“Ever wondered how to play netball like the pros? The secret isn’t talent alone but it’s learning the right skills, mastering the basics, and having fun while doing it.”
Netball is one of the fastest, most exciting sports in the world. It’s a team game full of energy, precision, and teamwork. For beginners, learning how to play netball is about understanding the netball rules, knowing your position on the court, and practising the essential skills that make every pass and shot count.
At The Netball Academy, we believe every player, no matter their starting level, can become confident and skilled with the right guidance. Our coaches in Singapore help kids master how to play netball step by step, combining technique, movement, and teamwork in a fun, supportive environment.
What Is Netball?
Before you dive into drills and passes, let’s start with what netball actually is.
Netball is a seven-a-side team sport played on a rectangular court divided into thirds. Each team aims to score goals by passing the ball and shooting it through a raised ring at the opponent’s end. Unlike basketball, players cannot run with the ball or dribble it. Passing, positioning, and quick teamwork are the heart of how to play netball.
The game is non-contact, fast-paced, and built around clear netball rules that encourage strategy, agility, and precision. Once you learn the fundamentals, you’ll realise that every role and movement on the court has a purpose.
Why Learning How to Play Netball Is So Fun
One of the best parts about learning how to play netball is that it’s fun from day one. It’s a team game where everyone has a role to play, and there’s never a dull moment on the court.
Here’s why players love it:
- Fast-paced excitement: The ball moves constantly, keeping players alert and active.
- Team spirit: Every goal is a group effort.
- Confidence boost: Learning the netball rules gives players structure and helps them feel more in control.
- Fitness and coordination: You’ll build stamina, balance, and quick reflexes.
At The Netball Academy, our beginner training sessions are designed to make learning how to play netball exciting and approachable. We focus on fun and skill-building so every child feels encouraged to keep improving.
The Basic Netball Rules Every Beginner Should Know
When you’re learning how to play netball, the first thing to master is the rules. These netball rules keep the game fair, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.
1. The Footwork Rule
Once you catch the ball, you can’t move both feet. You must keep one foot grounded (called the landing foot) and can pivot around it before passing.
2. The Three-Second Rule
You can only hold the ball for up to three seconds. This keeps the game fast and encourages teamwork.
3. The Contact Rule
Netball is a non-contact game. You cannot push, trip, or bump other players. Incidental contact happens, but if it interferes with play, it’s a penalty.
4. The Obstruction Rule
Defenders must stay at least three feet (0.9 metres) from the player holding the ball. Standing too close or waving hands in their face counts as obstruction.
5. The Offside Rule
Each player’s movement depends on their position. If you step outside your allowed area, it’s called offside. Following this rule keeps the netball game structured.
Learning these netball rules early will help you play smoothly and confidently.
How to Play Netball : Step by Step
So, how do you actually get started? Here’s a simple guide to how to play netball for beginners.
Step 1 – Learn the Court
A netball court is divided into three main sections:
- Defending Goal Third – where your team prevents goals.
- Centre Third – the middle area for transitions.
- Attacking Goal Third – where you score.
Each section has boundaries that different positions must respect. Understanding these zones is key to learning how to play netball correctly.
Step 2 – Understand Player Positions
Each team has seven players, and every player has a role:
- Goal Shooter (GS): Scores goals inside the goal circle.
- Goal Attack (GA): Supports the GS and can also shoot.
- Wing Attack (WA): Feeds passes to the shooters.
- Centre (C): Connects attack and defence, covering most of the court.
- Wing Defence (WD): Stops the WA and prevents feeds into the goal circle.
- Goal Defence (GD): Blocks attackers and defends the goal circle.
- Goal Keeper (GK): Protects the goal and marks the GS.
Knowing your position helps you move efficiently and follow netball rules during play.
Step 3 – Master Passing and Catching
Passing is everything in netball. There are three main types of passes to learn:
- Chest pass: A quick, accurate pass to a teammate’s chest.
- Bounce pass: Great for passing around defenders.
- Overhead pass: Used to send the ball across longer distances.
