In this blog, we will be taking a closer look at the sport of netball, covering everything from its history and equipment to the rules of netball and strategies. Netball is a fast-paced and physically demanding sport that requires speed, agility, and teamwork
Netball, the Basics
Netball is played on a rectangular court that is 30 meters long and 15 meters wide. There are two teams of seven players and the objective is to score points by throwing the ball into a goal ring (hoop) that is 3.05 meters high. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
A Brief History of Netball
Netball has its roots in the game of basketball (check out the Rules of Basketball), which was first played in the late 19th century in America. The game was modified for women in the 1890s by Clara Baer, a physical education instructor in Louisiana. The first official rules for netball were established in 1895. The sport quickly gained popularity among women in the United Kingdom and the British colonies. Today, netball is played professionally and competitively in many countries around the world, mainly by women. However, it is quickly gaining popularity with men around the world! Netball is governed by World Netball.
What Equipment do I Need for Netball?
The most important piece of equipment is the ball, which is made of leather or synthetic materials. It is smaller and heavier than a basketball, as it does not get bounced as often. The players wear a dress or jersey, identifying their position, shorts, and appropriate non-skid footwear.
The Set Up of a Netball Game
Before starting a game of netball, the court should be properly marked with lines and goal rings. The teams take their positions on the court, with seven players on each team. The positions are Goal Shooter, Goal Attack, Wing Attack, Centre, Wing Defence, Goal Defence and Goal Keeper. Each position has specific roles and responsibilities on the court.
Players and Positions
The Goal Shooter (allowed in the attacking third) and Goal Attack (allowed in the attacking and centre third) are the players responsible for scoring goals. They are the only players that can score into the net and must do so from within the goal circle. They work together to create scoring opportunities and to outsmart the defenders.
The Wing Attack is allowed in the centre and attacking third minus the goal circle. Centre is allowed in all thirds minus the goal circles, and Wing Defence is allowed in the centre and defending third minus the goal circle. These are the players who move the ball up the court. The Wing Attack and Centre are responsible for passing the ball and creating scoring opportunities. The Wing Defence is responsible for intercepting passes and disrupting the opposing team’s attack.
The Goal Defence (allowed in the centre and defensive third) and Goal Keeper (defensive third only) are the players responsible for defending the goal circle. They work together to prevent the opposing team from scoring and to disrupt their attack.
Each position has a specific role and responsibilities on the court, and it is important for players to understand and execute their role effectively. The Centre, for example, is the pivot of the team and has to be able to move the ball quickly and accurately up the court. While the Wing Defence must be able to read the play and intercept passes.
Each position also as a section of the court they are allowed to play the ball in. The centre has the largest range as they are able to play on most of the court except the goal circles at either end.
Scoring a Point
In netball, points are scored by throwing the ball into the opponent’s net. A point can only be scored by the goal shooter and goal attack when within the goal circle, each score is worth one point.
Fouls and Rules in Netball
There are a number of fouls that can be called in netball. If a foul is called, the opposing team is awarded a free pass or a penalty pass. The player committing the foul must stand next to the player and not interfere. The offending player may be sent to the sin bin or sent off the field.
Here are 10 of the most common fouls:
- Contact: A player must not touch an opponent with any part of their body or clothing.
- Obstruction: A player must not impede the movement of an opponent by moving into their path.
- Breaking: A player must not move or change direction before releasing the ball when taking a penalty pass or a free pass.
- Stepping: A player must not step out of court while in possession of the ball or jump and step with the ball.
- Held ball: A player must release the ball within three seconds of receiving it.
- Over a third: A player must not throw the ball over a third of the court without it being touched by another player first.
- Short pass: A player must not throw the ball to a teammate who is less than 0.9 meters away.
- Replayed ball: A player must not catch a ball they have thrown, or bounce a ball off another player, and then catch it again.
- Offside: A player must not enter an area of the court that they are not allowed to be in, such as the goal circle.
- Contacting the ball with the feet: A player must not deliberately kick the ball or use their feet to gain an advantage.
How to Win a Game of Netball!
A match is usually played in four quarters of 15 minutes each. To win a game of netball, a team must score more points than their opponent. If the game ends in a tie, it is considered a draw. Netball tournaments and leagues are usually held in different levels or grades, from amateur to professional.
To finish, netball is a fast-paced and physically demanding sport that requires speed, agility, and teamwork. It has a rich history and a passionate fan base, and it continues to be enjoyed by players and spectators around the world. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a new player, we hope our blog on tbe rules of netball had something new to offer. It is a sport that promotes teamwork and fair play, and it is a great way to stay active and healthy.
Keep up date with live scores and fixtures here! Or check out another sport where females thrive, CrossFit!
