Netball is a fast, exciting team sport that began as a version of basketball designed for women, but it has developed into its own sport with unique rules and positions.
The game is usually played on a court divided into three sections.
The aim of the game is to score more goals than the other team by throwing the ball through a raised ring.
Unlike basketball, players cannot run with the ball. They can only hold onto it for a short time before passing or shooting.
How to play
Netball is played with two teams of seven players.
Each team must have a:
- Goal Shooter (GS)
- Goal Attack (GA)
- Wing Attack (WA)
- Center (C)
- Wing Defense (WD)
- Goal Defense (GD)
- Goal Keeper (GK)
Make sure all players stand in the correct area of the court.
Before the game begins, the two teams usually toss a coin or use another fair method to decide which team takes the first center pass.The team that wins the toss starts with the ball in the center circle.
The Center (C) from the starting team stands in the center circle with the ball.
At the whistle, the Center passes the ball to a teammate.
The ball must be caught or touched in the center third before moving into the goal thirds.
If the ball is not caught in the center third or goes out of bounds, the other team takes a free pass from where the mistake occurred.
Players have three seconds to pass or shoot after receiving the ball.
They must not run with the ball but can pivot on one foot.
Different types of passes can be used:
- Chest Pass: Accurate for short distances.
- Shoulder Pass: Powerful for long distances.
- Bounce Pass: Useful for avoiding defenders.
If a player holds the ball for more than three seconds, the opposing team is awarded a free pass.
Players must stay within their allowed zones. For example, a Goal Attack cannot move into the defensive third of the court.Good positioning and spacing can help your team receive passes easily.
If a player steps into an area where they are not allowed (offside), the other team gets a free pass.
Only the Goal Shooter (GS) and Goal Attack (GA) can shoot from inside the goal circle.
To score, one of these players throws the ball through the ring.
Each successful shot earns one point.
Defenders (GK, GD, WD) try to block passes or shots without contacting the other player.
They must stand at least 3 feet (0.9 meters) away from the player holding the ball.
When a goal is scored, the opposing team takes the next center pass, and play resumes.
A standard game has four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes. The umpire’s whistle signals the end of each quarter.
The team with the most goals at the end wins.
Variations of Netball
There are different versions of netball that change some rules to make the game faster or more suitable for different groups of players.
Fast5 Netball
Fast5 is a faster version of netball with fewer players and unique rules.
What is the Same:
- Step 2 (Positions and Court Areas): Players still have positions, but there are only five per team (e.g., GS, GA, C, GD, GK). The center pass rule and court zones are similar to standard netball.
- Step 3 (Decide Who Starts First): A coin toss or fair method is still used to decide which team starts.
- Step 4 (Start the Match): The center pass begins the match, and the ball must touch the center third before entering goal thirds.
- Step 6 (Shooting a Goal): GS and GA can shoot, but new scoring rules apply.
What Changes:
- Scoring Zones: Goals are worth 1, 2, or 3 points depending on the shooter’s distance from the ring. GS and GA must decide their positions carefully to maximize points.
- Game Duration: Matches are shorter, often 24 minutes split into four 6-minute quarters.
- No Wing Players: Teams only have five players, so WA and WD positions are removed.
Mixed Netball
Mixed netball is a variation where both men and women play together, making it an inclusive and exciting version of the game.
What is the Same:
- Step 2 (Positions and Court Areas): The same seven positions (GS, GA, WA, C, WD, GD, GK) are used, and players must stay in their designated court zones.
- Step 3 (Decide Who Starts First): A coin toss or fair method still decides which team takes the first center pass.
- Step 4 (Start the Match): The center pass and movement rules remain unchanged. The ball must be caught in the center third before moving into the goal thirds.
- Step 5 (Passing the Ball): Players must pass the ball within three seconds, and pivoting rules stay the same.
What Changes:
- Equal Distribution of Genders: Teams must include both men and women on the court at all times. Rules often require a balance of genders in specific positions, such as attackers, defenders, and center.
- Lineup Rules: Each team must ensure an even distribution of players across all positions to meet mixed-gender requirements during the match.
Indoor Netball
Indoor netball is a variation played on a smaller, enclosed court with netting around the sides, making the game faster and more dynamic.
What is the Same:
- Step 2 (Positions and Court Areas): Teams still have seven positions (GS, GA, WA, C, WD, GD, GK), and players must remain in their allowed zones.
- Step 3 (Decide Who Starts First): A coin toss or fair method still determines which team takes the first center pass.
- Step 4 (Start the Match): The center pass and rules about passing through the center third remain unchanged.
- Step 5 (Passing the Ball): Players must pass within three seconds, and the pivoting rules remain the same.
What Changes:
- Bounce-Off the Nets: The ball can rebound off the nets surrounding the court without going out of play. Players can use the nets strategically to pass, intercept, or redirect the ball.
- Smaller Court: The court is smaller than a standard netball court, making gameplay faster and requiring quick reactions from players.
- Less Out-of-Bounds Play: Since the nets keep the ball in play, interruptions are reduced, resulting in a more continuous game flow.
Summary
| Step | Standard Netball | Fast5 Netball | Mixed Netball | Indoor Netball |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 2: Positions | Seven players with full zones | Five players, fewer positions | Seven players, mixed genders | Seven players, full zones |
| Step 3: Starting | Coin toss for center pass | Same | Same | Same |
| Step 4: Center Pass | Must touch center third | Same | Same | Same |
| Scoring Rules | 1 point per goal | 1, 2, or 3 points based on distance | Same as standard | Same as standard |
| Game Duration | 4 x 15-minute quarters | 4 x 6-minute quarters | Same as standard | Same as standard |
| Unique Features | Standard play | Scoring zones, fewer players | Equal gender distribution | Nets used for passing and rebounds |