NETBALL

History

Games similar to netball were played in ancient times by Greeks and romans e. g

I)Trugon-It was a Roman game for three (3) players in which the main emphasis was on precise and fast
ball handling.

II)Hospatum-a Roman game that emphasized on controlled footwork and skillful ball handling.

Netball as it is known is a direct descendant of American basketball invented in America in [Link]

original method of playing was similar to that of basket ball. Two baskets were placed at each end of the
gymnasium and two opposing teams from the center passed the ball to score in the two baskets. Teams
had equal number of players.

The game was introduced to England by Dr. Tole an American in 1895 and spread throughout England
and its colonies.

Important changes in the development of netball

1987-rings were introduced in place of baskets

1901-rules were published for the first time

1924-Net federation was formed

1926-All England Netball Women Association was formed

1920”s-Missionaries introduced the game in kenya mainly played by them and this was segregation.

1940’s-Mainly schools played the game with spread to most parts of the country.

1960-International Federation of Women Netball Association (I.F.W.N.A)was formed

1968-Kenya Netball Association was formed under chairmanship of a british lady cestures at Kenyatta
College Physical Education Department.

At present the body is referred to as International Federation of Netball Association (I.F.N.A)the

federation meets after every eight (8)years to review and change the rules where need arises Kenya is a
member of I.F.N.A through affiliation of Kenya Netball Association.

DIMENSION ,LAYOUT AND MARKETING OF PLAYING AREA

The field is rectangular in shape measuring 30.5m by [Link] longer the sideline the shorter the
goal line. It is divided into three thirds and every goal third has a shooting semicircle with radius
4.9m.A circle of 0.9m in diameter is at the center third .All the lines are part of the court and are
50mm [Link] international game is played indoors.
GOALPOST,RING AND NET

A goalpost that is vertical and 3.05m high is placed at the midpoint of each goal line,A metal ring with an
internal diameter of 380mm is fixed to project horizontally 150mm from the top of the post, The ring is
steel rod 15mm in diameter.

The net should be fitted and it will be clearly open and visable at both ends. Both the ring and the net
are vpart of the goal post. If the goalpost is padded, then it should not be more than 50mm thick and
shall start at the base of the goalp[ost and extend the full length of the post. The goal post is 65mm-
100mm in diameter of squre. It may be inserted in a socket in a ground or supported by a metal base
that does not project on the court .it should be placed so that the back of the goalpost is at the outside
of the goalline.

BALL

The ball measures between 690mm-710mm in circumference and weighs between 400gms -450gms. It
may be made of leather or similar materials.

PLAYERS’EQUIPMENT

a)Shoes or boots of light material. Spiked shoe are not allowed

b) Registered playing uniform which includes playing position initials

c)No sharp items or jewellery is allowed and fingernails should be cut short.

Duration of the game

A game shall consist of four (4) quarters of 15minutes each with an interval of three (3) minutes between
quarters and five(5) minutes at the half time. The change ends after each quarter
If any one team plays two or more matches in a day, or where t6ime is limited the duration of the game
shall be as agreed by the team’s officials. If an agreement is not reached then the game shall consist of
two (2) halves of twenty(20) minutes each with five(5) minutes intervals at half time. Teams shall change
ends at half time.

An interval may be extended by the umpires to deal with any emergency . Time held for a stoppage must
be played in the quarter of half of the game. Incase a penalty pass or shot is awarded just before the
whistle is blown to end a quarter of half ,then the player should be allowed to take a penalty.

THE TEAM AND THE PLAYING POSITION

A full team consist of 12 players of single sex.A team will use 7 of the players in the following position;

Player playing area based on the diagram

Goal keeper 1,2

Goal defender 1,2,3

Wind defender 2,3

Center 2,3

Wing attacker 3,4

Goal attacker 3,4,5

Goal shooter 4,5

A team may take the court if these are atleast five players present one of whom must be a centre player.
Before the start of the game, the scorer is provided with list of twelve (12) players whom shall be the
captain.

Late Arrivals

No player arriving late after play has started will be allowed to take up the position. The late arrival may
not enter the game while play I in progress btv after notifying the umpire ,may take the court .

This entry will only take place;

a)Immediately after a goal has been scored

b)At a stoppage for injuries or illness

c)Immediately following an interval

Late arrivals should be checked by an umpire before they enter the court. The game is restarted with a
free pass to the opposing team where the ball was when play was stopped.

