Netball Rules: The Ultimate Guide to Playing Netball
Netball is an exciting team sport played by two teams of seven players.
Although the game may seem complicated to beginners, understanding its basic rules makes it much easier to follow.
Players must pass the ball, move into space and work together to score goals while following specific rules governing footwork, contact, obstruction and court positioning.
This guide explains the essential rules of netball.
1. Number of Players
Each team has seven players on the court.
The seven positions are:
- Goalkeeper (GK)
- Goal Defence (GD)
- Wing Defence (WD)
- Centre (C)
- Wing Attack (WA)
- Goal Attack (GA)
- Goal Shooter (GS)
Each position has specific court restrictions.
Read our detailed guide to Netball Positions and Roles.
2. Netball Court Rules
A standard netball court is rectangular and divided into three equal sections:
- Defensive third.
- Centre third.
- Attacking third.
Each team has a shooting circle at its attacking end.
Players must remain within the areas permitted for their positions.
3. Passing Rules
Players must pass the ball to teammates to move it around the court.
A player cannot run with the ball or dribble while holding it.
Common types of passes include:
- Chest pass.
- Shoulder pass.
- Bounce pass.
- Overhead pass.
- Lob pass.
Accurate passing helps teams maintain possession and create attacking opportunities.
4. Footwork Rule
Footwork is one of the most important rules in netball.
When a player receives the ball, they must establish a landing foot and follow the applicable footwork requirements.
Players cannot simply take additional steps while holding the ball.
A footwork infringement results in a free pass for the opposing team.
5. Three-Second Rule
A player holding the ball must pass or shoot within three seconds.
Holding the ball for longer than the permitted time results in an infringement.
6. Contact Rule
Netball is a non-contact sport.
Players must not push, hold, trip or physically interfere with opponents.
Defenders may attempt to intercept the ball but must avoid illegal physical contact.
7. Obstruction Rule
A defender must maintain the required distance when defending an opponent who is holding the ball.
Under standard international rules, the defender must be at least 0.9 metres (3 feet) away from the player with the ball.
The defender can attempt to block or intercept the pass while respecting this distance.
8. Offside Rule
Players must remain within the court areas permitted for their positions.
Entering an area where their position is not allowed results in an offside infringement.
The opposing team receives a free pass.
9. Scoring Rules
Only two positions can score goals in standard netball:
- Goal Shooter (GS).
- Goal Attack (GA).
A goal is scored when the ball passes completely through the ring from above.
Players must shoot from inside the shooting circle.
10. Centre Pass Rule
A centre pass restarts the game after a goal.
Teams alternate taking centre passes.
The Centre player takes the pass from the centre circle, and players must follow the relevant positioning rules.
11. Netball Match Duration
A standard international netball match consists of four quarters.
| Quarter | Duration |
|---|---|
| First quarter | 15 minutes |
| Second quarter | 15 minutes |
| Third quarter | 15 minutes |
| Fourth quarter | 15 minutes |
| Total playing time | 60 minutes |
Intervals are provided between quarters and at half-time.
12. Penalties and Free Passes
Umpires award penalties and free passes when players break the rules.
Common infringements include:
- Footwork.
- Contact.
- Obstruction.
- Offside.
- Held ball.
- Incorrect centre pass procedures.
The type of penalty depends on the infringement.
13. What Is Action Netball?
Action netball is a recreational format played in several countries.
It uses modified rules and shorter match periods compared with standard international netball.
The precise rules depend on the competition.
Netball Rules for Beginners
New players should focus on the following basic principles:
- Learn the seven playing positions.
- Pass the ball rather than running with it.
- Follow footwork requirements.
- Pass or shoot within three seconds.
- Avoid illegal physical contact.
- Stay within your permitted court area.
- Communicate with teammates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players are in a netball team?
Seven players from each team are on court during standard netball.
Can you run with the ball in netball?
No. Players must establish a landing foot and follow the footwork rules.
Can you bounce the ball in netball?
A player cannot dribble the ball like in basketball while holding it. The rules do allow a player to bounce the ball once to gain possession, subject to the applicable regulations.
How long can you hold the ball?
A player must pass or shoot within three seconds.
Can any player score a goal?
No. Only Goal Shooter and Goal Attack can score goals.
What happens if a player commits an infringement?
The umpire awards the appropriate free pass or penalty to the opposing team.
Final Thoughts
Netball rules are designed to encourage teamwork, fair competition and controlled movement.
Once you understand the basic rules, player positions and court restrictions, following a netball match becomes much easier.
If you are completely new to the sport, start with our guide to What Is Netball? and then explore Netball Positions and Roles.
