Netball Instructions

Netball is similar to basketball but uses either a size 5 soccer ball or an official netball. Played with seven players per team, the goal of netball is to score more goals than your opponents by throwing the ball through a ring that is attached to a post. Netball differs from basketball in that there is no backboard behind the hoop; players cannot dribble the ball and cannot take more than two steps when carrying the ball. A netball court is divided into thirds; depending on your position, you can only move within specific thirds of the court.

Things You'll Need

  • Soccer ball or netball
  • 14 players
  • Netball hoop
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up your team's starting positions. Each player can move and play in specific thirds of the court with either offensive or defensive responsibilities.

    • 2

      Attempt to score with the Center, Goal Attack, Wing Attack and Goal Shooter positions. The Center has both defensive and offensive responsibilities and can move through all thirds of the court, but cannot step into the shooting circles. The Goal Shooter is responsible for shooting the ball at the hoop and plays within the attacking third, including the shooting circle. The Goal Attack is able to shoot for goals or provide assists for the Goal Shooter and also plays in the attacking third, including the shooting circle. The Wing Attack plays within the center and attacking thirds, attempting to provide assists for the GA and GS.

    • 3

      Defend your team's hoop with the Wing Defense, Goal Defense and Goalkeeper positions. The Wing Defense plays in the center and defending thirds and attempts to mark the opposing team's WA. The Goal Defense also plays within the center and defending thirds and attempts to mark the opposing GS or GA. The Goalkeeper remains in the defending third and is the last line of defense.

    • 4

      Begin play with the Center who passes the ball to one of his teammates. The Center must keep one foot within the center circle when he passes. His pass must be caught by a teammate within the center third.

    • 5

      Complete a Center Pass after each goal. The Center Pass alternates from team to team after each goal, regardless of which team has scored.

    • 6

      Pass the ball within three seconds of receiving it. You must remain in the third defined by your position. Once you catch the ball, one foot must always be planted on the court and you can only take one step when possessing the ball.

    • 7

      Pivot around your planted foot to create more space and passing lanes. Pivoting does not count as a step.

    • 8

      Catch a passed ball with only one hand or allow it to deflect to the court floor before picking it up. Players are not permitted to catch the ball with two hands.

    • 9

      Pass the ball to another player if there is enough room between you and the receiver to fit a third player.

    • 10

      Score more goals than your opponents within the three 15-minute periods to win the game.