ABOUT
THE GAME
Netball is a dynamic ball game with two teams, each consisting of seven players. The rules are published by World Netball.
- The aim of the game is to pass the ball down the court to score in the other team’s goal post.
- Games are usually 60 minutes consisting of four 15 minutes quarters.
- Players cannot move with the ball and must not take more than one step before passing it.
- Players must pass the ball within 3 seconds of receiving it.
- When a goal is scored or at the start of play (including after quarter time), play restarts with alternating centre passes.
For more detailed rules please visit World Netball. For a brief overview of the sport see Netball Explained, and for a lots more information please check out the World Netball site more generally for news, competitions and events.
For matches and rule updates check out the World Netball YouTube page.
Skills and drills to practice at home to follow so watch this space!
Games are played on a rectangular court that is divided into thirds, with two goal thirds, each with a goal circle and post, and one centre third where play starts, like this:
Players are assigned positions that restrict where on the court they can go, these positions are:
Goal Shooter (GS), Goal Attack (GA), Wing Attack (WA), Centre (C), Goal Keeper (GK), Goal Defense (GD) and Wing Defense (WD).
About the Positions
Goal Shooter
Abbreviation: GS
Allowed: Goal Circle, Attacking Third
Not Allowed: Defending and Centre Thirds
Goal Attack
Abbreviation: GA
Allowed: Goal Circle, Attacking and Centre Thirds
Not Allowed: Defending Third
Wing Attack
Abbreviation: WA
Allowed: Attacking and Centre Thirds
Not Allowed: Goal Circle and Defending Third
Centre
Abbreviation: C
Allowed: Attacking, Centre and Defending Thirds
Not Allowed: Goal Circles
Goal Keeper
Abbreviation: GK
Allowed: Goal Circle and Defending Third
Not Allowed: Centre and Attacking Thirds
Goal Defense
Abbreviation: GD
Allowed: Goal Circle, Defending and Centre Thirds
Not Allowed: Attacking Third
Wing Defense
Abbreviation: WD
Allowed: Defending and Centre Thirds
Not Allowed: Goal Circle and Attacking Third
