NETBALL GAME

The history of netball can be traced to the early development of basketball. A year after
basketball was invented in 1891, the sport was modified for women to accommodate social
conventions regarding their participation in sport, giving rise to women's basketball. Variations
of women's basketball arose across the United States and in England. At the Bergman Österberg
physical training college in Dartford, England, the rules of women's basketball were modified
over several years to form an entirely new sport: "net ball". [1] The sport was invented to
encourage young females to be physically active and energetic. The first codified rules of netball
were published at the start of the twentieth century, and from there the new sport spread
throughout the British Empire.
From the beginning, netball was widely accepted as a sport suitable for women. Domestic netball
competitions arose in several countries during the first half of the 20th century. Starting from the
1920s, national associations were formed to organise the sport in netball-playing nations.
International matches were played sporadically in the early 20th century, but were hampered by
varying rules in different countries.
By 1960, the rules of netball were standardized internationally and an international governing
body was formed to oversee the sport globally. Initially called the International Netball
Federation (INF), the organization was later renamed World Netball. The second half of the 20th
century saw international competition expand, with the sport's premier international competition,
the INF Netball World Cup, starting in 1963. Netball has also been contested at
the Commonwealth Games since 1998.
Today, netball is popular in Commonwealth nations, and is reportedly played by over 20 million
people worldwide. It remains primarily a women's sport, although male participation is
increasing in some countries. Further developments to the sport are being trialled, including a
shortened version of the game played in a World Series format; netball is also being promoted by
sports advocates for possible inclusion in the Olympic Games.
What is netball game?
Netball is a ball sport played by two teams of seven players. Games are played on a rectangular
court with raised goal rings at each end. The object is to score goals from within a defined area,
by throwing a ball into a ring attached to a 3.05 metres (10 feet) high post.
NETBALL COURT
The court is rectangular in shape and is level and firm. The surface should be wooden (preferably
sprung wooden) but may consist of other material provided it is safe to play on.

The two longer sides are called side lines and measure 30.5 m (100 ft).

The two shorter sides are called goal lines and measure 15.25 m (50 ft).

Two lines parallel to the goal lines divide the court into three equal areas. These lines are called
transverse lines. The middle area is called the centre third and the two end areas are the goal
thirds.
A circle 0.9 m (3 ft) in diameter is located in the centre of the court. This is called the centre
circle.

A goal circle is located at each end of the court. This is a semi-circle of radius 4.9 m (16 ft)
whose centre is the mid-point of the outside of the goal line.

All lines (preferably white) are 50 mm (2 in) wide and are part of the court area they outline.

Court Surround

The court surround is rectangular in its outer shape and it surrounds the court. The distance
between the edge of the court surround and the goal lines and side lines is 3.05 m (10 ft).

Field of Play

The field of play is rectangular in shape and consists of the court and the court surround. During
play only on-court players and umpires are permitted in the field of play.

Playing Enclosure

A bench zone is located immediately adjacent to the field of play. The official bench, umpires’
bench and team benches are all located on one side of the court in the bench zone.

The playing enclosure consists of the field of play and the bench zone. Entry to the playing
enclosure during a match is limited to those persons with official event accreditation.

If desired, an equivalent zone on the opposite side of the court may also be included in the
playing enclosure. This zone is to be used by media and other technical officials as needed.
Goalposts

A goalpost is placed at the mid-point of each goal line. It consists of the following:

A vertical metal pole 65-100 mm (2.5-4 in) in diameter and 3.05 m (10 ft) high. The pole is:

Inserted in the ground or sleeved beneath the floor so when it is knocked there is a minimal
amount of movement and it remains stable

Placed so the back of the pole is at the outside edge of the goal line

Covered with padding of uniform thickness not more than 50 mm (2 in) thick and extending the
full length of the pole
A horizontal metal ring made of steel rod 15 mm (5/8 in) in diameter with an internal diameter of
380 mm (15 in)

A horizontal metal bar of length 150 mm (6 in), projecting from the front edge at the top of the
pole, to which the ring is attached

A net (preferably white) fitted to the ring, clearly visible and open at top and bottom.

Ball

The match ball is spherical in shape:

Measures 690-710 mm (27-28 in) in circumference and weighs 400-450 g (14-16 oz)
Is made of leather, rubber or suitable synthetic material

Is inflated to a pressure of 55-69kPa (8-10psi).

