Netball is a popular team sport played by over 20 million people worldwide, predominantly in Commonwealth countries. It’s a fast-paced game that requires speed, agility, and teamwork, making it a fun and exciting sport to watch and play. If you’re new to netball, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about the sport, from its history to the rules of the game.
History of Netball
Netball’s origins can be traced back to basketball, which was invented in 1891 by James Naismith, a Canadian physical education instructor. In 1895, Senda Berenson, a physical education instructor at Smith College in Massachusetts, adapted basketball for women by modifying the rules to suit their needs. This new version of basketball became known as women’s basketball and was introduced to other countries, including England. In 1897, the first netball game was played in England by Madame Ostenburg-Rietschel, a schoolteacher from New Orleans, who introduced the sport to her students. The game quickly gained popularity, and by the 1920s, netball had become an international sport. In 1960, the International Federation of Netball Associations (IFNA) was founded, which is now known as the International Netball Federation (INF).
Netball Court and Equipment
Netball is played on a rectangular court, which measures 30.5 meters in length and 15.25 meters in width. The court is divided into thirds, with each third having a circle. The center circle has a radius of 0.9 meters, and the shooting circles have a radius of 4.9 meters. The equipment required for netball includes a netball, a hoop, and a bib. The netball is a size 5 ball, which weighs between 400-450 grams and has a circumference of 69-71 centimeters. The hoop is a metal ring with a diameter of 38 centimeters, which is suspended from a pole that is 3.05 meters high. The bib is worn by the players to identify their position on the court.
Positions in Netball
Netball is played by two teams, each consisting of seven players. Each player has a specific position on the court, which determines their role in the game. The seven positions in netball are:
- Goal Shooter (GS): The goal shooter is responsible for shooting goals and is positioned in the shooting circle.
- Goal Attack (GA): The goal attack works in partnership with the goal shooter to score goals and is also positioned in the shooting circle.
- Wing Attack (WA): The wing attack is responsible for feeding the ball to the shooters and for creating attacking opportunities.
- Center (C): The center is the link between the attacking and defending players and is responsible for moving the ball up and down the court.
- Wing Defense (WD): The wing defense works in partnership with the goal defense to prevent the opposition from scoring goals.
- Goal Defense (GD): The goal defense works in partnership with the wing defense to prevent the opposition from scoring goals.
- Goal Keeper (GK): The goal keeper is responsible for defending the opposition’s goal and is positioned in the defending shooting circle.
Rules of Netball
Netball is a non-contact sport, which means players cannot make physical contact with each other. The game is played in four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes. The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins. Here are some of the key rules of netball:
Starting the Game
- The game begins with a center pass, which is taken by the center player at the start of each quarter, after a goal has been scored, and after an infringement has occurred.
- The player taking the center pass must have one foot in the center circle and must pass the ball within three seconds.
- Once the ball has been passed, the center player can move freely around the court.
Scoring Goals
- Goals are scored when the ball passes through the hoop and over the rim without being touched by any player, including the shooter.
- A goal is worth one point, and it can only be scored by the goal shooter or the goal attack.
- The goal shooter and goal attack must shoot from within the shooting circle, which is marked by a semi-circle around the hoop.
- If the ball goes out of bounds, it is awarded to the opposing team.
Passing and Movement
- Players can only move with the ball by taking one step before they pass or shoot.
- After catching the ball, a player must stop within one step and then pass or shoot.
- A player can only hold the ball for three seconds before they must pass or shoot.
- Players are not allowed to move with the ball or pivot on one foot without releasing the ball.
Defending and Contact
- Defending players must keep a distance of at least 0.9 meters from the player with the ball.
- Players cannot make physical contact with each other or interfere with their opponent’s movement or vision.
- If a player makes contact with an opponent or causes them to lose their balance, a free pass is awarded to the opposing team.
Substitutions
- Each team is allowed to make up to two substitutions during the game.
