A Complete Beginner’s Guide to the Rules of Netball
If you’re new to the game, understanding the rules of netball can seem a little confusing at first.
Questions like:
- Can you run with the ball?
- How long can you hold the ball?
- What is footwork?
- What is obstruction?
- How do you score?
Are among the most common questions asked by new players and parents.
The good news is that once you understand the basics, netball is an exciting, fast-moving and easy-to-follow sport.
In this guide, Brentwood Apex Netball Club explains the most important netball rules in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
What Is the Aim of Netball?
The objective of netball is simple:
Score more goals than the opposition before the end of the match.
Teams move the ball down the court by passing between teammates until they create a shooting opportunity.
Unlike basketball, players cannot run while holding the ball, making movement, timing and teamwork essential.
How Many Players Are on a Netball Team?
Each team has seven players on court:
- Goal Shooter (GS)
- Goal Attack (GA)
- Wing Attack (WA)
- Centre (C)
- Wing Defence (WD)
- Goal Defence (GD)
- Goal Keeper (GK)
Each position has designated areas of the court where they are allowed to play.
These court restrictions encourage teamwork and tactical play.
The Netball Court
A standard netball court is divided into:
- Two goal thirds
- One centre third
- Two shooting circles
Each player is only allowed in certain sections of the court depending on their position.
Learning these court restrictions is one of the first things every new player should understand.
The Three-Second Rule
One of the most important rules in netball is the three-second rule.
Once a player catches the ball, they have three seconds to:
- Pass the ball
- Shoot (if they’re in the shooting circle)
- Attempt a legal play
Holding the ball for longer than three seconds results in a free pass being awarded to the opposition.
This rule keeps the game fast and encourages quick decision-making.
The Footwork Rule
Footwork is one of the most commonly misunderstood rules in netball.
When you catch the ball, the first foot to land (or the foot already on the ground if you catch it standing still) becomes your landing foot.
You may:
- Pivot on the landing foot
- Lift the landing foot to pass or shoot
- Land on the other foot after releasing the ball
You may not:
- Drag or slide the landing foot
- Hop onto the landing foot again after lifting it
- Regain contact with the landing foot before releasing the ball
Incorrect footwork results in a free pass to the opposing team.
A good way to avoid footwork errors is to stop under control and decide your next pass quickly.
Obstruction
Defenders must give the player with the ball enough space to pass or shoot freely.
The defending distance is 0.9 metres (3 feet).
If a defender stands closer than this while actively defending, the umpire will award a penalty.
Good defenders focus on timing, positioning and anticipation rather than simply getting as close as possible.
Contact
Netball is a non-contact sport, but physical contact can still happen during play.
Players cannot:
- Push
- Hold
- Lean on opponents
- Knock players off balance
- Interfere unfairly with movement
If contact affects play, the umpire will award a penalty pass.
Strong defending comes from excellent positioning, not physical force.
Offside
Every player has designated areas of the court.
Entering an area that your position is not allowed to enter is called offside.
For example:
- A Goal Shooter cannot enter the centre third.
- A Wing Attack cannot enter the defending third.
Stepping into an area outside your permitted court results in a free pass to the opposition.
Centre Passes
The match begins with a centre pass taken from the centre circle.
After every goal:
- Play restarts with another centre pass.
- Teams alternate who takes the centre pass, regardless of which team scored.
This rule ensures both teams have equal opportunities to start play.
Throw-Ins
If the ball goes completely over the sideline, play restarts with a throw-in.
The player taking the throw-in must:
- Stand outside the court.
- Keep one foot grounded until the ball has been released.
- Throw the ball back onto the court within three seconds.
The throw-in is awarded to the team that did not touch the ball last before it crossed the line.
Goal Scoring Rules
Only two positions can score:
- Goal Shooter (GS)
- Goal Attack (GA)
To score, the player must:
- Be completely inside the shooting circle.
- Successfully shoot the ball through the net.
Each successful shot is worth one goal.
Unlike basketball, in standard level netball there are no two-point or three-point shots in traditional netball.
What Happens After a Goal?
Once a goal has been scored:
- The umpire signals the goal.
- Players return to their starting positions.
- The next centre pass is taken by the team whose turn it is to restart.
The game continues until the end of the quarter.
Advantage Rule
Sometimes an umpire sees an infringement but allows play to continue if stopping the game would disadvantage the non-offending team.
This is known as playing advantage.
It helps maintain the flow of the game while ensuring teams are not penalised for benefiting from the infringement.
How Long Is a Netball Match?
A standard senior netball match usually consists of:
- Four quarters
- Approximately 15 minutes per quarter
There are short breaks between quarters and a longer half-time interval.
Junior competitions may use shorter playing times depending on the age group.
Common Mistakes New Players Make
Everyone makes mistakes while learning.
Some of the most common include:
- Holding the ball for too long
- Footwork infringements
- Standing too close when defending
- Forgetting court restrictions
- Passing without looking
- Panicking under pressure
These are all normal parts of learning and improve with coaching and practice.
Tips for Learning the Rules Faster
If you’re new to netball:
- Watch experienced players.
- Practise regularly.
- Ask questions during training.
- Focus on one rule at a time.
- Play friendly games whenever possible.
The more you play, the more natural the rules become.
Why Learning the Rules Matters
Understanding the rules helps players:
- Make better decisions.
- Avoid unnecessary penalties.
- Improve confidence.
- Communicate effectively.
- Enjoy matches more.
Knowing the rules also allows players to focus on developing their skills instead of worrying about making mistakes.
Learn Netball with Brentwood Apex Netball Club
Reading about the rules is a great place to start, but the best way to learn is by getting on court.
At Brentwood Apex Netball Club, our experienced coaches introduce the rules in a friendly, supportive environment where players learn through fun games, practical coaching and match play.
Whether you’re completely new to netball or looking to refresh your knowledge, we’ll help you build confidence and enjoy every session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you run with the ball in netball?
No. Once you catch the ball, you must establish your landing foot and pass or shoot within three seconds.
How many seconds can you hold the ball?
You have a maximum of three seconds before you must release the ball.
Can every player score?
No. Only the Goal Shooter (GS) and Goal Attack (GA) can score, and they must shoot from inside the shooting circle.
Is netball a contact sport?
No. While some contact happens naturally during play, unfair physical contact is penalised.
Is netball difficult to learn?
Not at all. Most new players understand the basic rules after just a few training sessions. With regular practice, the game quickly becomes enjoyable and easy to follow.
Ready to Learn Netball?
If you’ve been searching for:
- Netball Rules Explained
- Basic Netball Rules
- Netball Rules for Beginners
- How to Play Netball
- Netball in Brentwood
- Beginner Netball Coaching
Brentwood Apex Netball Club would love to help you take the next step.
Our coaches create enjoyable, structured sessions where players learn the rules, build confidence and develop their skills in a positive and welcoming environment.
Complete our Expression of Interest form today and discover why so many players and families are choosing Brentwood Apex Netball Club.