Substitution and team changes

Substitution refers to when a player leaves the court and is replaced by another player. Team change
refers to when players on court change refers to when players on court change playing positions. Both
teams are allowed to make submissions and/or team changes either an interval or when play is stopped
by injury or illness.

There is no limit to the number of substitutions which can be made by a team so long as they do not
exceed the twelve (12) named for the match.

Offside player

A player is offside when he/she enters an area he/she is not entitled to play with or without the ball and
contacting the ground. Simultaneous offside is when two opposing players are offside and if neither
touches the ball the game continues. If one of them touches the ball a toss up is awarded to the players
in the area they entitled to play.

Functions of the goal circle

Only four players participate in play using the area namely- namely-Goal keeper, Goal shooter, Goal
attacker and Goal defender. A goal can only be scored in this area.

Ways of restarting the game

The game is restarted through the following ways ;

a)Throw-in

b)Centre pass

c)Toss up

d)Free pass

e)Penalty pass

f)Penalty shot

Throw-in

It is taken from outside the court along the sideline or game line from where the ball went out and the
ball is out of the court. It is awarded in the event of the following;

a)When the ball touches the ground outside the court

b) When the ball touches an object or person out of the court

 c) When the player holding the ball is in the contact with the ground outside the playing area

d) When a player in contact with the ball touches an object or person outside the court

note; A ball that hits a part of the goal post and rebounds into play is not out of court

The following should be observed during the throw-in;

a) It should be taken from where the ball went out /crossed the line.
b) The player throwing should stand close to the line
c) Throw in the ball at nearest third
d) Face the field of playing
e) Wait for the umpire to blow the whistle
f) Release the ball within three seconds
g) Opponent should observe 0.9m distance from the person throwing the ball .

Centre pass

It is taken from the centre circle. It is awarded;

a)During the start of the game by the team that wins the toss up of the coin and options to start.

b) After a score or goal. It is taken alternately by the two centres

c) During the start of every quarter

d) During the start of second half

e) During the start of extra time

The following should be observed during the centre pass;

a) The centre player should be wholly inside the c entre circle

b) The pass taker should wait for the umpire to blow the whistle

c) The ball should be released within three seconds of the umpire’s signal

d) The centre pass thrower should not touch the ball for the second time before it has been touched by
another player.

e) The opposing centre player should be Inside the centre third, free to move anywhere but observe a
distance of 0.9m from the center pass taker

f) The ball should be received within the centre third

g) All other players except for the opposing centre should be in either of the two goal thirds and can
only move to the centre third once the whistle has been blown

h) If the ball goes beyond the centre thirds it is retaken

Toss up

It is awarded when;
a)Opposing players gain simultaneous possession of the ball with one or both hands

b) Opposing players simultaneously knock the ball out of court

c) Opposing players are involved and the umpire is unable to determine the last player to touch the ball
before it went out of the court

c) Opposing players are simultaneously offside, one in possession of or touching the ball

e) Opposing players makes simultaneous contact

f) After an accident, the umpires are unable to tell who had the ball or the ball was on the ground when
play was stopped

The following should be observed during the toss up;

a)The ball should be taken from where the incident occurred

b)The ball should be taken on the court between two opposing players

c) The two players stand facing each other and there own goal ends

d) Observe a distance of 0.9m between the nearest foot of each player councerned

Free pass

It is taken from where the fault(s) occurred inside the field of play. It is awarded in the event of ;

a) An offside
b) All fault concerning playing the ball incorrectly (note ;the don’t’s when playing the ball)
c) All footwork faults (note; a goal shooter or goal attacker taking a free pass in the goal circle may not
shoot for the goal)

The following should be observed during free pass;

a) The ball should be released within three seconds

b) Opponents should observe the distance of 0.9m
c) The player taking the pass should be the one entitled to play in this area
d) The ball should not be thrown over a third
e) Wait for the umpire to blow the whistle
f) Observe the footwork rule

Penalty pass

It is taken as a pass from the point of infringement inside the field of play and it is awarded for the
infringement of the rules of obstruction, contact and intimidation.

Obstruction-it is an attempt to intercept the ball by failing to observe 0.9m distance from a player in
possession of the ball. It is awarded when a player with or without the ball intimidates an opponent . It
also applies to defending a player who is out of court by leaving the court or your playing area.

