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🏐 Discover the Sport

What is Netball?

Netball is a fast-paced, strategic team sport that combines athleticism, teamwork, and precision. Discover the exciting world of netball - a sport that's captivating players and fans worldwide.

Team Sport

7 players per team working together in perfect harmony

Fast-Paced

4 quarters of 15 minutes each of non-stop action

Strategic

Tactical gameplay with specialized positions

⚡ Court & Positions

The Netball Court

Understanding the court layout and player positions is essential to appreciating the strategic depth of netball.

Court Dimensions & Layout

Court Size

30.5m x 15.25m (100ft x 50ft) divided into three equal thirds

Three Thirds

Goal Third, Centre Third, and Goal Third - each with specific player restrictions

Goal Posts

3.05m (10ft) high posts with no backboard, positioned in goal circles

Goal Circles

4.9m radius semi-circles where only Goal Shooter and Goal Attack can score

Aerial view of two netball courts

The 7 Playing Positions

Each position has specific roles, responsibilities, and court movement restrictions

GS

Goal Shooter

Primary scorer of the team. Must have excellent shooting accuracy and positioning.

Goal third only
GA

Goal Attack

Versatile player who can shoot and feed the ball to shooters. Links attack and center.

Goal & center thirds
WA

Wing Attack

Feeds the ball into the shooting circle. Requires speed, agility, and accurate passing.

Center & goal thirds (no circle)
C

Centre

The playmaker who links defense and attack. Most mobile player on court.

All thirds (no circles)
WD

Wing Defense

Defends against the Wing Attack. Must be quick and anticipate opponent's moves.

Center & defense thirds (no circle)
GD

Goal Defense

Defends the goal circle and starts the transition to attack. Needs height and reach.

Defense & center thirds
GK

Goal Keeper

Last line of defense. Protects the goal and intercepts passes in the circle.

Defense third only
📋 Game Rules

How to Play

Understanding the fundamental rules and gameplay mechanics that make netball such an exciting and strategic sport.

Game Structure & Timing

Game Duration

4 quarters of 15 minutes each (60 minutes total) with 3-minute breaks between quarters and 5-minute halftime.

Team Size

7 players on court per team with up to 5 substitutes. Players can be substituted during breaks or injury timeouts.

Winning

Team with the most goals at the end of 60 minutes wins. Each successful shot scores 1 point.

Drone aerial photograph of the Netball courts at Summerhayes Park in the town of Winmalee in the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia.

Essential Rules

Ball Handling

  • Players can hold the ball for maximum 3 seconds
  • No dribbling, bouncing, or running with the ball
  • Must pass or shoot within the time limit
  • One foot must remain on the ground when landing

Contact Rules

  • No physical contact allowed between players
  • Players must stay 3 feet (0.9m) away from opponent with ball
  • No blocking, pushing, or holding opponents
  • Contact results in free pass to opposing team

Movement Rules

  • Players restricted to specific court areas
  • Cannot enter areas marked off-limits for position
  • Offside violations result in free pass
  • Centre pass alternates after each goal

Shooting Rules

  • Only Goal Shooter and Goal Attack can score
  • Must shoot from within the goal circle
  • Ball must go through the ring completely
  • Defended shots can be rebounded by either team

Officials & Penalties

Umpires

Two umpires control the game, one on each side of the court, making calls and maintaining fair play.

Free Pass

Awarded for minor infractions like contact, obstruction, or stepping. Play restarts with free pass.

Penalties

Penalty shots awarded for deliberate or dangerous play. Shooter gets undefended shot.

📚 Sport History

The History of Netball

From its origins in Victorian England to becoming a global sport played by millions, discover netball's fascinating journey through time.

1890s

The Beginning

Netball evolved from early versions of basketball, adapted specifically for women in England. The game was designed as a non-contact sport suitable for Victorian ladies, emphasizing skill and strategy over physical strength.

A top down view of empty Netball courts in Australia.
1900s

Global Expansion

The sport spread throughout the British Commonwealth, with Australia and New Zealand becoming early adopters. Formal rules were established, and the first official netball associations were formed to govern play and development.

1901

First rules published in England

1924

All England Netball Association formed

1927

First inter-county championships

1930s

International matches begin

1960s-Today

International Recognition

The formation of the International Federation of Netball Associations (IFNA) in 1960 marked netball's emergence as a truly global sport. World Championships began in 1963, and the sport continues to grow worldwide.

World Championships every 4 years
Played in 80+ countries worldwide
20+ million players globally

Major Milestones

1960

IFNA Founded

International governing body established

1963

First World Championships

Australia won the inaugural tournament

1998

Commonwealth Games

Netball included as official sport

2019

Professional Leagues

ANZ Premiership and Super League launched

Netball Today

Today, netball is recognized as one of the world's major team sports for women, with professional leagues, international competitions, and grassroots programs inspiring millions of players across all continents.

80+

Countries Playing

20M+

Players Worldwide

16

World Championships

6

Commonwealth Games

Ready to Be Part of Netball History?

Join the Hotlanta Strikers and become part of netball's continuing story in Atlanta. Whether you're a beginner or experienced player, there's a place for you in our community.

Join Our Club Today
Hotlanta Strikers Sporting Club

Atlanta's premier netball club dedicated to building stronger communities through sport, inclusivity, and social impact.

971 N Hairston Rd Suite: 230A PMB1263 Stone Mountain, GA 30083
hotlantastrikers@gmail.com

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