Minister!)
My recent very special memory is now firmly in place. No offside here. Strictly onside. Stepping on court at the NPL tournament this summer with Loughborough Lightning was such a joyous moment. One I will never forget.
So. Netball. These ‘onside’ moments have been great. But what if you’re not always in the right place at the right time? Or you are in the right place but the time was never going to be right? Picture the scene… about to meet Olly Murs (Mr God at the time in my eyes) only to realise this romance was never going to happen as I handed DOWN my book for him to sign! Yep. He was short, but once again my ostrich like limbs did me no favours in the romance department. My thirteen year old self was gutted. However, I told him if he ever needed to look up to somebody (or get something from a very high shelf,) just to let me know.
Really enjoying this holiday. The relaxing sounds of the waves on the beach, the scorching hot sun. Right place, right time. CLAP – no not the sound of a cheering home crowd, but the roaring thunder and bolt of lighting whilst in the sea. (I knew it was coming. I saw the dark sky above me, but who hasn’t made the mistake of falling into the ‘wrong position’ and not their designated area on court!) Sometimes you just go with it, hoping not to be seen. Sadly this was not the case. This made me scupper back to my holiday home, not before being stung by a jellyfish. (Karma?) Well, we can’t always have what we want. Some things are sent to try us, whether it be lightning or jellyfish, we learn the hard way. That’s what life is all about. Somehow shooting hoops in the pool seems not only the safer option but back onside to what I do best.