Contact- Nobody contact is allowed when attacking or defending and includes;

a)bumping or rushing into an opponent

b) Tripping or knocking an opponent

c) Holding an opponent

d) Charging at an opponent

e) Using any part of the body to interfere with an opponent play

f) Aplayer in possesion with the ball may not push an opponent deliberately or accidentally

g) A player should not remove a ball from the opponent’s possession

Intimidation-It involves

a) A player without the ball waving hands at opponents who has the ball
b) Attempting to hit an opponent with the ball
c) Use of verbal treats/insults
d) Spitting at an opponent
e) Use of threatening gestures /signals

The following should be observed during penalty pass –

a)The player penalized must stand beside and away from the player from taking the pass and not
interfere with the game/ball

b) A player taking the penalty should be entitled to play in the area of infringement

c) An attempt to defend the penalty may be done by the opposing out than the offender.

Penalty shot

It is taken as a shot against the defending team from the goal circle. It is awarded when defending
player obstructs pushes or intermidates an attacking player inside the goal circle or when defending
player interferes with the goal post during a shot in a game.

Playing the ball (Do’s)

A player is allowed to do the following ;

a)Catch the ball with one or both hands

b) Bat or bounce the ball to another player without first possessing it

c) Tip the ball in uncontrollable manner once or more and then catch the ball or direct the ball to
another player/fambling is allowed

d) Roll the ball to one self to gain possession

e) Fall while holding the ball but regain footing and pass within three seconds

f) Lean on the ball on the court and regain balance

 g) Jump from opposition in contact with the court and play the ball outside the court provided
neither the player nor the ball makes contact with the ground

h) A player who has caught the ball should shoot for goal or pass it within three seconds

i) Pass the ball in any manner and in any direction to another player/pivot

A player is not allowed to do the following;

a) To strike the ball with the fist /punch/closed hand

b) Delibarately fall on the ball to gain possession
c) Throw the ball lying or sitting or knealing
d) Use the goalpost for support/balance
e) Delibaratly kick the ball
f) Roll the ball to another player
g) Throw the ball and touch it again before it is touched by another player(repossession)
h) Toss the ball in the air and play it
i) Bounce the ball and play it
j) Replay the ball after and unsuccessful shot at goal unless it has touched some part of the goal
post/net
k) Drop the ball and replay in(doubles)
l) Pass the ball over a third (overthrow)

Footwork
A player is allowed to play the ball with the following conditions of the footing news
a) May receive the ball with one foot grounded, step with the other but release the ball before
grounding the landing foot
b) Jump and catch the ball and land on one foot, step with the other foot before releasing the
ball and regrounding the landing foot
c) Catch the ball with both feet grounded and take off with both of them but release the ball
before landing
d) Pivot, step with one foot as many times as possible in any direction while the other foot is
grounded

Footwork falls

a) Dragging or sliding the landing foot

b) Hopping on either foot
c) Jumping on both feet and landing on both feet before releasing the ball
d) Touching the ball with the feet/foot

Scoring

A goal is scored when the goal is thrown or batted over and completely goes through the ring by
either the goal shooter or goal attacker from any area within the shooting circle and there is no foul.
The shoot should be excuted within three seconds and the footwork rule obeyed.
 note;

a) If another player throws the ball through the ring on goal is scored and play continues
b) If a defending player(goalkeeper/goal defender) deflects the ball and a goal is scored, it is
counted
c) If the whistle goes for an interval before the goal passes through the ring, no goal is counted
d) If the whistle of an interval is blown after a penalty pass/shot has been awarded in the goal
circle, it has to be retaken

Discipline

Players and team officials have the responsibility of not going against the rules or employing any actions
not covered by the wording of the rules contrary to the spirit of the game. This includes;

a) Breaking of rules between ;

 The scoring of a goal and the restart of play
 The ball going out of court and the throwing
 The awarding and taking of any penalty on court

The umpire restarts the game by awarding a free pass, penalty pass, penalty shoot or throw in
depending the situation and provided the non-offending team is not disadvantaged

b) Delibarate delaying of play – the game is restarted with a free pass

c) Dispute with an umpire – he or she may penalize with whatever action he/she considers
appropriate under the rules of the game.

