Vixens coach Simone McKinnis shocked over abrupt rule changes

The Super Shot will provide goal attacks and goal shooters the opportunity to score two goals by shooting from a 1.9 metre 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.”

Vixens head coach Simone McKinnis has mixed reviews for the sudden introduction of the new rules but won't lose focus ahead of the forthcoming season starter.

“I was shocked…I know it’s something that’s been talked about for a while, but for it to be announced right now, it’s really come a bit out of the blue,” McKinnis said.

“Generally, I’m not a fan of it [these types of rule changes] but if that’s the decision that’s been made then we just get on with it.

“I’m rapt with addition of extra time…that’s really good. I’m not a two-point shot fan, but as I said, we get on with it.

These rule changes are in addition to the introduction of rolling subs for the 2020 season.

"It’s not ideal, but that’s the same with everything this year, it hasn’t been an ideal or a normal season by any means, so we’ve just got to maximise the time we have [to adjust to the changes].

“The good thing is we’ve had a couple of girls who have played under these rules in the bushfire game, so it will be interesting to get feedback from them on how they found it.”

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 2020 season begins 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