Description & Rules

Like basketball, the game is played on a hard court with scoring rings at both ends, and with a ball resembling a basketball (but lighter, smaller and slightly softer in construction). The rings, whilst of similar height and dimension to basketball rings, do not have a "backboard". The field is divided into thirds which regulate where individuals in each team are allowed to move, and two semi-circular "shooting circles" at each end from within which all scoring shots must be taken.

There are seven players on each team, who are given nominated, named positions (and in competitive netball must wear "bibs" showing the abbreviations below indicating that position).

Goal Shooter (GS)

Opponent: Goal Keeper
Area: Attacking goal third including shooting circle

Goal Attack (GA)

Opponent: Goal Defence
Area: Attacking goal third, shooting circle, and centre third

Wing Attack (WA)

Opponent: Wing Defence
Area: Attacking goal third and centre third, not shooting circle

Centre (C)

Opponent: Centre
Area: Everywhere except shooting circles

Wing Defence (WD)

Opponent: Wing Attack
Area: Defensive goal third and centre third, not shooting circle

Goal Defence (GD)

Opponent: Goal Attack
Area: Defensive goal third and centre third, including shooting circle

Goal Keeper (GK)

Opponent: Goal Shooter
Area: Defensive goal third, including shooting circle

By the combination of the above, only the Goal Attack and Goal Shooter are able to score goals directly.

Netball rules do not permit players to take more than one step in possession of the ball. Consequently, the only way to move the ball towards the goal is to throw the ball to a teammate. This, combined with the restrictions on where players can move, ensures that everyone on the team is regularly involved in play. Defence is restricted - not only is contact not permitted, but players must be at least three feet (90 centimetres) away to defend, meaning that hard physical contact is rare.