The Probert Encyclopaedia of Recreation

NETBALL

Netball is a particularly fast and highly skilled seven-a-side ball game played mainly by women. It developed from Basketball after the introduction of basketball into England in 1895, and remains a recognisable variation of the game. The aim of the game is to get the ball in the opposing goal hoop as many times as possible throughout a 60 minute match. The netball court is 100 ft long by 50 ft wide, approximately the size of a tennis court. The court is split by two lines that divide the court into thirds. At both ends of the court there is a shooting semicircle and a ten foot goal post with no back board. Each team member has a specific position that is restricted to an area on the court. These restricted areas have an attacking and defending player in them, each from an opposing team. Some of the main rules are: a) Once the player has caught the ball only two steps may be taken. b) A player can only hold the ball for three seconds. c) A defending player must be three feet away from an attacking player with the ball. d) Only two positions on the court can shoot. e) Shots can only be taken from within the semicircle.
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