How to Play Indoor Netball

It’s pretty similar to outdoor netball, only way more exciting. We reckon it’s the most sought after social sport in Brisbane. Indoor netball has it all. The ball is always in play, as you’re surrounded on all sides by netting. Your game will never get called off, thanks to the whole ‘Indoor’ thing. So you’ll get to enjoy this fast-paced game all year round. Want to know how to play? Let’s break it down.
how to play netball, netball player deciding who to throw ball to

The 411 On Indoor Netball

In a nutshell, indoor netball is a variation of netball and played exclusively indoors. The synthetic turf court is completely surrounded by tension netting, which stops the ball from leaving the court. There’s no ‘out-of-bounds’ in indoor netball. Less frequent stoppages means indoor netball is not for the faint hearted. Each game has four action-packed 8 minute quarters with 15 to 30 second breaks in between.

The teams are reduced from seven players to six-a-side. You’ll play with a universally accepted Netball or Association Football size 5, which we’ll supply. The indoor adaptation of netball means every player gets an equal share of participation.

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The 6 Indoor Netball Positions

Like we said, indoor netball reduces the team from seven players to six. This means that the centre portion of the court is adjusted. So instead of having Centre, Wing Attack and Wing Defence players – you have two general Centre players. Every player has a different role, which all work together as a team. Depending on your position, you’re only allowed to play in specific parts of the court. Let’s break it down.

The Goal Keeper

Your Goal Keeper (GK) is the last line of defence on the court. They defend against the opposing team’s Goal Shooter and Goal Attack. Your GK’s main job is to prevent the other team from scoring a goal. GK is only allowed on the defence third of the court.

The Goal Defence

Playing only in the defensive and centre third of the court, your Goal Defence (GD) has the role of stopping the opposing players (Goal Shooter and Goal Attack) from scoring. A pro interceptor and blocker, your GD is the MVP of changing the ball from defensive play to attacking play. 

The Centres

In indoor netball, your two Centre (C) players are able to move around the whole court, except both goal circles. For the most part, your Centre players will defend, attack and mark the opposing team’s centre players. Another part of their role is to try and create as many goal scoring opportunities for your team as possible. Each time a goal is scored, the play goes back to the middle of the court and the centre players restart the game by making the first pass.

The Goal Shooter

Your GS, or Goal Shooter, serves as your team’s main goal scorer. They need accuracy, quick reaction time and the ability to find and create goal scoring opportunities. Working mainly with your team’s Goal Attack, your GS is only allowed to play in the attacking third of the court.

The Goal Attack

Your Goal Attack (GA) helps out your GS by feeding them the ball and working with them to create space to score against the opposing team. Your GA will have other worldly passing and shooting skills and a keen eye for goal scoring opportunities. This player reigns supreme in the centre and attacking third of the court.

The Rules

We won’t bore you with all the nitty gritty rules. Instead, we’ll leave you with the top three rules to remember when playing indoor netball. They’re also the ones you’ll most likely hear the umpire call during the game.

Contact

When defending another player who’s in possession of the ball you must be 3 feet (0.9m) from that player’s closest grounded foot.

Stepping

Strap your knees up, because you can’t step with the ball. When you land on one foot you can step with the other foot, lift the landing foot, but must throw the ball before re-grounding your lifted foot. Or, you can use your landing foot as a pivoting foot, stepping in any direction with the other foot as many times as you like. Keeping in mind you must release the ball within three seconds of catching it.

Offside

Always remember to stay in your designated area. It’s a simple rule but you’d be surprised how easy it is to get lost in the game!

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That’s A Wrap. We’re Here If You Need Though

That pretty much covers the basics of indoor netball. Without a doubt, the best way to learn how to play is by getting out there and joining our indoor netball league. You can sign up with your own team of friends or we can hook you up with the perfect squad. Have more questions about how it all works? Hit us up.

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