Warning,suspension and ordering off

A player or team official may be warned, suspended or ordered off the vicinity of the field in the event of
rough play, Persistent and deliberate breaking of the rules, or any inappropriate conduct

For suspension the umpire shall;

a) Signal the time keeper to hold time

b) Advice the player for the reasons for suspension and the time for this to apply. The time should
be appropriate to the level of seriousness of the misconduct
c) Advice the time keeper on the length of the suspension
d) Signal to the time keeper and blow the whistle for the game to resume

The suspended player should remain beside the score bench. No substitution shall be made for the
suspended player unless it is the centre player, in which case the team can move one player to play in
that position until the end of the suspension period. Upon completion of suspension the player who was
serving the suspension may enter the court under the following circumstances;

a) Immediatey after the goal has been scored

b) Immediately following an interval
If a player is orderd off, the umpire shall;

a) Signal the time keeper to hold time

b) Advice the player of the reasons for ordering off
c) Signal the time keeper and blow the whistle for the game to be resumed

The player ordered off shall report to the appropriate team bench if it is a team official he/she would be
excluded from the area of play. No substitution may be made for a player ordered off .

The playing position of that player shall be left vacant except if this player is the center player, one
player of the team maybe moved to the center position to allow the game to continue.

Failure to take the court

A team is required to take the court when requested to do so by the umpires, at the start of the game or
after an interval. It is the duty of the umpire to notify the teams when there are thirty (30) seconds
remaining prior to;-

a) The start of the game

b) The end of an interval

If the team fails to take to the court after thirty(30) seconds, the umpire shall give a one (10- minute
warning . They muist take the court within that time. If the offending team fails to take the court by the
end of the said period the game shall be awarded to non -offending team/opponents

Team officials

They include;

a) Captain
b) Coach
c) Team manager

Duties of the captain

a) Represent the team during the toss of the coin choice of goal ends or the first centre pass
b) Notify the umpire or the opposing captain about substitution due to injury or stoppage
c) Consolt the refree for clarification of rules
d) Call for time-out to deal with emergency( during an interval)

Duties of the couch

a) Select the players to play

b) Can also request for substitution
c) Advice the plyers
d) Design the systems and tactics of play for the team

Duties of the team maneger;

a) In-charge of the welfare of the team

 b) Spokes person for the team
c) In-charge of the teams accommodation, transport and allowances
d) Facilities provision of equipment and uniforms

Match official

This includes;

a) Two umpires
b) Two scorers
c) Two time keepers

Duties of the umpires

a) They control the game and give decision on any matter not covered by the rules
b) The umpires whistle shall start and stop the game
c) They toss for goal and area to control
d) Ensure the players are in the court during stoppages or injuries

Duties of the scorer

a) Keep a written record of the scores plus the centre pass

b) Record each goal unless notified to the contrary by the umpires
c) Keep a record of unsuccessful shots
d) Call the centre pass if appealed by the umpire

Duties of the time time keeper

a) To note the time when the game started

b) Signal the end of each quarter or half time
c) Take time or stop for stoppages and ensure it is recorvered
 SKILLS OF THE GAME

CATCHING

Two handed catch

Arms should stretch towards the ball with fingers open as the ball lands into the hands the whole body
and arms give in to the direction of light of the ball so that the catch is soft and almost free of noise. If
the arms and hands are rigid one could hurt the finger.

One handed catch

 This is usually used by experienced players who have gained a lot of confidence
 The catching action is the same as in the two handed catch except that one hand is used
 The ball is swung round to balance it on the hands and the other hand bis brought into support

THROWING /PASSING

[Link] pass

The fingers of both hands are spread behind the ball held close to the chest . By use of an elbow, wrist or
finger the ball is pushed forward. It is normally used for short and quick passes

[Link] pass

Hands should be spread behind the ball with the whole body turned outside and wait on the back foot.
The throwing arm is thrust forward from the elbow with a follow through off the body weight and the
hips are turned forward as the ball is released. The final kick of the wrist will give speed to the fight of
the ball.
[Link] arm pass

The fight of the ball is waist high, or lower and direct. It is used for short passes and the ball travels very
fast.

