All Form Two Sports Studies Chapters
- Chapter 1NetballRead below · Free
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- Chapter 4GymnasticsContinue in the app
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
- Define netball and related key terms.
- Describe the court, equipment and attire used in netball.
- Apply safety measures before, during and after play.
- Demonstrate passing, catching, footwork, dodging, shooting and defending skills.
- Explain the positions, rules, scoring and officiating of netball.
1. Key Words and Concepts
Before we begin, let’s define the core terms that form the foundation of this chapter.
Netball: A fast-paced, non-contact team sport played primarily by women. Two teams of seven players each aim to score goals by throwing a ball through a raised ringed net (the goal) on the opponent’s side of the court. Players have designated positions and areas; movement with the ball is not allowed.
Court: The rectangular playing surface, divided into thirds and marked with specific lines. All play takes place within this defined area.
Goal Post: The vertical post with a horizontal metal ring (hoop) and an open net attached, located at the centre of each goal line. A goal is scored when the ball passes downwards through the ring.
Bibs (Positional Bibs): Lightweight coloured vests worn over playing uniforms, clearly marked with two-letter abbreviations (GS, GA, WA, C, WD, GD, GK). They identify each player’s position for umpires, teammates and opponents.
Footwork Rule: Once a player lands with the ball, the first foot that lands is the landing foot. This foot must remain grounded; the other foot can pivot, but the landing foot cannot be lifted and re-grounded before the ball is released. Dragging or stepping with the ball is a violation.
Offside: A player is offside when they enter an area of the court that is not permitted for their designated position. This results in a free pass to the opposing team.
Obstruction: A penalty called when a defending player is too close to the player with the ball (less than 0.9 m / 3 ft from the landing foot), preventing free movement or passing.
Contact: Any physical interference with an opponent, intentional or accidental. Netball is a non-contact sport; contact results in a penalty pass or shot.
Pivot: Turning on one foot (the landing foot) while keeping it grounded, used to change direction and survey passing options.
Centre Pass: The method of starting play at the beginning of each quarter and after every goal. It is taken by the Centre (C) from the centre circle.
2. Concept of Netball
- Netball is a dynamic, strategic and highly skilful team sport with roots in early versions of women’s basketball developed in the late 19th century.
- It was first played in England in the 1890s and has spread worldwide, becoming especially popular in Commonwealth nations, including Tanzania, where it is a major sport in schools and national competitions.
- The core aim is to score more goals than the opposing team by passing the ball into the shooting circle and successfully shooting it through the goal ring.
- Unique constraints: players cannot run or dribble with the ball; the ball must be moved by quick, accurate passing and sharp movement off the ball.
- Each player is restricted to specific zones based on position — this demands exceptional teamwork, spatial awareness and tactical discipline.
- Often described as a “chess game on feet” because of its emphasis on strategy, timing of leads and precise execution under pressure.
- Requires high physical fitness (speed, agility, endurance, power) and mental sharpness. The game is non-contact, so safety and rule adherence are paramount.
🔦 Spotlight — Did You Know?
Netball is one of the few major team sports that was specifically designed for women from the very beginning. The original rules were adapted from basketball by physical education teachers in England who wanted a game that allowed more controlled, less physical play suitable for the clothing and social expectations of the 1890s. Today it is played by millions of women and girls (and a growing number of men) across more than 80 countries.
🏃 Activity 1: Understanding the Essence of Netball
- The teacher will show a 2–3 minute video clip of a high-level netball match.
- As you watch, do not focus on the score. Instead observe the movement and answer:
- How many times do you see a player take more than one step with the ball?
- What happens immediately after a goal is scored?
- How far away do defenders stand from the player with the ball?
- Discuss as a class: How does the “no running with the ball” rule force the team to work together differently from basketball or football?
Note to the Teacher: Choose a short clip that clearly shows centre passes, footwork and the 0.9 m defending distance. Pause the video at key moments so students can discuss observations before continuing.
3. Netball Facilities and Equipment
A standard netball game requires regulated facilities and equipment to ensure fair play and safety.
