The Netball Court Goal Circle Centrecircle Transverse line

The Netball Court : Goal Circle Centre-circle Transverse line 3. 05 m . 5 0 3 15. 25 Goal Circle m Goal Third Centre Third m Goal Third

The Game: Basics explained… § An international sport, involving throwing, catching, jumping, offensive and defensive skills together with lots of teamwork. § The game consists of 4 quarters of 15 minutes each, with a short interval in between. § 14 players, 7 from either side play against each other. § Two umpires control the game. § Goals are scored from within a defined area by throwing the ball into a ring attached to a 3. 05 m high post. § Each player uptakes a specific playing position. Depending upon which playing position one upholds, this will determine the areas on court a player is allowed to move and play in. § There are 7 playing positions in all. Playing positions are identified through the use of bibs.

Netball Playing Positions: GK – Goal Keeper GD – Goal Defence WD – Wing Defence C – Center WA – Wing Attack GA – Goal Attack GS – Goal Shooter Netball bibs attach to kits at the back and front to determine the playing position.

Different playing positions have got specific areas on court whereby they can move in and play accordingly. Each team will have an attacking and defending side. This will change whenever teams alter sides on court. Attacking side Defending side

Playing Position: Goal Keeper (GK) § Is the last player in the line of defence. § Guards the goal circle and the defensive third and must stop primarily the Goal Shooter of the opposing team from scoring. § Has to stay alert to go for any rebound balls and must have good defensive and anticipation skills to intercept balls. Attacking side § Most often is responsible of giving throw-ins or any free passes within the defensive goal third. § Communicates and collaborates with the GD, WD and C mostly. § Is usually a tall and physical player who will do anything to fiercely protect the pole. Defending side

Playing Position: Goal Defence (GD) Attacking side § Patrols the defensive goal third and centrethird. § Defends the shooting circle and marks mostly the GA of the opposing team to prevent her/him from scoring. § Must have a good vision of the game, as most often is the link between defence and offence. Usually helps to launch quick counter attacks. § Is a physical player who will do anything to fiercely protect the pole. Must possess good defensive and anticipation skills during on the run game situations. Defending side

Playing Position: Wing Defence (WD) Attacking side § Plays in the Centre-third and defensive goal third, except for the goal circle. § Main role involves stopping the ball from reaching the opponent’s shooting circle. § Marks mostly the WA of the opposing team. § Must be good at intercepting passes but also at feeding the ball to teammates to aid in launching an attack. § Must have good ball control, able in defending in uncomfortable positions, such as around the goal circle. § Collaborates with all teammates, but mostly the GD, GK and C. Defending side

Playing Position: Center (C) § Plays all over the court with the exception of the two Goal circles. § Is a key player in linking the defence and attack. Helps in doing both roles. § Marks the opposing Center player mostly. § Initiates play, by giving the center–pass from within the centre-circle. Attacking side § Must have good ball control, vision of the game and endurance. Feeding the ball correctly is an imperative skill. § Is usually one of the swiftest players on court – most often the smallest too! Defending side

Playing Position: Wing Attack (WA) Attacking side § Plays in the Centre Third and Attacking Goal Third, except for the Goal Circle. § One of the main roles is to make sure that the ball arrives to the attacking third and feeds the GA and GS lots of passes to increase scoring opportunities. § Must have good ball control, passing ability, spatial awareness and footwork skills. § Communicates with all players on court however works mostly with the C, GA and GS. Defending side

Playing Position: Goal Attack (GA) Attacking side § Plays in the Centre Third and Attacking Goal Third, including the Goal Circle. § One of the main roles is to make sure that the ball arrives to the attacking goal circle but also in actually shooting the ball. § Apart from having good passing and shooting ability, I must also be able to read the movements of the GS and be ready to feed the ball accordingly. § Communicates and collaborates with all players on court however works mostly with the GS, WA and C. Defending side

Playing Position: Goal Shooter (GS) Attacking side § Plays in the Attacking Centre Third, including the Goal Circle. § The primary role is to shoot and have a high scoring rate. § Must also have good reactions, passing ability and be able in jumping for rebound balls. Being steady and focused is also important. Defending side § Communicates and collaborates with all players, especially the GA, WA and C. § I am often amongst the tallest players on court.

A Netball Playing team:

§ Traditionally a female sport, however nowadays in some countries males play netball both in separate and mixed team competitions.

Netball Players usually mark opposing team players accordingly: Team A: Team B: GK – Goal Keeper GS – Goal Shooter GD – Goal Defence GA – Goal Attack WD – Wing Defence WA – Wing Attack C – Center WA – Wing Attack WD – Wing Defence GA – Goal Attack GD – Goal Defence GS – Goal Shooter GK – Goal Keeper

The Game: Basics explained… § The toss of a coin determines which team gives the first centre pass and to which pole teams will shoot. § The game initiates with all players in their respective allowed area/s on court behind the two transverse lines that dived the three equal thirds.