What is netball?

Netball is a fast-paced, team-based ball sport played by two teams of seven players. It is popular worldwide, particularly in Commonwealth nations.

The primary objective is to score goals by passing a ball down the court and shooting it through a hoop. Players are assigned specific positions, restricting their movement to designated areas of the court. This emphasizes team work and strategic play.

Key aspects of netball include:

  • Positions: Each position (Goal Shooter, Goal Attack, Wing Attack, Centre, Wing Defence, Goal Defence, Goal Keeper) has specific roles and restricted court areas.
  • Rules: Strict rules govern passing, footwork, and contact, ensuring fair play. For example the footwork rule means once a player receives the ball, the foot they land on first cannot be moved unless dribbling.
  • Court Layout: The court is divided into specific zones restricting where each player can move.
  • Scoring: Only the Goal Shooter and Goal Attack can score from within the shooting circle.
  • Skills: Passing, catching, shooting, and defending are crucial skills for success.