netball

Netball is a seven-a-side indoor team sport played on a rectangular court with raised goal posts at each end. Two teams of seven aim to score by throwing a ball through the opponent’s goal ring. Players are restricted to designated areas on the court, and teamwork, passing, and positioning are essential to move the ball and create shooting opportunities.

Netball originated in England in the late 19th century as a women’s version of basketball and evolved into a distinct sport with its own rules. It is governed internationally by World Netball, formerly the International Federation of Netball Associations (IFNA). The Netball World Cup has been held since 1963, with events occurring roughly every four years. The sport remains especially popular in Commonwealth countries, and professional and national leagues operate in places like Australia and New Zealand.

Gameplay centers on passing and movement within set zones. Each team has seven players occupying specific positions with restricted areas: Goal Shooter and Goal Attack can score from within the shooting circle; Wing Attack, Center, Wing Defence, Goal Defence, and Goal Keeper occupy defined defensive or attacking thirds. The ball is advanced by passing; players cannot run while holding it and must pass within a short time frame, with contact rules limiting physical interference.

Equipment and court features include a size-5 ball, a court measuring about 30.5 by 15.25 meters, goal posts roughly 3.05 meters high, and a shooting circle with a radius of about 4.9 meters. Variants such as Fast5 adapt the format for shorter, faster matches. Netball emphasizes speed, accuracy, and strategic play.