What is netball?
Netball is a ball sport that is played by 2 teams. Both teams have 7 players.
A game of netball is made up of 4 x 15 minute quarters.
Although it is a predominantly female sport, it is becoming increasing popular with male participants. African nations, Australia and New Zealand have male leagues as well as mixed.
THE AIM OF THE GAME
The team with the ball, through running, jumping, throwing and catching, attempts to move the ball into its goal circle from where a goal may be scored, while the opposing team uses defensive movements and strategies to prevent this and to gain possession. The team with the greater number of goals is the winner of the match.
Two umpires monitor the game and will blow their whistle to stop play if a rule has been broken. They will indicate how the game is to continue and which team has possession.
GOAL SHOOTER
A Goal Shooter can move in the attacking third only. Their job is to score the goals so they need to have good accuracy and skills in creating space under or near the post to score.
GOAL ATTACK
The Goal Attack is allowed in both the centre third and the goal third that they are shooting towards, including the shooting circle. A Goal Attack needs to be ready break forward from the goal third line to try and receive the centre pass. The Goal attack is permitted in the middle third, goal third and also the goal circle so they are also able to shoot.
WING ATTACK
The Wing Attack is allowed in both the centre third and the goal third in the direction their team is shooting, however they are not allowed in the shooting circle and therefore are unable to shoot. As Wing Attack the main role is to be the key player in getting the ball to the Goal Shooter and Goal Attack. The aim is to move the ball through the centre third, and into the hands of the shooters.
Centre
A Centre is allowed in all three thirds of the netball court except for the shooting circles at either end of the court. The Centre starts the game, and again from any restart. They must have one foot in the centre circle when taking the centre pass. The Centre is permitted in all thirds of the court but is not allowed in either of the circles.
WING DEFENCE
Wing Defence is allowed in the centre and defensive thirds, however they are not allowed in the shooting circle. As the name suggests the Wing Defence main role is to defend, trying to stop the ball from reaching the goal circle.
GOAL DEFENCE
A Goal Defence is allowed in both the centre third and their defensive third, including the shooting circle. The main job for the Goal Defence is to try and stop the ball from reaching the opposition Shooter or Goal Attack.
GOAL KEEPER
Goal keepers are only allowed in their defensive goal third, including the shooting circle, in order to defend their goal. They defend the goal from the shooter and look to collect any rebounds.