Netball Positions Explained for Kids & those new to Netball
Learn about where each player is on the netball court and what they do.
Let's take a tour of the netball court, so we can understand each player position and what they do. Each Netball Player fills a special role, just like pieces in a puzzle, and understanding their jobs is key to winning games. So, use the image to get your bearings, and we'll dive into the world of netball positions!
Attackers:
Goal Attack (GA) & Goal Shooter (GS): The only players that can operate in the attacking circle, responsible for scoring goals. Must catch passes accurately, create scoring opportunities through movement and dodging, and shoot effectively within the three-second rule.
GS is to stay in Attacking 3rd and allowed in goal area.
GA can work the Centre and Attacking 3rd and allowed in goal area.
Centre:
Centre (C) Initiates every centre pass and operates across the entire court (excluding goal circles). Facilitates ball movement, identifies scoring opportunities, and delivers precise passes to attack.
Defenders:
Wing Defence (WD): Tightly marks the opposition's Wing Attack, disrupting passing lanes and intercepting the ball. Agile and quick, they must stay within a defined distance and avoid contact fouls. Plays in Cetre and Defending 3rd.
Goal Defence (GD): Defends the attacking circle, preventing Goal Shooters and Goal Attacks from receiving passes and scoring. Requires excellent positioning, agility, and anticipation skills to block shots and rebounds. Plays Cetre & Defending 3rd and goal circle.
Goal Keeper (GK): Occupies the goal circle, acting as the last line of defense. Uses agility and reflexes to block shots, secure rebounds, and clear the ball. Must remain within the circle and avoid footwork violations. Plays Defending 3rd and Goal Circle.
General Rules:
Each player has designated zones and cannot encroach on others'.
Contact fouls are prohibited, with penalties awarded for illegal contact.
Three-second rule restricts players from holding the ball for longer than three seconds.
You can only take 1.5 steps while holding the ball.
When restarting, the Centre must not delay getting to the centre circle to start otherwise a penalty will be given.
Players must be at least 3 feet away from a player with the ball while defending. If you’re too close then the player with the ball will be awarded a penalty. You then must step aside and let the player take the penalty. You can’t interfere until the player has passed/shot the ball.
Remember:
Court zones define a player's turf, like territories. Respecting their boundaries is key to strategic movement.
Bouncing and Dribbling? Leave that to the basketball court. Netball is all about quick, accurate throws and lightning-fast catches. The only time you are allowed to bounce a ball is when you pass to a teammate.
Every position is a piece of the puzzle, essential for the team's success.
Go watch players that have been doing it for longer than you - see what they do and learn the tricks.
Go watch a professional game - it is awesome! They players are amazing and you can learn so much! And it’s fun.
This info should give you all the basic info of each player's role and key rules. But remember - teamwork, strategic movement, and adherence to regulations are crucial for success in netball. So try to memorise as much as you can, and start practicing.