The same match ball is used throughout a match. A spare ball must be at the official bench and
the umpire may order its use in the event of damage to the match ball or blood on the ball.

The umpires check all match balls before play starts.

Players

During a match player must wear:

Registered playing uniform and suitable sports footwear (spiked soles are not allowed)

Playing position initials 150 mm (6 in) high which must be clearly visible and worn above the
waist, front and back.

The playing positions and initials are:

Goal Shooter (GS), Goal Attack (GA), Wing Attack (WA), Centre (C), Wing Defence (WD),

Goal Defence (GD) and Goal Keeper (GK).

All players have specified areas of the court where they are allowed to play.

These are:
NETBALL SKILLS
Skills in netball are divided into two main categories.
a) Primary skills
b) Secondary skills
Primary skills: These are the basic fundamental skills of playing netball game and they include;
 Throwing/passing
 Catching
 Footwork
THROWING/PASSING
This is getting the ball to a team mate.
Passing in netball is a fundamental aspect of the sport that takes lots of practice to master. The
ability to move the ball around the court accurately & strategically as a team is imperative to
winning games of netball. Netball passes can be two-handed or one-handed, depending on your
level of expertise and years of experience.
Types of passes
There are 5 different types of passes – the chest pass, bounce pass, lob, overhead pass and
shoulder pass.
CHEST PASS
A netball chest pass, also known as the flat pass, is transferring the ball from your chest height to
another player. It is majorly used for short distance.
The chest pass is used to weave the netball towards the goal circle, to set up for shooting, throw
ins or on centre passes, when the Centre (C) player throws the ball back into play after their team
have successfully scored.
Teaching points
1. Stand shoulder width apart.
2. Fingers spread around the ball in W shape.
3. Ball should be released at chest height
4. Elbows tucked in (no chicken wings)
5. Transfer weight forward and push the ball
6. Extend and follow through with arms, wrists and fingers.
7. Path of ball should flat and fast.

BOUNCE PASS
Is a pass to a teammate that is made by bouncing the ball once. A bounce pass is a short pass that
enables the player to find a teammate in a crowded area. The height of the ball makes it difficult
for the opposition to reach and intercept.
Teaching points
1. Stand shoulder width apart.
2. Fingers spread around the ball in W shape.
3. Step in the direction of the pass, through extending your legs, back and arms.
4. The wrist and fingers should be forced through the ball releasing it off the first and
second fingers of both hands.
5. Follow through with the arms fully extended, fingers pointing at the target and thumbs
pointing to the floor.
6. The ball should bounce 2/3 of the distance to the receiver.
LOB PASS
The lob pass is a helpful way for players to pass to a team mate in a congested area when a flat
pass is impossible. It's important the pass is played accurately though, so that the intended
recipient can run onto the ball. For a proper lob pass: The ball should be held high, with fingers
spread behind the ball.
Teaching points of lob pass
For a proper lob pass: The ball should be held high, with fingers spread behind the ball. Extend
arms and flick wrist, using fingers to guide the ball. The path of the ball should be high and
looping.

OVERHEAD PASS
A two-handed pass that is taken from above the head. Effective in delivering the ball over the
opponent's head to another team member.
Teaching points
To execute the overhead pass, first move your body into position so the ball's path is directed at
your forehead. Stagger your feet with your right foot slightly in front of your left foot and shift
your weight to your left foot. Keep your feet, hips, and shoulders square to the direction of the
ball.
SHOULDER PASS
A netball shoulder pass is a one-handed netball pass for longer distances. It follows a straight
line between your shoulder and the receiver's hands.
Teaching points
1. Player's feet should be shoulder width apart in opposition.
2. Opposite foot forward to throwing arm.
3. Stand on balls of feet with toes pointing toward target, and knees slightly bent.
4. Hold the ball at head height, slightly behind your head.
5. Elbow should be at a 90° angle.
CATCHING
This is the act of receiving the ball by hands from a thrower.
Catch the ball with your fingers spread wide open. Doing so gives you a better grip when you
receive it. The catching techniques end by bringing the ball back in and snug towards your chest.
The better players find this gives them extra control.
FOOTWORK.
It’s a rhythmic coordinated movement of the feet during play.
Footwork in netball applies when a player is stepping, landing and pivoting while in possession
of the ball. A free pass is awarded to the opposing team if a player breaks the footwork rule. The
footwork law states a player must release the ball before putting their pivoting leg down once it
is raised.
 Types of landing in netball
One-foot landing

Players who land on one foot or have one foot on the ground when they catch the ball may use
their other foot to step in any direction. The foot that was on the ground first should not move,
but it can be rotated on to allow you to pivot.

