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What is Netball?

NETBALL

 
Netball is an international sport, similar to basketball. It is a fast-paced, highly skillful, non-contact team sport played primarily by women.
 
It’s similar  to basketball, except players cannot dribble the ball and there is no backboard on the goal post. Rapidly growing in popularity in the US, it is perfect for all ages and fitness levels.
THE NETBALL COURT

 

 

The netball court is 100ft long and 50 ft wide. The court is divided into thirds with a semi-circular goal area and a 10ft goal post and hoop at each end. A 3ft center circle in the middle of the court denotes where play starts.

PRINCIPLES OF THE GAME

There are 2 opposing teams of 7 players. Each position (GS, GA, WA,C, WD,GD,GK) is only allowed to move in a certain area of the court. Unlike basketball, there is no backboard behind the hoop. 
Players cannot dribble the ball or run with the ball and they must make a pass or shot within 3 seconds. Netball is a non-contact sport with penalties for obstruction, contact, footwork violations, offside and holding. The rules are simple and the game is easy to learn.
A game is divided into 15 minute quarters and is refereed by 2 umpires. Play starts with a center pass from the center circle and stops for penalties or when a goal is scored. Attempts at goal can only be made by GS and GA and shots must be taken from within the goal circle area. Each goal is worth 1 "point".
Watch this BBC video to learn about the basics 
and
Click here to learn more about netball from the BBC

 

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