A. The Netball Court
- Hard, flat, rectangular surface (asphalt, concrete or sprung wooden flooring for indoor play).
- Official dimensions:
- Length: 30.5 metres (100 feet)
- Width: 15.25 metres (50 feet)
- Divided into three equal thirds (each ≈ 10.17 m long):
- Goal Thirds — the two end sections containing the shooting circles.
- Centre Third — the middle section containing the centre circle.
Key Court Markings
- Boundary Lines (sidelines & goal lines) — outer edges; ball is out if it touches the ground on or outside these lines.
- Centre Circle — 0.9 m (3 ft) diameter in the exact centre; all centre passes start here.
- Goal Circles (Shooting Circles) — semi-circles of radius 4.9 m (16 ft) measured from the centre of the goal line under the post. Only GS & GA (attacking) and GK & GD (defending) may enter. Goals can only be scored from inside this circle.
- Transverse Lines — the two lines dividing the court into thirds. Players must not cross into zones forbidden for their position.
B. Equipment
| Item | Description & Specifications |
|---|---|
| Goal Posts | Two vertical posts, one at each end, at the midpoint of the goal line. Metal ring height 3.05 m (10 ft), internal diameter 38 cm (15 in). Open mesh/cord net that hangs freely. |
| Netball | Spherical ball of leather, rubber or synthetic material. Size 5 for senior players & Form 2+: circumference 690–710 mm, weight 400–450 g. Properly inflated for good grip and bounce. |
| Playing Bibs / Positional Patches | Each of the seven players wears a bib with the two-letter position abbreviation clearly displayed front and back: GS, GA, WA, C, WD, GD, GK. |
| Umpires’ Equipment | Whistle, scorecard & pen. Umpires wear distinctive shirts for easy identification. |
| Suitable Attire | Matching team uniform (shirt + shorts/skirt). Supportive sports shoes with non-marking soles and good ankle support. Jewellery strictly forbidden; nails must be trimmed short. |
✏️ Activity 2: Draw and Label the Court
- On a blank sheet, using a ruler and pencil, draw a scaled-down netball court (scale 1 cm = 1 m → court 30.5 cm long × 15.25 cm wide).
- Draw and label: Sideline, Goal Line, Transverse Line, Centre Circle, Goal Circle. Mark the exact position of the goal posts.
- Shade the areas where the Goal Keeper (GK) is allowed to play (own defensive goal third, including the goal circle).
- Swap drawings with a partner to check accuracy. Keep the diagram in your sports notebook for revision.
4. Precautionary Measures in Netball
Although netball is non-contact, fast stops, sharp turns, jumps and rapid arm movements create injury risks if precautions are ignored.
A. Pre-Participation Precautions
- Medical Clearance: Any participant with a known health condition (asthma, heart issues, previous injuries) must have clearance from a doctor and inform the teacher/coach.
- Appropriate Attire & Equipment:
- Remove all jewellery (earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, watches) — they can cause severe cuts.
- Wear a properly fitted sports uniform (not too loose or baggy).
- Supportive sports shoes with good lateral grip; laces double-knotted.
- Fingernails cut short and smooth.
- Facility Inspection: Walk the court before every session. Clear debris, standing water or surface cracks.
- Proper Warm-Up: Thorough dynamic warm-up focusing especially on ankles, knees and shoulders.
B. During Play Precautions
- Strict adherence to the non-contact rule — play the ball, not the player.
- Correct landing technique: land with bent knees (soft landing) to absorb shock. Never land with locked legs.
- Maintain the 0.9 m obstruction distance (measured from the attacker’s landing foot).
- Spatial awareness — know court boundaries and goal-post positions; never sprint directly at a post.
- Hydration: drink water at breaks. Dehydration increases injury risk.
C. Post-Activity & First Aid
- Gradual cool-down (light jogging + static stretching).
- Immediate injury management: stop play, apply R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) for soft-tissue injuries and refer to a medical professional.
