What is Netball?
Netball is a team sport similar to basketball, that is played by over 20 million people in more than 80 countries worldwide.
It involves two teams of seven players each, who aim to score goals by shooting a ball through a hoop elevated at each end of a rectangular court.
The rules of the sport and divisions of the court encourage every participant to be involved and it is impossible to be dominated by any one individual. In this way, the core principles of netball encourage fair play, strong teamwork and good strategisation.
It is a non-contact sport and as such is popular for women and men, young and old. The rules of netball can also be easily adjusted to create a game more inclusive for people of different skill levels, ages and abilities.​
Rules & Game Play
Positions​
Goal Shooter (GS)
Focused on scoring goals. Works mainly in the attacking third and goal circle.
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Goal Attack (GA)
Supports shooting and helps feed the ball into the goal circle. Moves through the centre and attacking third.
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Wing Attack (WA)
Responsible for delivering the ball into the goal circle. Works in the centre and attacking third (but cannot enter the goal circle).
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Centre (C)
Covers the most court space and links defence to attack. Can enter every section of the court, except either goal circle.
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Wing Defence (WD)
Marks the opposition’s Wing Attack. Focuses on blocking passes, and slowing the opposition’s movement in the centre and defensive third.
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Goal Defence (GD)
Protects the defensive third and pressures attackers. Works to intercept passes and block shots. Can go into the defensive goal circle.
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Goal Keeper (GK)
The last line of defence. Guards the goal circle, marks the Goal Shooter, and aims to block, intercept, and stop goal attempts.
Rules
Netball rules include passing, not running with the ball, staying within your designated court area (no offside), and holding the ball for no more than three seconds. Players must maintain a 90cm distance from opponents with the ball, and only the goal shooter and goal attack can shoot for a goal.
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1. Team & Court
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Two teams of 7 players each.
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The court is divided into three thirds with specific areas for each position.
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Only certain positions may enter specific thirds (e.g. Goal Shooter stays in attacking third).
2. Scoring
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Only the Goal Shooter (GS) and Goal Attack (GA) may shoot.
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Shots must be taken within the goal circle.
3. Passing & Movement
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Players cannot travel/dribble with the ball.
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Ball must be passed within 3 seconds.
4. Contact
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No physical contact that impedes play.
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Defenders must stand at least 0.9 m away from the player with the ball.
5. Obstruction
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A defender must maintain the 0.9m distance from the attacking player with the ball.
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Arms may be raised but cannot be used to block illegally.
6. Offside
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Players may only enter the areas of the court assigned to their position.
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Stepping into an invalid area results in an offside call.
7. Start & Restart
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Play begins with a centre pass, alternating teams after each goal.
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Centre pass taker must stand with one foot in the circle.
Different Types of Netball
There are many ways that netball can be adapted to suit different skill levels and abilities! Here are two of the most popular types:
Walking Netball
Walking Netball​ was created to be a version of the traditional game that is fully inclusive allowing anyone to participate regardless of their age, fitness level, ability, or previous netball experience. It is a slower version of netball performed at a walking pace.
Walking Netball has a strong emphasis on everyone participating in an enjoyable, safe environment rather than focusing on the competitive aspect.
Fast 5
Fast 5 is a higher intensity, faster paced version of netball. Each team has 5 players on court, instead of 7 and the court has slight modification to the goal circle to make shooting more dynamic.
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It is a very fun, tactical game and is good for smaller groups with a focus on fitness.