Netball is played by two teams of seven players. The court is divided into thirds, and each player has a specific position with defined areas they can move in.

The aim is to pass the ball down the court and score by shooting through the hoop.

Why Netball Is So Popular

Netball is especially popular in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

Easy to Learn

Netball has clear rules and structured positions, making it easy for beginners to understand and play.

Team-Based

Each player has a specific role, encouraging teamwork and communication throughout the game.

Fast-Paced

The game moves quickly with constant passing and movement across the court.

Strong Community

Netball is widely played in schools and local clubs, creating a strong community environment.

Widely Played

It is one of the most popular sports for women and girls, with growing participation worldwide.

Netball FAQ

What is netball?

Netball is a team sport where players pass a ball and shoot it into a hoop to score goals.

How many players are on a netball team?

There are 7 players on each team on the court.

Can you run with the ball in netball?

No, players must pass the ball within 3 seconds and cannot run while holding it.

What positions are in netball?

Each team has positions such as Goal Shooter, Goal Attack, Centre and Goal Keeper.

How do you score in netball?

Goals are scored by shooting the ball through the hoop from within the shooting circle.

Key terms

Centre pass: The pass from the centre circle that starts a period or restarts play after a goal.
Goal circle: The marked semicircle from which a Goal Shooter or Goal Attack may shoot.
Held ball: Failing to release the ball within the permitted three seconds.

Keep learning: Netball guide · Scoring explained

These additions do not mark the existing overview or linked guides as fully fact-checked. Rules can differ by competition, age group and format.

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