- All injuries, even minor ones, must be recorded in an incident log.
📋 Exercise 1: Safety Scenario Analysis
Read each scenario. Identify the safety precaution that was ignored and propose what should have been done.
- Mwajuma (GK) arrives late, quickly ties her shoes and runs onto court without warming up. Five minutes later she jumps for an interception and lands awkwardly, clutching her ankle.
- During a drill, Asha is defending closely. She stretches her arm and her long, unclipped fingernail scratches the shooter’s arm, drawing blood.
- The court had been swept, but a pile of leaves and a small stone were left at the edge of the transverse line. A Centre player backpedals and trips over the stone.
5. Skills and Techniques in Playing Netball
Master the fundamental skills until they become automatic before progressing to advanced tactics.
A. Ball Handling Skills
1. Passing
Quick, accurate, decisive passing is the hallmark of a good netball team. Always pass to where the receiver is moving (into space), not where they are standing.
| Type of Pass | Technique & Coaching Points | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Chest Pass | Fingers spread wide behind the ball. Step forward, push explosively from chest level, arms fully extended, thumbs down, fingers follow through. Ball travels fast, flat and without a loop. | Quick, direct passes over short to medium distances. |
| Bounce Pass | Similar action to chest pass but aimed at the floor about two-thirds of the way to the receiver. Ball bounces once and arrives at waist/hip height. Released from waist level. | Passing past a tall defender whose arms are up; feeding the ball into the shooting circle. |
| Shoulder / Overhead Pass | Ball held high, slightly behind the head. One hand behind, one supporting. Strong whip-like arm action, weight transferred from back to front foot. | Clearing the ball from defensive third to attacking third; long throw-ins. |
| Lob Pass | High, arching trajectory released with a gentle push from the fingers. Designed to drop softly over a defender’s outstretched arms into space. | Feeding a tall GS who has sealed their defender; passing over a tight defensive zone. |
2. Catching
- Eyes on the ball at all times.
- Reach out with both hands, fingers spread and relaxed, forming a “W” shape with thumbs and index fingers.
- As the ball contacts the fingers, pull the hands back towards the body (“soft hands”) to absorb speed.
- Bring the ball securely into the chest to protect it.
- Common error: catching with stiff, flat hands causes the ball to bounce off.
3. Footwork and Movement
- Players cannot run with the ball. Legal footwork when receiving is critical.
- Landing on one foot: first foot down becomes the landing foot; the other foot can step and the player may pivot on the landing foot.
- Landing on two feet (straddle): player may choose either foot as the landing foot and pivot on it.
- Pivoting: landing foot remains anchored. Heel may lift but the toe must maintain contact with the ground. Dragging or stepping with the landing foot is a footwork violation.
4. Dodging
- Sprint Dodge (Single Dodge): run the defender towards the ball, plant the outside foot, push off powerfully and sprint back towards the passer. Key is the sharp change of direction and speed.
- Double Dodge (Two-Way Feint): fake a move in one direction (head, shoulders, small step), wait for the defender to shift weight, then sprint the opposite way.
- Change of Pace: run slowly, then suddenly accelerate into a sprint to catch the defender off guard.
5. Shooting
- Only GS and GA may shoot.
- Stand facing the ring, feet shoulder-width apart. Ball rests on the fingertips of the dominant hand; non-shooting hand supports on the side.
- Bend the knees, extend knees and shooting arm upwards in one fluid motion. Release with a gentle flick of the wrist and fingers at the highest point.
- Aim for a high, soft trajectory so the ball drops cleanly through the ring. Focus on a point just over the front of the ring.
- Key to consistency: same routine every time; shoot with the legs, not just the arms; hold the follow-through.
6. Defending
- One-on-One Marking: stand slightly to the side and goal-side (between player and post). Maintain ≥ 0.9 m. Watch the player’s hips/waist, not eyes or ball. Keep hands down or outstretched to show legal distance, then contest the pass.
- Interception: read the attacker’s pass and step forward at the exact right moment to catch the ball before it reaches the intended receiver. Requires excellent timing and anticipation.
