| | Beginners Start Here
If you are new to netball, this is the section for you. It includes the basics of the game, plus info on the kit you will need to get you started. |
| About Netball
Netball is a sport played overwhelmingly by girls and women. Until quite recently netball was the biggest womens participation sport in the UK (it was overtaken by soccer), with thousands playing in schools and clubs up and down the country.
The sport is a fast, skillful team game based on running, jumping, throwing and catching. Teams can include up to 12 players, but only 7 can be on the court at any one time.
Each player has a playing position which allows them to move within certain areas of the court. These positions and their responsibilities are:
Goalkeeper (GK) - works with the GD and attempts to stop the GS scoring.
Goal Defence (GD) - has a role to win the ball and reduce the effectiveness of the GA.
Wing Defence (WD) - looks for interceptions and aims to stop the WA feeding the goal circle.
Centre (C) - takes the centre pass and links defence and attack.
Wing Attack (WA) - aims to feed the goal circle, giving the GA and GS scoring opportunities.
Goal Attack (GA) - has a role to feed and work with the GS to score goals.
Goal Shooter (GS) - aims to score goals and work in and around the goal circle with the GA.
The aim is to score as many goals as possible from within the goal circle. Only two players are allowed into the goal circle - the GA and GS.
A game consists of four quarters of 15 minutes each, with a two minute interval between quarters 1 - 2, and 3 - 4. There is a five minute interval at half time (between quarters 2-3). |
| Getting Started
Fortunately, netball is a sport where participation at 'grass roots' level is relatively inexpensive. You will certainly need a pair of trainers. If you intend to play regularly, it is advisable to spend at least £40.00 on a good quality pair of trainers which will give you good grip and have some form of cushioning to help prevent injuries and improve comfort.
The NETQUOTEVAR:LINK shoe is a good place to start. |  |
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If you like the look of a club and intend to play regularly, you may be asked to purchase items of team kit from the club. However, quite frequenly you may only need to purchase a skirt and polo shirt in your club colours. These items can be bought fairly cheaply, with the Gilbert Nu Vogue Skirt being a good value example. |
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