RULES & POSITIONS OF NETBALL
netball positions EXPLAINED
Goal Keeper (GK)
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Where they can go: Defensive third + shooting circle only.
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Role: Defends against the GS to stop them scoring. Works with the GD to block shots, win rebounds, and clear the ball. Needs quick reactions, good timing, & strong defence skills.
Goal Defence (GD)
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Where they can go: Centre third + defensive third + shooting circle.
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Role: Marks the GA, blocks their passes/shots, and helps GK defend the circle. Also brings the ball out of defence into attack. Needs to be strong, agile, and good at reading play.
Wing Defence (WD)
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Where they can go: Centre third + defensive third (but not in the circle).
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Role: Stops the WA from feeding shooters and forces mistakes. Good at intercepting passes and putting pressure on attackers. Needs strong marking skills and stamina.
Centre (C)
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Where they can go: All three thirds, but not inside either shooting circle.
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Role: The engine of the team. Restarts play with centre passes, links defence and attack, and keeps the game flowing. Needs high fitness, speed, and decision-making skills.
Wing Attack (WA)
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Where they can go: Centre third + attacking third (but not in the circle).
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Role: The main feeder to the shooters. Brings the ball from the mid-court into attacking positions. Must have sharp passing, good vision, and strong footwork.
Goal Attack (GA)
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Where they can go: Centre third + attacking third + shooting circle.
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Role: Supports the GS in scoring by feeding passes into the circle and taking shots themselves. Needs to be quick, creative, and good at finding space.
Goal Shooter (GS)
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Where they can go: Attacking third + inside shooting circle.
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Role: The team’s main scorer. Works closely with the GA to create and convert shooting chances. Must be strong under pressure, good at timing moves, and accurate at shooting.
NETBALL POSITION BOUNDARIESÂ
The Centre.
The C is the only player who is allowed in all three thirds. The only place that the centre is not allowed is either shooting circle.
Goal Keeper and Goal Shooter
The GK & GS are allowed in their defensive/attacking third & shooting circle only.
Wing Defence and Wing Attack
WD & WA are allowed in the centre third & their attacking/defensive third (but not in the circle).
Goal Defence and Goal Attack
GD & GA are allowed in the centre third, their attacking/defensive third & shooting circle.
NETBALL RULES & FORMATS FOR DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS
NETBALL FORMATS
Under 7 (High 5 Netball)
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Format: 4 or 5-a-side (rotating positions to learn skills). Ball Size 4. Reduced court (often across a standard court, 2/3 length). Goal height: lowered to 2.44m (8ft)
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Time: 4 × 6-minute quarters (or agreed shorter halves).
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Positions: Simplified – usually Goal Shooter (GS), Goal Attack (GA), Centre (C), Goal Defence (GD), Goal Keeper (GK). Kids rotate through positions to experience all roles.
Under 9
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Format: High 5 or 6-a-side. Ball Size 4. Reduced court, 2 thirds is common. Goal height: 2.44m (8ft).
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Time: 4 × 8-minute quarters.
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Positions: Same five (GS, GA, C, GD, GK), plus sometimes Wing Attack (WA) added in.
Under 11
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Format: Full 7-a-side game. Ball Size 4. Can be reduced court, depending on skill/competency. Goal full height 3.05m (10ft).
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Time: 4 × 10-minute quarters.
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Positions: GS, GA, WA, C, WD, GD, GK
Under 13
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Format: 7-a-side (standard netball). Ball Size 5. Full sized court (30.5m × 15.25m), and full-height goal.
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Time: 4 × 12-minute quarters.
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Positions: All 7 full positions with normal court restrictions.
Under 15+
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Format: 7-a-side (standard netball). Ball Size 5. Full size court and full-height goal.
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Time: 4 × 15-minute quarters.
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Positions: GS, GA, WA, C, WD, GD, GK (full adult format).
NETBALL RULES for children aged between 7 and 18 years old
The aim of netball is to score more goals than the opposing team.
1. Match Basics
- Games are usually played in quarters (length depends on age)
- The game starts (and restarts after each quarter and goal) with a centre pass from the circle.
- The game will have up to 7 players per team, depending on age group playing.
2. Age Group Specific Rules
- U7-U8: No fixed positions. Simplified footwork rule. Contact/obstruction interpreted loosely to encourage play. Coaches/umpires can stop to explain rules mid-game.
- U11: Footwork and contact rules applied more strictly than U9, but still some flexibility for learning. Umpires are encouraged to coach while umpiring – explaining decisions.
3. Scoring Goals
- Only the Goal Shooter (GS) and Goal Attack (GA) can score.
- Shots must be taken inside the shooting circle.
4. Movement Rules
- No running with the ball: You must pass it within 3 seconds of receiving it.
- Footwork rule: The landing foot must stay grounded – you can pivot but not step with it while holding the ball.
- Positions: Each position can only move in their own certain areas of the court. Read the description and explanation of each position at the top of the page.
5. Passing & Possession
- Ball must be passed within 3 seconds.
- Passes can be bounced, lobbed, or chest-passed – but they must be catchable and fair.
- If the ball goes out of court, the other team gets the throw-in from where it went out.
6. Contact & Obstruction
- No contact: You cannot push, hit, trip, or hold another player.
- Obstruction: Defenders must stay at least 3 feet (0.9m) away from the player with the ball.
- If you break either rule, the other team gets a penalty pass or shot.
7. Centre Pass Rule
- Teams take turns for the centre pass after each goal.
- For the centre pass to be valid, the ball must be caught/received in the centre third.
8. Penalties
- Free pass: For minor rules broken (e.g., stepping, held ball).
- Penalty pass or shot: For contact/obstruction. The offender must stand beside the player until the ball is released.
9. Sportsmanship
- Respect the umpire’s whistle and decisions.
- No time-wasting or unfair play.
- Encourage teammates and show good spirit to opponents.