- Defending the Shot: stand 0.9 m from the shooter’s landing foot. Jump straight up to attempt a deflection; do not lean forward or make contact.
🔄 Activity 3: Skill Circuit Stations
Rotate through four stations in small groups. Spend 5 minutes at each. Focus on correct technique, not speed.
- Station 1 – Chest & Bounce Pass Accuracy: pairs, 3 m apart with a target cone between. Count consecutive hits on the cone.
- Station 2 – Pivot Practice: receive a ball standing still. On the whistle establish a landing foot and pivot 360° on command (“left!”, “right!”). Landing foot stays planted.
- Station 3 – Dodging & Leading: work in threes (passer, passive defender, attacker). Attacker practises a sprint dodge to get free.
- Station 4 – Shooting Repetition: use a lowered hoop or full height. Focus on knee bend and high release. Count goals out of 20 shots.
6. Rules and Regulations for Playing Netball
A sound knowledge of the rules allows every player to play fairly, understand decisions and exploit space legally.
A. Team Composition and Positions
- Seven players on court at any one time. Substitutions allowed during intervals or for an injured player (with umpire’s permission).
- Each position has a strictly defined playing area.
| Position | Abbrev. | Playing Area Permitted |
|---|---|---|
| Goal Shooter | GS | Attacking goal third, including the goal circle |
| Goal Attack | GA | Attacking goal third (incl. goal circle) + centre third |
| Wing Attack | WA | Attacking goal third (NOT the goal circle) + centre third |
| Centre | C | Entire court except both goal circles |
| Wing Defence | WD | Defensive goal third (NOT the goal circle) + centre third |
| Goal Defence | GD | Defensive goal third (incl. goal circle) + centre third |
| Goal Keeper | GK | Defensive goal third, including the goal circle |
B. Starting and Restarting Play
- Centre Pass: starts the game and restarts after every goal. Taken alternately by the two Centres from the centre circle. All players must be in their correct thirds before the whistle.
- Throw-In: when the ball goes out of court. Taken by a player from the opposing team to the one that last touched it. Thrower stands with a foot behind the line and must release the ball within 3 seconds.
- Free Pass / Penalty Pass: awarded for infringements. Penalty pass (contact or obstruction) — offender must stand beside and away from the thrower. Free pass (minor rules) taken from the spot of the infringement.
C. Major Rules During Play
| Rule | Description | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Footwork | Once landed with the ball, may not drag, slide or lift & re-ground the landing foot. Pivoting is allowed. | Free pass to opposing team |
| Offside | Player enters a zone not permitted for their position. | Free pass taken in the zone where the offence occurred |
| Obstruction | Defender stands less than 0.9 m from the player with the ball (measured from attacker’s landing foot). | Penalty pass; offender stands beside & away |
| Contact | Any physical interference (pushing, holding, hitting, leaning), accidental or deliberate. | Penalty pass. Persistent/dangerous: caution, 2-min suspension or send-off |
| Held Ball | Player must pass or shoot within 3 seconds of receiving the ball. | Free pass to opposing team |
| Replayed Ball | Player may not regain control of the ball after releasing it unless it has touched another player or the goal post. Cannot bounce the ball to oneself. | Free pass to opposing team |
| Over a Third | Ball must be touched by a player in each third as it moves from defensive to attacking end. Cannot be thrown directly across two transverse lines. | Free pass at the transverse line where the ball should have been touched |
| Toss-Up | Used when two opposing players simultaneously gain possession or the ball is accidentally deflected off an umpire. | — |
D. Scoring a Goal
- A goal is scored only when the ball is shot by a GS or GA from within the goal circle and passes downwards entirely through the ring.
- If a defender deflects the ball after it is shot and it still goes through, the goal counts.
- Ball passing through from a non-shooting player or from outside the circle does not count.
E. Match Duration and Officials
- Four quarters of 15 minutes each.
- 3-minute breaks between quarters; 5-minute half-time break.
- Two umpires, each responsible for one half of the court.
