Ninh explains The Rules of Netball The object of the game is for your team to
score more goals than the opposing team. 7 players take to the court at any one time
and to score these goals, you must shoot the ball into the net.
The net is roughly 10ft above the ground and is on either side of a court that’s 100ft
long by 50ft wide. These are the shooting circles which are a 16 ft radius, with the
centre circle 3 ft in diameter. The court is split up into thirds, and you’ll find
out why shortly. Hang on a minute, this is just like basketball
right? Nope, not at all. Netball is a completely
different game with completely different rules. Firstly, not everyone can shoot the ball.
Only the Goal Attack and Goal Shooter is allowed to shoot the ball into the net, and only if
they’re inside the goal circle.
Secondly, all players can hold onto the ball for a maximum of three seconds.
Any more than this, and the other team is awarded the ball.
Thirdly, to pass the ball between teammates, they must throw it at least three feet to
another player. Failure to do this results in a short pass, and the other team is awarded
the ball. Adversely, the ball cannot be passed long
either, i.e. it cannot cross two transverse lines.
This also results in the ball being awarded to the other team.
In netball the movement of a player with the ball is heavily restricted.
Once the player has received the ball, the foot that the player first lands on is known
as the landing foot. They cannot lift this foot off the ground,
but may pivot on it whilst moving the other leg.
Should a player lift a landing leg and put it back down, this is known as ‘footwork’
and the ball is awarded to the other team.
The opponents will try and take the ball away from you by intercepting passes, blocking
shots and retrieving loose balls. However, an opposing player cannot touch another
player (known as contact) and must be at least three feet away from a player with possession
the ball. Any closer, and they are called for obstruction.
The other major difference between Netball and Basketball is that in Netball, players
are assigned positions and can only move within certain areas of the court.
The Goal Keeper can only move within the goal third they are defending.
The Goal Defence can only move within the goal and middle thirds.
The Wing Defence can also move within their own goal and middle thirds, but not in their
own circle. The Centre can move in all thirds except the
goal circles. The Wing Attack can move in the centre third
and their opponents goal third, but not the circle.
The Goal Attack can move within the centre and their opponents goal third.
And the Goal shooter can only move within the opposing goal third.
The idea of the game is to pass the ball down the court without faulting and remember, only
the Goal Attack and Goal shooter can score, and only within the shooting circle.
The game is played in 4 x 15 minute quarters, for a combined playing time of 60 minutes.
Highest score at the end of time, wins. If you’re a little lost, don’t worry about
it – as you will pick this up easily. But there’s just a few things you’ll need
to know about before playing or watching a game. For example …
Throw in. If the ball leaves the sides of the area of
play, the ball is awarded to the team who did not touch it last.
Free Pass A free pass is awarded when a player breaks
one of the rules. We’ve already mentioned some of the infractions that result in a free
throw, but here’s the full list of them. Free Pass or Shot
For major infringements such as contact or obstruction, a free pass or shot is awarded
to the opposing player. The offending player must stand aside and play no part when the
opponent releases the ball. 50/50
If both players are at fault, or if the referee is not sure who committed the fault, this
is known as 50/50, and it results in a toss-up between the two offending (or nearest) players.
This is also when two opposing players catch the ball simultaneously.
Toss up. If a 50/50 is called, the two offending (or
nearest) players stand three metres apart from each other. The referee will throw the
ball in the air between them and once it has left their hands, the ball is up for grabs
by either player. Offside.
If a position player moves into an area that they’re not supposed to be in, this is offside
and the ball is awarded to the other team.
Complicated? Yes, but as you watch or play Netball, the rules will become clear.
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Ninh Ly, www.ninh.co.uk, @NinhLyUK