Master One of the Most Important Rules in Netball
If you’ve ever heard an umpire call “Footwork!”, you’re not alone.
The footwork rule is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—rules in netball. It’s also one of the most common reasons players give away possession, particularly when they are new to the sport.
The good news is that once you understand the basics, footwork becomes much easier to manage.
In this guide, Brentwood Apex Netball Club explains the netball footwork rule in simple terms, helping players, parents and coaches understand exactly what is and isn’t allowed.
What Is the Footwork Rule?
The footwork rule controls what a player can do after catching the ball.
Unlike some sports, you cannot run while holding the ball in netball.
Instead, when you catch the ball you must establish a landing foot and use it correctly until you pass or shoot.
Understanding your landing foot is the key to avoiding footwork penalties.
What Is a Landing Foot?
Your landing foot is the foot that takes your weight first after receiving the ball.
How your landing foot is determined depends on how you catch the ball.
If You Catch the Ball Standing Still
If both feet are already on the ground when you receive the ball:
- You may choose either foot as your landing foot.
- Once you move one foot, the other automatically becomes your landing foot.
After that, the normal footwork rules apply.
If You Land on One Foot
If you jump to receive the ball and land on one foot:
- That foot becomes your landing foot immediately.
- You may pivot on it.
- You may lift it to pass or shoot.
- You must release the ball before that foot returns to the floor.
If You Land on Both Feet Together
If both feet land at exactly the same time:
- You may choose either foot as your landing foot.
- Once one foot is lifted, the remaining foot becomes your landing foot.
This gives players a little more flexibility, but once the landing foot is established, the normal rules apply.
What Can You Do With Your Landing Foot?
Once your landing foot has been established, you are allowed to:
- Pivot on it.
- Rotate your body while keeping contact with the floor.
- Lift the landing foot to pass or shoot.
- Step onto the other foot after releasing the ball.
Good footwork allows players to create passing angles and protect possession.
What Is Not Allowed?
A footwork infringement occurs if a player:
- Drags the landing foot across the floor.
- Slides the landing foot.
- Hops on the landing foot.
- Regains contact with the landing foot after lifting it before releasing the ball.
- Takes additional steps while still holding the ball.
If any of these happen, the umpire awards a free pass to the opposition.
What Is Pivoting?
Pivoting is one of the most useful skills in netball.
A pivot allows you to:
- Turn your body.
- Face a different teammate.
- Create a better passing angle.
- Protect the ball from defenders.
When pivoting:
- Keep your landing foot in contact with the ground.
- Rotate on the ball of your foot.
- Move your free foot to adjust your body position.
Good pivoting gives players more passing options without breaking the footwork rule.
Common Footwork Mistakes
Every player makes footwork mistakes while learning.
The most common include:
Moving Before Stopping
Excited players often continue running after catching the ball.
Practise stopping under control before looking for your next pass.
Lifting and Replacing the Landing Foot
Many beginners lift their landing foot and accidentally place it back on the floor before releasing the ball.
Remember:
Once the landing foot is lifted, the ball must be released before it returns to the ground.
Sliding on Landing
Landing with poor balance can cause the foot to slide across the court.
Improving balance and landing technique reduces this risk.
Forgetting Which Foot Is the Landing Foot
Players sometimes lose track of which foot they landed on.
This becomes easier with practice and repetition during training.
Why Good Footwork Matters
Strong footwork helps players:
- Keep possession.
- Avoid unnecessary penalties.
- Create better passing options.
- Stay balanced under pressure.
- Improve movement around the court.
It is one of the first technical skills every netball player should master.
Footwork Tips for Beginners
If you’re just starting netball, these simple tips will help:
Stop Before You Think
As soon as you catch the ball, focus on stopping under control before deciding your next pass.
Keep Your Head Up
Look for teammates rather than immediately looking at your feet.
The more you practise, the more natural good footwork becomes.
Practise Pivoting
Spend a few minutes each week practising pivots on both feet.
This improves balance and helps create better passing opportunities during matches.
Catch With Balance
Try to land with bent knees and a stable body position.
Balanced landings make good footwork much easier.
Pass Early
Remember the three-second rule.
Making quick decisions reduces pressure and helps avoid unnecessary movement.
How Coaches Teach Footwork
At Brentwood Apex Netball Club, footwork is introduced progressively so players build confidence from the very beginning.
Training includes:
- Catch-and-stop drills.
- Landing technique.
- Pivot practice.
- Passing under pressure.
- Small-sided games.
- Match situations.
By repeating these movements regularly, players develop natural footwork habits that carry into matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I lift my landing foot?
Yes. You may lift your landing foot to pass or shoot, but you must release the ball before that foot touches the ground again.
Can I pivot on either foot?
Only if both feet landed simultaneously or you caught the ball standing still before establishing your landing foot. Once your landing foot is established, you must pivot on that foot.
Why do umpires call footwork so often?
Footwork infringements are common because players move instinctively after catching the ball. With regular practice and coaching, these mistakes become much less frequent.
Does the footwork rule apply to every position?
Yes. Every player on the court must follow the same footwork rules.
Is footwork difficult to learn?
Not at all. Like passing and shooting, it becomes natural with consistent practice and good coaching.
Improve Your Footwork with Brentwood Apex Netball Club
Reading about the footwork rule is a great starting point—but the best way to master it is through regular practice.
At Brentwood Apex Netball Club, our experienced coaches help players develop excellent movement, balance and decision-making through fun, structured training sessions.
Whether you’re completely new to netball or looking to refine your technique, we’ll help you build confidence and improve every aspect of your game.
If you’re searching for:
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We’d love to welcome you to Brentwood Apex Netball Club.
Complete our Expression of Interest form today and discover how expert coaching can help you become a more confident and skilful netball player.