- A timekeeper and a scorer are also required.
⚖️ Exercise 2: Rules Application Quiz
For each scenario state (a) which rule (if any) has been broken, (b) the penalty, and (c) which team gets the ball.
- A Wing Attack (WA) receives the ball just inside the goal circle, turns and shoots. The ball goes through the ring.
- A Goal Defence (GD) is marking the Goal Attack (GA) on the edge of the goal circle. The GA has the ball. The GD stretches her arm and her hand is 30 cm from the GA’s face.
- A Centre (C) lands on one foot after catching the ball. She then lifts her landing foot completely off the ground and puts it back down before passing.
- A Goal Shooter (GS) misses a shot. The ball rebounds off the goal post and the same GS catches it again without it touching any other player.
- The ball is thrown from the defensive goal third, sails untouched through the centre third, and is caught by a player in the attacking goal third.
📣 Activity 4: Mini Umpiring Practice
- In a small-sided 5-on-5 half-court game, one student acts as umpire with a whistle.
- The teacher secretly assigns two players on each team to commit a specific, pre-planned infringement (small footwork error, stepping offside, deliberate obstruction, etc.).
- The student umpire must blow the whistle, clearly state the infringement and award the correct penalty. The rest of the class observes and gives feedback.
🧠 Jog Your Brain — After Rules & Skills
Test yourself. Click “View Answer” to reveal the correct response.
1. How many players from each team are on the court at any one time?
C. 7
2. What is the official height of the netball ring from the ground?
B. 3.05 m (10 feet)
3. The maximum time a player may hold the ball before passing or shooting is:
C. 3 seconds
4. Which two positions are allowed to shoot for goal?
C. GS and GA
5. The obstruction distance a defender must keep from the player with the ball is:
B. 0.9 m (3 feet)
6. Which position may play in the entire court except the two goal circles?
C. Centre
7. A player lands with the ball, lifts the landing foot completely off the ground and puts it down again before releasing the ball. This is:
B. A footwork violation
8. The court is divided into how many equal thirds?
B. Three
9. Which of the following is NOT a legal pass in netball?
C. Dribbling while running (players may not run or dribble with the ball)
10. After a goal is scored, play restarts with:
C. A centre pass taken by the Centre (alternating between the two teams)
Short-Answer Questions (click to reveal)
1. Explain the difference between a free pass and a penalty pass.
A free pass is awarded for minor infringements (e.g. footwork, offside, held ball) and is taken from the spot of the infringement; the offending player does not have to stand out. A penalty pass is awarded for contact or obstruction; the offender must stand beside and away from the thrower and may not move until the ball has been released.
2. Why is the “no running with the ball” rule so important in netball?
It forces players to move the ball by accurate passing and sharp off-the-ball movement. This creates a unique tactical game based on teamwork, spatial awareness and precise timing rather than individual dribbling skill.
3. List the seven positional abbreviations and name the position each stands for.
GS – Goal Shooter; GA – Goal Attack; WA – Wing Attack; C – Centre; WD – Wing Defence; GD – Goal Defence; GK – Goal Keeper.
4. Describe the correct technique for landing and pivoting after catching the ball.
The first foot to land becomes the landing foot and must remain grounded (heel may lift but toe stays in contact). The other foot may step in any direction so the player can pivot and survey passing options. The landing foot must not be dragged or lifted and re-grounded before the ball is released.
5. What should a player do immediately after receiving an ankle sprain during a match?
Stop playing immediately, do not try to “run it off”. Apply the R.I.C.E. principle (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and refer the player to a medical professional. Record the injury in the incident log.
7. Chapter Summary
- Netball is a strategic, non-contact team sport in which seven players per team, each restricted to specific zones, aim to score by shooting a ball through a raised ring. Success depends on fast, accurate passing and sharp movement without the ball.
- The standard facility is a 30.5 m × 15.25 m court divided into thirds, with goal circles of 4.9 m radius and goal posts 3.05 m high. Essential equipment includes a Size 5 ball, positional bibs and a whistle for officials.
