Netball

Introduction

Netball is a popular game for girls and boys in Australia. You have special positions. There are seven players on each team. The aim of the game is to get the ball down the other end of the court so that your team can shoot a goal. The position you are in allows you to go over different lines and do different things. For example Goal Shooter (GS) gets inside the semi circle and shoots a goal.

Netball is a very good sport and it keeps you fit and healthy.

History

Netball started in 1990 and became a very popular game. Netball in usually played outdoors. In 1990 there were 105,930 players playing netball.

Netball was invented by Canadian-American James Naismith in 1891. Basketball was changed from women’s basketball to women’s netball.

Men and women started playing netball in a team together so that is why it is so popular.

Positions

There are seven positions in netball which are Goal Shooter (GS), Goal Attack (GA), Wing Attack (WA), Centre (C), Wing Defence (WD), Goal Defence (GD) and Goal Keeper (GK).

GS has the WA, GA, and the C to pass the ball to and try to get a goal. There are three quarters on the court. In the centre of the centre third there is a circle the C steps into before the centre pass is taken. GA and WA stay in the centre third and in the goal third.

C can go anywhere in the court apart from the semi circle. GS stays in the goal third and in the semi circle. WD and GD stay in the center third and GD is also allowed in the other teams semi circle. GA and GK can also go into the semi circle. The GA is allowed in the centre third as well as the goal third and the semi circle. GK is only allowed to go into the semi circle and in the semi circle.

Rules

Netball has rules just like any other game. Some of them are:

1.When you have the ball, no stepping

2.You can only hold the ball for three seconds

3.No going off side (Over the wrong lines)

4.No arguing with the umpire

5.No pushing, tripping, shoving, etc

6.No bouncing the ball

7.No snatching the ball off anyone else

8.No swearing or making rude comments about anyone else’s skills or how they play

You can turn on the spot as long as you keep the foot you landed on still. If anyone on either team breaks the rules then a free pass will be given to the other team. If you are to rough or argue with the umpire then you will be sent off the court.

Defending

If you are defending you must be one metre away from the person you are defending before you put your arms up. If you fell like you are going to fall on top of the other person then pull your arms down before you fall or it will be a penalty for to close.

Attacking

If you are in the attacking position then you have to try and get the ball off the other team and try to get the ball down to your goal shooter. You have to be very fit and move a lot. Try to get in front and stay there.

If you are WA you have to try and get the ball down to the goal shooter end so that you can score a goal. If your GA or GS are throwing in the ball then get into a corner so that they can throw the ball to you and the other team wont be able to get the ball because you have your back to them. If they touch you it is contact. Be ready for a bounce pass because the person might do a bounce pass and it is harder to catch it.

Centre

When you are in the centre you have to run a lot. You are allowed to run all over the court but you are not allowed into the semi circle. Your job is to get the ball down the other end so that you can score a goal. You have to stop the other team from getting the ball. When it is your center pass do not step in the semi circle because the umpires will call it stepping. Always look for defence as well as your attack.

Goal Shooter

The goal shooter stays in the semi circle and in the goal third. It is a good idea to go out of the semi circle and when the ball is heading down your way get back into the semi circle. Be in a good position for shooting.

Goal Keeper

The goal keeper’s job is to go down to the other teams goal shooter and play against them. You have to defend and keep in front. Keep your eye on the ball because the other person could do a bounce pass.

When the ball bounces off the ring when they go for a shot jump up and grab the ball.

Throwing

There are four different passes you can do in netball. They are the shoulder pass, chest pass, under arm pass and the bounce pass. These are all good suitable passes. The under arm pass isn’t used much.

When you are shooting put the ball above your head and push up.

Teamwork

To get the ball from the centre to the other end it should only take three passes. You need to work together. If you all throw hard, quick and accurate it will get there. Make sure you all move and dodge.

Jump up and go forward for the ball. Make sure everyone gets the ball and look around for people who are moving and free.

Playing Other Teams

The same rules apply when playing another team. You will have to work hard.

Stick to your players, jump and defend. The other players will get used to your moves so change them a little every time. That way they will not get used to your moves.

Famous Netballers

In the year 2000 an Australian netball team was every netballer's dream. One of the lucky players was Megan Anderson. Megan plays in goal attack and in goal shooter. When Megan’s name was called out she was happy because she has achieved her childhood dream. Megan is a good and fast player.

Liz Ellis was also picked. She plays goal keeper and goal defence. Liz has achieved just about what all netballers dream of. She won her second world championships in October 1999. Liz is always organised.

Sharon Finnan plays goal defence and wing defence. Sharon is a strong defender and is in the Australian netball team in 2,000.

Alex Hodge plays wing attack and centre. Alex has lots of talent and uses it. She is a fantastic athlete.

Rebecca Sanders is also a good player and plays wing attack and center. Rebecca uses her fitness, speed and strength.