AN OVERVIEW OF NETBALL VS. BASKETBALL -KEY DIFFERENCES
If you’re into fast-paced sports, you might enjoy basketball and netball. Both games involve getting a ball through a hoop and are super popular worldwide. You’ve probably heard of famous players like Lebron James and Michael Jordan in basketball, but netball has fewer well-known names.
Did You Know
Fast5 (originally called Fastnet) is a variation on the rules of netball designed to make games faster and more television-friendly. The World Netball Series promotes it to raise the sport’s profile and attract more spectators and greater sponsorship.
One of the most prominent differences between these two sports is that basketball is more male-dominated, while netball is female-dominated. Read on to learn more about the key differences between netball and basketball.
AN OVERVIEW OF NETBALL VS. BASKETBALL
| ASPECT | NETBALL | BASKETBALL |
| Game Origins | England | United States |
| Team Size | 7 players | 5 players |
| Ball | Size 5 | Size 7 |
| Court Size | 50×100 feet | 50×94 feet |
| Scoring System | Goals | Baskets |
| Dribbling | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Positions | Specific roles | More flexible |
| Contact | No contact | More physical |
| Time | Quarters | Quarters |
| Substitutions | Limited | Frequent |
| Popular Countries | Commonwealth countries | Worldwide |
SETUP
First, let’s discuss the differences in the equipment, the court, and the players.
NETBALL VS BASKETBALL-EQUIPMENT
There is a difference in size between netball and basketball balls. Netball balls are a smaller size, 5, 8.9 inches in diameter. On the other hand, basketball balls are a regulation size 7, which is 9.4 inches in diameter.
Did You Know
Netball balls are smaller and heavier than basketball balls.
The backboard and hoops are slightly different between these two sports, too. Since basketball is played with a bigger ball, it makes sense that the hoop is also larger. The basketball hoop has a diameter of 18 inches and has a backboard behind it. Netball has a smaller hoop without a backboard, with a diameter of 15 inches.
NETBALL VS BASKETBALL-COURT
Both sports utilize rectangular courts, although there’s a distinction in their dimensions. The netball court spans 50 by 100 feet, whereas the basketball court measures slightly shorter at 50 by 94 feet. Interestingly, the difference is subtle enough that you can easily enjoy a casual game of netball on a basketball court or vice versa.
NETBALL VS BASKETBALL-PLAYERS
One of the most notable differences between netball and basketball is their approach to player roles and positions on the court.
In netball, a structured position-oriented setup prevails, with each of the 7 players having a designated role:
Basketball, contrasting netball’s structure, holds a more fluid dynamic. Each team fields 5 players, each taking on a role but with greater freedom to move across the court.
The positions in basketball are:
NETBALL VS BASKETBALL-GAMEPLAY
Unlike basketball, netball stands as a non-contact sport. This signifies that you must refrain from disrupting your opponents while they’re passing or trying to score. The only instance where contact is permissible is when it doesn’t obstruct the opposing team’s strategies.
Notably, during a pass attempt, the opponent must maintain a distance of at least 35 inches from the player with the ball.
Did You Know
Netball has no backboard behind the hoop, making shooting more challenging
GAME DURATION
Both sports are divided into quarters, but their quarter durations differ. Basketball features shorter 12-minute quarters, with a 10-minute intermission after the second quarter. On the other hand, netball quarters span 15 minutes, followed by a 3-minute break after each quarter.
SHOOTING
Scoring in basketball can be achieved through two methods:
A field goal’s point value ranges from 2 to 3 points, depending on the shot’s location, while a free throw scores 1 point. In basketball, all positions can attempt scoring by sending the ball through the hoop. Remarkably, a player can score a goal from any position on the court, spanning the entire length.
On the contrary, netball operates differently. Each shot in netball garners a single point. Shots must be taken from within the shooting circle, and only the Goal Attack and Goal Shooter have the privilege to score. After a goal in netball, the game restarts with a centre pass. This involves the centre player tossing the ball from the centre circle to a teammate.
PLAYING THE BALL
Another significant contrast between netball and basketball is their approach to ball movement. In basketball, a player can dribble the ball, bouncing it as they move down the court or pass it to a teammate. However, carrying the ball is prohibited.
On the other hand, netball has a distinct rule regarding dribbling: it’s not allowed. In netball, a player who touches the ball has a 3-second window to pass it to a teammate or attempt a goal. The absence of dribbling in netball places a heavier importance on teamwork and strategic positioning, as players rely on their teammates and court placement to move the ball effectively.
NETBALL VS BASKETBALL-WINNING
Both sports determine the winner based on the team with the most points. If the score is level after the four quarters, there are distinct approaches for resolving this:
In netball, a tied game leads to sudden death. The first team to score breaks the tie and emerges as the victor.
Contrastingly, basketball adopts a different approach. When the game is tied, it enters an overtime period lasting 5 minutes. This extra time provides an opportunity for teams to break the tie and secure the win.
FAQS
Netball and basketball differ in team size, ball dimensions, court measurements, scoring methods, dribbling regulations, player positions, contact rules, time structures, substitutions, and global popularity.
Netball awards one point for each successful goal, which must be made from within the shooting circle. Basketball’s scoring system includes field goals worth 2 or 3 points and free throws worth 1 point.
No, dribbling is not allowed in netball. Players have 3 seconds to pass the ball to a teammate or attempt a goal after touching it.
In netball, a tied game leads to sudden death, where the first team to score wins.
If a basketball game is tied after four quarters, it enters an overtime period lasting 5 minutes.
Netball courts measure 50 by 100 feet, while basketball courts measure 50 by 94 feet.
Netball is a non-contact sport with limited exceptions, while basketball involves more physical contact during gameplay.