- Substitutions can only be made during a break in play or after a goal has been scored.
Health Benefits of Netball
Playing netball has numerous health benefits, including:
- Improving cardiovascular fitness and endurance
- Developing muscle strength and endurance
- Enhancing hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness
- Improving agility and reaction time
- Boosting mental well-being and reducing stress levels
Famous Netball Players
Netball has produced many talented players over the years, including:
Irene van Dyk
Irene van Dyk is a former New Zealand netball player who is considered one of the greatest shooters of all time. She played for the Silver Ferns for 14 years and was instrumental in their success, winning two Commonwealth Games gold medals and a World Cup.
Sharni Layton
Sharni Layton is a retired Australian netball player who was known for her physicality and intensity on the court. She played for the Australian Diamonds for seven years and was part of the team that won the 2015 Netball World Cup.
Maria Tutaia
Maria Tutaia is a retired New Zealand netball player who was renowned for her long-range shooting ability. She played for the Silver Ferns for over a decade and was a key player in their success, winning two Commonwealth Games gold medals and a World Cup.
Netball Leagues and Competitions
Netball is played at both amateur and professional levels, with numerous leagues and competitions around the world. Here are some of the most popular:
Super Netball
Super Netball is the premier netball league in Australia and features eight teams from around the country. It was established in 2017 and has quickly become one of the most competitive and exciting netball leagues in the world.
Vitality Netball Superleague
The Vitality Netball Superleague is the top netball league in England and features 11 teams from around the country. It was established in 2005 and is known for its high level of play and competitiveness.
ANZ Premiership
The ANZ Premiership is the top netball league in New Zealand and features six teams from around the country. It was established in 2016 and has quickly become one of the most exciting and competitive netball leagues in the world.
Netball World Cup
The Netball World Cup is held every four years and features the top national teams from around the world. The most recent tournament was held in 2019 in Liverpool, England, and was won by the New Zealand Silver Ferns.
Netball Equipment
To play netball, you need the following equipment:
Netball
A netball is a ball that is specifically designed for netball. It is slightly smaller and lighter than a basketball, and it has a different surface texture to improve grip.
Netball Hoop
A netball hoop is a metal ring with a net attached that is used to score goals. The hoop is 3.05 meters high and has a diameter of 38 centimeters.
Court
A netball court is 30.5 meters long and 15.25 meters wide. It is divided into thirds, and each third has a different function. The center third is where the game starts, and the attacking and defensive thirds are where the goals are located.
Netball Shoes
Netball shoes are specially designed to provide the support and traction needed for the quick movements and directional changes required in netball.
Netball Rules and Regulations
Netball is governed by the International Netball Federation (INF) and has a set of rules and regulations that must be followed during play. Here are some of the key rules:
Team Composition
Each team is made up of seven players, and there are specific positions that each player must play. These positions are:
- Goal shooter
- Goal attack
- Wing attack
- Center
- Wing defense
- Goal defense
- Goalkeeper
Timing
A netball game consists of four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes. There is a three-minute break between the first and second quarters, a five-minute break at half-time, and a three-minute break between the third and fourth quarters.
Contact
Players are not allowed to make physical contact with each other or interfere with their opponent’s movement or vision. If a player makes contact with an opponent or causes them to lose their balance, a free pass is awarded to the opposing team.
Footwork
Players can only take one step before they pass or shoot, and they cannot move with the ball or pivot on one foot without releasing the ball.
Scoring
Goals are scored when the ball passes through the hoop and over the rim without being touched by any player, including the shooter. A goal is worth one point, and it can only be scored by the goal shooter or the goal attack.
Conclusion
In conclusion, netball is a popular sport played by millions of people around the world. It has a rich history and has produced many talented players over the years. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, netball is a fun and challenging sport that offers numerous health benefits and opportunities for competition and camaraderie. So grab a ball, lace up your shoes, and head to the court to experience the excitement of netball for yourself!