Rules

This page will give you a run down of the basic rules of netball.

 For more in depth rules of the game, visit England Netball. Here you can download the rule book and watch videos on basic rules:

https://www.englandnetball.co.uk/be-involved/officiating/rules-and-updates/

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Basic rules:

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There are 7 positions on a netball team:

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  • [GK] Goal Keeper

  • [GD] Goal Defence Position

  • [WD] Wing Defence

  • [C] Centre Position

  • [WA] Wing Attack

  • [GA] Goal Attack Position

  • [GS] Goal Shooter

Object of the game:

​The object of netball is to score more points than your opponent.

 

Scoring:

A goal is scored in netball when the ball is passed to a player in the goal third who shoots the ball through their opponent’s goal ring. Only the Goal Shooter or Goal Attack can score goals in netball and they must be within the semi-circle when they shoot.

 

Winning a game:

​To win in netball you must score more points than your opponent. The netball ball must be moved around the court by passing and there are a number of different passes available to a player. The ball must be worked to the Goal Shooter and Goal Attack players, who attempt to shoot from inside the semi-circle.

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  • Each team can have a maximum of 7 players and a minimum of 5.

  • The court must be divided unto 3 sections, with each player holding a specific position on the court.

  • If a player moves into a position that they shouldn’t be in, they will be deemed to be offside.

  • Players cannot hold the ball for more than three seconds.

  • The ball must go through the ringed hoop for a goal to be given.