Netball is a non-contact team sport typically referred to as the “ladies version” of basketball, though don’t be fooled because netball is a fast-paced and skillful game!  Netball is played on a similar size court to basketball, and, like basketball, the aim is to shoot more goals than the opposition team. However, this is where the similarities end!

Some key differences to basketball are:

• Players can take the court at any one time.

• Players have a specific position (marked on bibs), each being restricted
  to a certain area of the court.

• No backboard on the goal hoop, which is smaller

• The ball is smaller and lighter than a basketball

• Players may not run with or dribble the ball

• Players can only hold the ball for 3 seconds before passing

• No bodily contact with any opposing player.  A contact results in a penalty and may result in a turnover.

• Opposition players must be at least 3 feet from the player with the ball.  An obstruction (inside 3 feet) results in a penalty.

• Only 2 of the 7 players may shoot a goal (Goal Attack and Goal Shooter)

• Goals may only be shot from within the semicircle around the posts

• Each goal is worth 1 point

• Play starts with a center pass with players in their starting positions in the diagram below.

• After each goal, play re-starts with a center pass alternating regardless of the team that scored the last goal. The red team is attacking in the direction of the red arrow and the black team is attacking in the direction of the black arrow.

Player positions:                                          

C   - Center

GS – Goal Shooter

GK – Goal Keeper

GA – Goal Attack

GD – Goal Defense

WA – Wing Attack

WD – Wing Defense

Who plays Netball?                                       

Believeit or not, netball actually began here in the United States in 1895 as a version of women’s basketball.  Today, netball is played in over 70 countries by over 7 million people, from as far and wide as Australia & the Pacific, the United Kingdom to Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. It has also grown to be the most popular women’s team sport in the world.  Its growing popularity was reflected by its inclusion in the 2004 as an official Olympic sport in the Athens Summer Olympics games.

The International Netball community is governed by the International Netball Federation (“IFNA”).  Every four years IFNA holds the World Netball Championships, showcasing the netball talent internationally.