- Precautionary measures include thorough warm-ups, removal of all jewellery, facility inspection, strict adherence to the non-contact rule, correct landing technique with bent knees, and immediate injury management using R.I.C.E.
- Core skills include four types of pass (chest, bounce, shoulder, lob), soft-handed catching, disciplined footwork with a grounded landing foot and legal pivoting, effective dodging, consistent shooting technique, and one-on-one defence plus interception.
- Rules define seven distinct playing positions and their zones, the 3-second held-ball rule, the 0.9 m obstruction distance, footwork and offside violations, the over-a-third rule, and that goals may only be scored by GS or GA from within the circle. Matches consist of four 15-minute quarters controlled by two umpires.
📝 End-of-Topic Assessment — Suggested Answers
Complete the 10 multiple-choice and 10 short-answer questions. Click the buttons to check your answers.
Part A — Multiple Choice (10)
1. Official length of a netball court is:
B. 30.5 m
2. The radius of each goal circle is:
B. 4.9 m
3. Which position is restricted to the defensive goal third only (including the goal circle)?
C. GK
4. A ball that travels from the defensive third, through the centre third untouched, and is caught in the attacking third breaks which rule?
B. Over a third
5. The correct sequence of the R.I.C.E. principle is:
A. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
6. When receiving the ball in the air and landing on two feet simultaneously, the player:
B. May choose either foot as the landing foot and pivot on it
7. Jewellery is forbidden in netball mainly because:
B. It can cause severe cuts to the wearer or other players
8. A standard netball match consists of:
C. Four quarters of 15 minutes
9. Which pass is best used to feed a tall Goal Shooter who has sealed her defender?
C. Lob pass
10. The Centre Circle has a diameter of:
A. 0.9 m
Part B — Short Answer (10)
1. Define the term “offside” in netball.
A player is offside when they enter an area of the court that is not permitted for their designated position. The penalty is a free pass to the opposing team taken in the zone where the offence occurred.
2. State the official dimensions of a netball court.
Length 30.5 metres (100 feet); Width 15.25 metres (50 feet).
3. Name the four main types of pass used in netball and give one primary use for each.
Chest pass – quick short-to-medium distance passes; Bounce pass – past a tall defender or into the circle; Shoulder/Overhead pass – clearing from defence to attack or long throw-ins; Lob pass – over a defender to a sealed GS or over a tight zone.
4. Explain why a thorough warm-up is non-negotiable before netball.
It prepares the muscles, joints and cardiovascular system for the sudden stops, sharp turns, jumps and rapid arm movements of the game, thereby reducing the risk of injury, especially to ankles, knees and shoulders.
5. What is the difference between marking a player and intercepting a pass?
Marking is staying goal-side of an opponent at a legal distance to deny them space and options. Interception is reading the intended pass and stepping into the flight of the ball at the right moment to catch it before it reaches the receiver.
6. List five items of equipment or attire that must be checked before a match for safety reasons.
Any five of: jewellery removed; nails short and smooth; supportive non-marking sports shoes with laces double-knotted; properly fitted uniform; court surface free of debris/water/cracks; whistle and scorecard for umpires.
7. Describe the correct shooting technique.
Face the ring, feet shoulder-width apart. Ball on fingertips of dominant hand, other hand supporting. Bend knees, extend legs and shooting arm in one fluid motion, release with a wrist/finger flick at the highest point. Aim for a high soft arc that drops cleanly through the ring. Hold the follow-through.
8. What happens if a defending player deflects a shot and the ball still goes through the ring?
The goal still counts.
9. Why is netball sometimes called a “chess game on feet”?
Because success depends heavily on strategy, timing of leads, precise positioning and tactical decision-making rather than pure physical dominance or individual ball-carrying skill.
10. Outline the roles of the two umpires during a match.
Each umpire is responsible for one half of the court (one goal third plus the adjacent side-line and transverse line). They work together as a team, signalling infringements, awarding penalties and controlling the flow of the game.
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