[Link] passes

i) One handed

ii) Two handed/lob

A high pass used when the opponent is taller or when a player is surrounded by many opponents

- The ball is held above the head with hands slightly behind and fingers pointing forward
- Elbows are bent
- The straightening of the elbows pushes the ball forward and upward
- On release, flick the wrist and fingers to make a follow through with fingers facing the target

[Link] pass

The weight must be behind and on top of the ball to direct it down wards. Fingers spread over the ball
with thumbs meeting behind the ball. The ball must bounce near the receiver to be received at the waist
level

OTHER TACTICS

Getting free

To get free i.e to shake off an opponent a player can –

a) Get behind the opponent so that she is not sighted, faint by moving to the right and sprint to the left
stretching out the left hand to indicate that the ball shall be passed on that side
b) Feint in backwards direction and sprint forwards to meet the ball and receive a shotpass
c) Feint forward and run /sprint backwards to receive a shot pass

marking

It is the effort which the player makes to prevent his or her opponents to receive the ball. The marker
should follow the opponent closely the full time until in possession of the ball.

Intercepting

This is getting in between the passer and the intended receiver of the pass. The aim is to get the ball in
its line of flight.

Shooting

The following are the shooting styles in netball ;

a) Standing shoot
b) Lay-up
c) Dunk shot
d) Jump shot
Standing shot

a) The ball is held above the head on the side of the shooting hand
b) The free hand is on the other side of the ball to provide support
c) The knees and legs are slightly bent
d) The arms are extended, releasing the ball as high as possible
e) The wrist and fingers flick the ball into a high loop
f) The fingers impart the final push

Lay-up shoot

a) The player lands obeying the footwork rules

b) The player must be balanced and have control of the ball
c) The player steps towards the goal
d) The ball is released higher above the head
e) The wrist and fingers flick the ball into the goal

NB/ The shoot should be continuous with absolute concentration on the goal

Dunk shot

It is a shot in which a player jumps to put the ball into the ring. The teaching points are similar to those
of the lay-up shot, except that the player reaches up the ball above the level of the ring. The footwork
rules should be observed.

Jump shot

This refers scoring from a jump

- Feet shoulder width apart with toes facing the ring

- Knees flared with shoulders relaxed
- The ball is held slightly above the head, shooting hand reaching the ball and non shooting hand
under the ball
- The elbow is in and thumb relaxed
- Keep eyes focused on the target

Rebounding

It is the repossession of the ball after an unsuccessful shot. All the four shoulder attempt to gain
position under the post from where there is maximum opportunity to regain possession of the ball.

SYSTEMS OF PLAY

The game is relatively simple tactically and as such the difference the average, good and very good is
often not a case of advanced tactical plans, but high levels of physical and mental ability excellent
techniques and skills and sheer physical fitness. System there for revolve

a) Defense
b) Positional play/playing position achievement

Defense play
 It involves double defending or zone defending

Double defense

The objective is for two defenders to mark one attacker. Both players restrike the attackers pace,
attempt to intercept passes and put addiction pressure on the attacker. It is used to “take out” a
dominant player in the shooting circle at a centre pass at a goal line throw in.

Zone defense

Each player takes responsibility for a single area of single area of the court and defends both the ball
and the player.

It requires the following features;

a) Accurate timing
b) Team discipline
c) Absolute concentration/alertness
d) Thinking and working as a unit

Positional play

Each playing position needs specific skills for organized play – goal shooter should be able to;

 Shoot accurately from all areas of the goal circle

 Receive the ball while facing the goal
 Have variety of skill and timing
 Jump high both to catch a pass and to retrieve a missed shot/spinning ability
 Defend when necessary/harass

Goal attacker

 As gool shooter/good goal shooter

 Feed the shooter accurately
 Work harmoniously with the centre court players

Wing attacker

 Feed the circle accurately

 Land facing the goal/ pivoting
 Make the last move as near the shooting circle as possible to increase the accuracy of passing
centre
 Links attack and defense
 Distribute accurate centre passes
 Direct but do not dominate the game /co-ordinate
 Work with wing attacker to cover the attacking circle/ third /side

Wing defender
  Defend and initiate moves from interception
 Make opponents task difficult by denying prime attacking space
 Interchange with both goal defender, centre and wing attacker
 Work with the centre to cover with the defending circle/third

Goal defender

 Maximum concentration
 Vary methods of defence
 Keep ball and opponent in full vision/ view
 Position intelligently in the goal circle
 Initiate attack, play quickly and efficiently
 Interchange with the goal keeper on attack and defense
 Intercept from static and moving positions
 Cover shots and rebounce

Goal keeper

 As goal defender
 Mark and move closely in a small area
 Utilize good upward swing /jump