Modern court specifications allow for extra space at either end outside the markings, called run-off. Also, minimum floor space for coaching areas are also specified, but only the most recently built facilities with netball in-mind will provide to this.
The player positions marked in the court diagram above show two teams with named player roles. Notice from the diagram that these are the start-of-play positions; only the Centre players are allowed in the middle third at start (or restart after a goal).
The positions are described in the following table:
Role | Position | Court coverage | Opposition | Can shoot? |
| GS | Goal Shooter | Opposition's third and goal circle | GK | Yes |
| GA | Goal Attack | Middle third, plus opposition's goal third and shooting circle | GD | Yes |
| C | Centre | All court thirds except either of the shooting circles | C | No |
| WA | Wing Attack | Middle third, plus opposition's goal third but not shooting circle | WD | No |
| WD | Wing Defence | Middle third, plus own third except own shooting circle. Not allowed in opposition's third. | WA | No |
| GK | Goal Keeper | Own third and shooting circle only. | GS | No |
| GD | Goal Defence | Own third and shooting circle, plus middle third. | GA | No |
Rules flashcard
Some of this may seem obvious, but to the uninitiated perhaps not, so here is a quick summary of the rules:
- There are seven players in a team and each have their own position and role.
Each player is only allowed to move in a defined area of the court. Team-work and strong passing skills are very important to progress the ball throughout the playing area. Only 2 players from each team are allowed to try and score goals, and must do this from within the shooting circle. There is no backboard on the hoop (unlike basketball) No dribbling or continuous bouncing of the ball No running with the ball Cannot hold the ball for more than 3 seconds Cannot take (or smash) the ball out of the oppositions hands Defenders must defend 3 feet (1 metre) away from the player with the ball Each goal is worth 1 point the ball cannot be passed across more than two of the marked court third sections with it touching another player
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Playing the game & applying the rules
Starting or Restarting the Game:
Centre passes are taken alternately by the Centre, after a goal has been scored. All players must start in the goal thirds except the two Centres. The Centre with the ball starts with either one or both feet in the Centre Circle (if on one foot then the other must not have contact with the ground outside the Centre Circle) and must obey the footwork rule after the whistle has been blown. The opposing Centre stands anywhere within the Centre Third and is free to move. The Centre pass must be caught or touched by a player in, or landing in, or jumping from a stance in the Centre third.
Playing the Ball:
A player who has caught the ball shall play it or shoot for goal within three seconds.
A player may bounce or bat the ball once to gain control.
Once released, the ball must be touched by another player, not the player who has just released the ball. (Otherwise a re-possession penalty is incurred)
There must be room for a third player between the hands of the thrower and catcher. (To void hand-to-hand passes)
A player on the ground must stand up before playing the ball.
Footwork:
Having caught the ball, a player may land or stand on:
One foot – while the landing foot remains grounded, the second foot may be moved anywhere any number of times, pivoting on the landing foot if desired. Once the landing foot is lifted, it must not be re-grounded until the ball is released.
Two feet (simultaneously) – once one foot is moved, the other is considered to be the landing foot, as above. Hopping or dragging the landing foot is not allowed.
Scoring a Goal:
Only a GS or GA can score – they must be completely within the shooting circle when the ball is received in order to shoot for goal.
Toss up:
This is administered for all simultaneous infringements (eg When two players each hold the ball and there is stalemate). The two players stand facing each other at their own shooting ends with hands by their sides and the umpire flicks the ball upwards not more than 600m (2ft) in the air as the whistle is blown.
A FREE PASS is awarded for infringement of any of the preceding rules. It may be taken by any player allowed in that area, as soon as they have taken up a stationary position. (A player may not shoot from a free pass in the shooting goal circle).
Obstruction:
Player with ball: the nearer foot of the defender must be 0.9m (3ft) feet from the landing foot of the player with the ball, or the spot where the first foot had landed if one has been lifted. The defender may jump to intercept or defend the ball from this 0.9m (3ft) feet distance.
Player without ball: the defender may be close, but not touching, providing that no effort is made to intercept or defend the ball and there is no interference with the opponents throwing or shooting action. Arms must be in a natural position, not outstretched, and no other part of the body or legs may be used to hamper an opponent.
Intimidation of any kind, is classed as obstruction
A standing player is not compelled to move to allow an opponent a free run, but dangerous play must be discouraged, e.g. moving into the landing space of a player already in the air or stepping late into the path of a moving player
Contact:
No player may contact an opponent, either accidentally or deliberately, in such a way that interferes with the play of that opponent or causes contact to occur.
A PENALTY PASS (or PENALTY PASS/ PENALTY SHOT if in the goal circle) is awarded for the above infringements taken from where the infringement occurred. The offending player must stand out of play beside the thrower until the pass or shot has been taken. Any opposing player allowed in that area may take the penalty.