Two-feet landing

Players who land on both feet or have two feet on the ground when they catch the ball can
choose one foot to step in any direction. Once they have moved one foot, the other foot should
not move, but can be rotated on to allow you to pivot.

The pivoting action is a swivel movement that allows the player to move on a fixed axis to either
pass or shoot.

Breaking the footwork rule

The footwork rule is broken, and the other team will be given a free pass if a player:

 moves their landing foot;

 hops on their landing foot; or

 drags their landing foot.

Secondary skills: These are skills supplementing or complementing the basic fundamental skills
and they include;
 Goal shooting
 Attacking/dodging
 Defending/marking

SHOOTING
This is aiming with the ball such that it passes through the net of the netball ring wholly.
Shooting is how your team score goals in netball, by feeding the circle, getting the ball to your
attackers for them to shoot and score. The more goals your team scores the better their chance of
winning.
Teaching points
1

Position your body to shoot. The proper stance is the foundation to your shooting technique.
Keep your feet hip/shoulder width distance apart and relax your knees. Your hips, shoulders, and
elbow should be facing forward. Your body should be aligned no matter where you are around
the post. Stand close to the ring.
 Have someone else watch you as you practice your stance. Another person can see any
errors and help you make adjustments.
 Practice your stance in different positions around the post. Make sure your feet are
always pointed towards the post.
2

Place the ball in your hands. Hold the ball with your dominant/shooting hand and keep your
fingers soft. Hold the ball as high as you can in both hands. Use your other hand for balance, but
do not apply any pressure to the ball with this hand. Your fingers should be touching the ball, but
leave a little bit of space between the palm of your hand and the ball.
 If you are a younger player or a new player, it may be easier to hold the ball with two
hands. Holding with two hands will give you more power when you are shooting.
 Once the ball is firmly in your hands, hold the ball high above your head. Your elbow
should be by your forehead.
 You should not be able to see the ball when it is above your head.
3

Shoot the netball. Bend your elbows and your knees at the same time. Keep your elbow by your
forehead and only move the top part of your arm. Straighten your elbow and your knees and then
release the ball. Toss the ball up in an up-and-over motion toward the ring. Aim at the center
point above the net as you shoot and flick your hand forward with your shooting arm.
 It is important that you bend your knees before you release the ball because the power of
your shot comes from your knees.
 Flicking your hand will cause the ball to spin backwards after you release it. This helps
with the accuracy of your shot.
 Keep your back straight as you release the ball.
 If you are shooting with two hands, both of your hands will go through the shooting
motion.
 Think of your elbow as a lever when you are shooting and only move the top portion
(i.e. forearm area).
4

Stand a little further back, bend your knees and jump then throw to perfect your technique
from further away. To be a good Goal Attack or Goal Shooter, you don't have to be able to get
goals from a long way away from the ring, it's great if you can though.
5

Remember the BEEF acronym. The shooting technique can be overwhelming. There are so
many things to remember. BEEF can help you remember the key aspects of shooting a netball.
[2]
 B for balance. Keep your feet hip/shoulder width apart and pointing towards the goal.
 E for eyes. Keep your eyes focused on where you want the ball to go.
 E for elbow. Keep your elbows close to your ears as you shoot.
 F for follow through. Always flick your hand and wrist at the end of your shot.

ATTACKING/DODGING SKILLS
Attack in netball involves players keeping possession and passing the ball across the centre and
goal zones to the shooting circle (court linkage), also known as the D.
It is especially useful for those players in an attacking position as they will be the players driving
the ball up the court to the shooters. The single dodge involves outwitting your defender by
moving in one direction and then quickly moving off in the opposite direction to receive a pass.
 DEFENDING SKILLS
General tips
1. ask themselves "where is my player" and "where s the ball" aim to intercept the ball.
2. restrict their opponent s movement.
3. keep the ball away from their opponent.
4. restrict the options available to throwers.
5. watch the wrist action of shooter for direction of pass.

There are three stages of Defence in netball: