What is Netball?
The major aim of the game is to score as many goals as possible from within an area called the Goal Circle which is a semi circle on the goal line measuring 4.9m in radius (16ft). Only two players are allowed to shoot in this area from each team, the Goal Attack and Goal Shooter.
Netball is a fast skilful team game based on running, jumping, throwing and catching. Teams may consist of up to 12 players but only seven players may take the court at one time. Each player has a playing position determined by the areas of the court where they may move. The playing positions are; GS, GA, WA, C, WD, GD, and GK.
The playing area for each player is listed below: (see diagram top right)
Goal Shooter: 1, 2
Goal Attack: 1, 2, 3
Wing Attack: 2, 3
Centre: 2, 3, 4
Wing Defence: 3, 4
Goal Defence: 3, 4, 5
Goal Keeper: 4, 5
So Why Netball?
Netball as an organised sport is played in various forms in most countries as a game of precision, timing and balance, agility and ball skill. Trust, communication, and team work play an important role in the game and can be used to encourage the development of social skills. Interest in netball ranges from the social game to the highly competitive and can involve both men and women.
- The nature of the game encourages the development of all fundamental locomotor skills including running, jumping , landing, balance and agility
- co-ordination skills, including hand-eye; judgement of speed , distance and space, precision and accuracy
- cognitive skills including decision making, lateral thinking and problem solving
- co-operation and communication between individuals
- social interaction in groups
- acceptance and understanding of individual difference
- the ability to a variety of life and sports context
Many aspects of netball are fundamental to the development of children’s movement and, therefore, it is regarded as a building block for movement development as well as a vehicle for pursuing elite performance.