Netball Positions Explained: Roles of All 7 Players

Image by Lunchtime Legends

Netball is the BEST team sport ever! If you’re new to the game and finding all the netball positions a bit confusing, don't sweat it! This simple guide breaks down the roles of all seven players so you can step onto the court with confidence. 

Key Takeaways 

• Players & Teamwork: Netball is played with 7 players on the court, plus subs. Because no one player can run with the ball or move across the whole court, teamwork is essential to get the ball to the goal.
• Key Rules: The most important rules are to hold the ball for a maximum of 3 seconds and to avoid taking extra steps. You also can't pass the ball over more than one-third of the court at a time.
• Getting Started: Focus on learning your position and the spaces on the court. Practice short, accurate passes, and be a supportive teammate to have fun and master the game. 

How Many Players Are in Netball?

A standard netball team has seven players on the court at any one time. Each of these netball positions has a specific, restricted area they can move within. Those seven players are the Goal Shooter (GS), Goal Attack (GA), Wing Attack (WA), Centre (C), Wing Defence (WD), Goal Defence (GD), and Goal Keeper (GK). 

What Are the 7 Positions in Netball? 

Now that you know how many players are in a team, let's break down the netball roles for each of the seven positions. 

1. Goal Shooter (GS) 

The Goal Shooter is the team's primary scorer. They tend to stay close to the net and act as a central point for goal scoring. They can only move in the attacking third and must be inside the shooting circle to score. Their main job is to focus on positioning themselves for a pass and getting open for rebounds. 

2. Goal Attack (GA) 

The Goal Attack shares scoring duties with the Goal Shooter but is more versatile. They operate in both the attacking and centre thirds, helping to bring the ball into the shooting circle and setting up plays. They also work to make space inside the circle, creating better scoring opportunities for the team. 

3. Wing Attack (WA) 

The Wing Attack (WA) is a key playmaker in the attacking end. Operating in the centre and attacking thirds (but not the shooting circle), their main job is to advance the ball and feed it to the shooters. 

4. Centre (C) 

The Centre is the team's engine and the only player allowed to move in all three thirds of the court (excluding the shooting circles). They really glue the team together, linking the defence to the attack. To excel in this role, speed and the ability to open up space are vital. Their main responsibilities are distributing the ball and delivering the centre pass. 

5. Wing Defence (WD) 

The Wing Defence (WD) is a key defender. Operating in the centre and defensive thirds, their main job is to mark the opposing Wing Attack and intercept passes to disrupt the opposition’s attack. 

6. Goal Defence (GD) 

The Goal Defence helps the GK stop opposing goals. They work in the defensive and centre thirds and are allowed inside the shooting circle to block shots, intercept passes, and get rebounds. 

7. Goal Keeper (GK) 

The Goal Keeper is the last line of defence. They are restricted to the defensive third and shooting circle, where their main job is to stop the opposing Goal Shooter from scoring by blocking shots and intercepting passes. 

A Goal Defender, defending a shot by the Goal Shooter.

Substitutes, Coaches, and Staff 

While seven players are on the court, most teams also have a few substitutes on the bench. They are important for making changes when players get tired or injured, or to shift the team's tactics. In addition to the players, every netball club team has a coach to guide them and a team manager to handle everything else. 

How Each Netball Role Contributes to the Team 

While each of the seven netball roles work together to create a cohesive team. The attackers get the ball into the circle, the defenders focus on disrupting the opposition, and the Centre acts as the vital link between both ends of the court. The game’s strict positions mean that team coordination and communication are essential for moving the ball effectively. 

Tips for Playing Each Netball Position 

Ready to start playing? Here’s inside scoop on the tactics and tips each position needs to succeed.  

• Goal Shooter: Master your shooting accuracy and develop composure under pressure. Practice quick movements to position yourself for rebounds and scoring opportunities.
• Goal Attack: Work on your agility and precise passing to set up plays. Be adept at transitioning from playmaker to scorer, taking advantage of any space.
• Wing Attack: Build your speed and visionary passing to feed the shooters inside the circle. Practice leading and dodging to create clear passing opportunities.
• Centre: Develop strong stamina and quick decision-making. As the team's engine, your ability to distribute the ball and connect the defence to the attack is vital.
• Wing Defence: Focus on excellent footwork and positioning to shadow the opposing Wing Attack. Learn to anticipate and intercept passes to disrupt the opposition’s attack.
• Goal Defence: Hone your anticipation skills to intercept passes and master defensive techniques like shot blocking. Work closely with your GK to shut down shooters.
• Goal Keeper: Refine your shot blocking and rebounding techniques to stop goals. Collaborate closely with your GD to cover shooters and defend the circle. 

As the teams' engine, the centre needs to think quickly. Image by North Pine Netball.

Netball Rules You Need to Know 

Got the basics down? Great! Now, let's talk about the rules that make netball so fast, so unique, and so much fun. Here's what you need to know. 

• The 3-Second Rule: You can only hold the ball for a maximum of three seconds. Once you catch it, you must pass or shoot before the umpire counts to three, or the ball is turned over.
• Footwork: You cannot run or walk with the ball. When you land with the ball, you can only pivot on your standing foot. If you land with both feet at the same time, you can step in any direction, but your other foot must stay on the ground.
• Passing: You can't pass the ball more than a third of the court at a time. Passes also can't be "too short"—meaning the opposition needs to have a chance to intercept it.
• Replayed Ball: Unlike basketball, you cannot bounce the ball. If you do, it will be called a "replayed ball," and the opposition will get a throw-in.
• Out of Bounds: If the ball goes out of court, it's a throw-in for the team that didn't touch it last. A player must step up to the sideline or baseline to throw the ball back into play.
• Contact: Netball is technically a non-contact sport, but some contact does happen. An umpire will call a foul if you contact an opponent in a way that impedes their movement or is dangerous. Contact can also occur if you touch the player or the ball while they have control of it. Likewise, the player holding the ball is not allowed to push the ball into an opponent.

Netball is technically non-contact but some contact does happen.

Summit Sport’s Netball Gear for Every Position 

As a trusted supplier for over 30 years, Summit Sport provides the high-quality netball equipment you need to excel at your position.

• Netball Balls: From training balls to match-grade balls, having the right netball is essential for practicing grip, control, and shooting accuracy.
• Netball Bibs: High-quality bibs help you easily identify players on the court and are a must-have for organizing teams during drills and matches.
• Netball Rings: Perfect for setting up a practice court, our durable stands and posts are essential for shooters looking to improve their accuracy. 

Now that you know the positions, learn more about the rules, strategies, and expert tips on how to play the game in this Beginners' Netball Guide.

Time to Choose Your Netball Position!  

The best part about starting out in netball? The journey of discovering your perfect position! Let your coach inspire you, try every netball position you can, and you'll become an unstoppable, well-developed player. This is your chance to learn the game and prove your versatility. With a little practice, you'll be able to step up and shine anywhere on the court when the team needs you most. 

Ready to get out there? Explore Summit Sport's netball equipment and training resources to kickstart your netball journey with confidence!