About Netball
Netball is a fast-paced game consisting of two teams of seven players on one court. The aim of the game is to score as many goals as you can by shooting through the hoop. The court is a rectangular shape divided into a third with one hoop at each end of the court positioned in the center. In countries like New Zealand, Australia and other Commonwealth countries, netball is considered the most popular.
Basic Rules
Netball has seven positions: Goal Shooter, Goal Attack, Wing Attack, Centre, Wing Defence, Goal Defence and Goal Keeper. Each position is only allowed on certain parts of the court, so you cannot run wherever you want on the court. You can't run or dribble with the ball: once you catch it, you must stay stationary on the ground with a limit of three seconds before passing it to your teamate, however you are allowed to pivot on one foot. Defenders must stay at least three feet away from the player with the ball. A match is usually 60mins long and the team with the most points win at the end.
Skills Needed
Netball players need to be able to pass and catch with two hands safely, have quick footwork and reaction times and for positions like Goal Shoot and Goal Attack, they need to be able to consistently shoot into the hoop. Netball also requires teamwork and quick-thinking during the three second countdown.
GOAT of Netball
Irene van Dyk
Irene van Dyl is a widely known goal shooter in netball. Born in South Africa but known for playing for New Zealand's Silver Ferns. Van Dyk played for 72 tests for South Africa before moving to New Zealand in 2000 and played 145 tests for Silver Ferns making her the most-capped netballer. Van Dyk helped New Zealand win the 2003 World Netball Championship and gain the Commonwealth Games gold medals in 2006 and 2010. Most well known for her strength, height and accurate shots scoring over 90% of her matches. Afer retiring in 2014, Van Dyk has helped develop future pathways in netball programs such as futureFERNS.
