Conceived in the 1890s as a female alternative to basketball, netball pits two teams against one another in an attempt to score goals by shooting a ball through a basket. However, netball uses a smaller ball -- closer to a soccer ball in size -- and has its own set of rules.
Court
A regulation netball court measures 100 feet long and 50 feet wide. Two lines across the width of the court divides it evenly into thirds. Play originates from a small circle in the center third after all made goals. Each end third features a half circle called the goal circle, where which players may attempt to score goals. The goal itself stands 10 feet high and is centered along the back goal line. And unlike basketball, the netball goal basket doesn't have a backboard.
Players
Netball teams have seven players on the court at one time. Each player has a designated position that determines her responsibilities and the areas of the court in which she can play. The seven positions are goal shooter, goal attack, wing attack, center, wing defense, goal defense and goal keeper. Each player must wear a jersey with her position's initials marked on the front and back.
Positions
Netball rules restrict player movement. The goal shooter may only be in the shooting circle and the offensive third. The goal attack may enter the shooting circle, the offensive third and the center third. The wing attack may enter the offensive third, but not the shooting circle, and the center third. The center can play in all thirds but may not enter either shooting circle. The wing defense may play the center third and the defensive third but cannot enter the defensive shooting circle. The goal defense may enter the center third, the defensive third and the defensive shooting circle. The goal keeper may play only in the defensive third and the defensive shooting circle. Only the goal shooter and goal attack may score goals.
Passing
Netball players can only catch and throw passes to advance the ball. Rules prohibit dribbling or carrying the ball. Once a player catches a pass, she has three seconds to either shoot or move it to a teammate. Passes cannot be made across the two lines, meaning a pass can't travel from the defensive third directly to the offensive third. A pass must also be long enough for a third player to travel between the passing teammates, making it illegal for players to merely hand the ball to one another.
Defense
In netball, defenders must stand at least three feet away from the player with the ball, providing her a fair chance to make a pass or shot. Defenders may still jump and wave their arms in an attempt to disrupt the pass or shot, provided they're at least three feet away. Playing too close to the offensive player with the ball results in an obstruction call and a penalty pass or shot for the offensive team.
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