Netball
📚 Original educational summaries — the official source prevails.PublishedUpdated on June 24, 2026
Zen Ref
The assistant that explains the rules simply.
Each goal is worth one point. Only the Goal Shooter and Goal Attack may shoot, and only from inside the goal circle. The ball must pass through the ring and fully clear the net for the goal to count.
Answers based on Score Zen summaries. The official source prevails.
Summary
Netball is a team ball sport derived from basketball, played mainly by women's teams across Commonwealth countries. Two teams of seven players compete on a court split into thirds, with each position restricted to certain areas. The ball moves only by passing, with no dribbling, and only two players may score.
Objective
Score more goals than the opponent by sending the ball through the opposing ring, while preventing the other team from scoring.
Key rules
- •Seven players per team, each with a position and an allowed playing area.
- •No dribbling: the ball is advanced only by passing.
- •Hold the ball for less than three seconds before passing or shooting.
- •Only the Goal Shooter (GS) and Goal Attack (GA) may shoot, from inside the goal circle.
- •A defender must stay at least 0.9 m from the ball carrier to defend (otherwise obstruction).
- •Contact that interferes with an opponent is not allowed, even if accidental.
Full rules
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