Catch the ball with both hands, keep your eyes on it, and land firmly on one foot to stay within the netball rules.
Step 4 – Learn Shooting Techniques
Only the GS and GA can shoot goals. Keep your elbows high, focus on the ring, and release the ball with a smooth flick of your wrist. Accuracy is more important than power.
At The Netball Academy, we use fun drills to help kids practise shooting under pressure. It’s part of building the confidence to play like a pro.
Step 5 – Focus on Footwork and Movement
Footwork is one of the hardest parts of how to play netball. Practise pivoting, quick stops, and sharp direction changes. Good footwork helps you dodge defenders, find space, and pass cleanly.
Common Mistakes When Learning How to Play Netball
Every beginner makes mistakes and it’s part of the process! Here are a few to watch for:
- Running with the ball🚫: Remember to pivot, not sprint.
- Holding the ball too long🚫: Pass within three seconds to avoid a turnover.
- Crowding teammates🚫: Keep space so passes are easier.
- Forgetting the three-foot rule🚫: Defend smartly without getting penalties.
- Not using your voice🚫: Communication helps your team move as one.
At The Netball Academy, our coaches help players understand these early errors and correct them through fun, structured practice sessions.
Drills and Exercises to Improve How You Play Netball
Once you know the basics of how to play netball, the next step is practice. The more you train, the more confident and skilful you’ll become on the court. Here are simple drills used at The Netball Academy that help beginners grow faster:
1. Passing Circle Drill
Form a circle with your teammates and pass the ball around using chest, bounce, and overhead passes.
- Focus on speed and accuracy.
- Call out your teammate’s name before passing.
- Stay light on your feet and pivot when needed.
This helps with communication, hand-eye coordination, and applying the netball rules on footwork.
2. Shooting Under Pressure
Have one player shoot while a defender waves their hands (at least three feet away).
- Aim for ten accurate goals.
- Swap roles after each round.
This drill improves shooting accuracy and builds composure when defenders apply pressure.
3. Intercept and Recover Drill
Line up two attackers and one defender. Pass the ball between attackers while the defender tries to intercept.
- Switch roles after every few passes.
- Focus on timing, not guessing.
This teaches anticipation, a vital skill when learning how to play netball effectively.
4. Three-Second Pass Game
Use the three-second rule as a challenge. If a player holds the ball longer, they lose a point.
- Keeps the game fast and encourages teamwork.
- Reinforces one of the most important netball rules.
Advanced Netball Rules to Level Up Your Game
As you get more confident with how to play netball, it’s time to understand the advanced netball rules that separate casual players from serious ones.
1. Advantage Rule
If a player breaks a rule but the other team still has the ball, the umpire may allow play to continue instead of stopping. This keeps the game flowing.
2. Short Pass Rule
You cannot pass to yourself or make a pass that is too short. There must be enough space for another player to move between you and the ball.
3. Toss-Up
When two players contact the ball at the same time, the umpire performs a toss-up wherein both players stand beside each other, and the umpire throws the ball up for them to contest fairly.
4. Free Pass vs. Penalty Pass
A free pass happens for minor rule breaks, such as stepping or offside.
A penalty pass is for contact or obstruction. The penalised player must stand beside the one taking the pass and cannot move or talk until the ball is released.
Understanding these netball rules helps you stay calm and strategic during matches.
Building Confidence When Learning How to Play Netball
Confidence is one of the biggest parts of mastering how to play netball. At first, beginners may feel nervous, but confidence grows with practice and encouragement.
Here are a few simple ways to boost self-belief on the netball court:
- Set small goals: Focus on one skill each session, like pivoting or shooting.
- Celebrate progress: Even small wins show improvement.
- Watch others play: Learn positioning and footwork from more experienced players.
- Stay positive: Mistakes are part of the process and each one teaches you something new.
At The Netball Academy, coaches focus on building confidence, not just skill. Players are encouraged to try, learn, and enjoy the game without fear of making errors. That’s how beginners grow into confident players.
Why Teamwork Is Everything in Netball
If you want to master how to play netball, you must learn teamwork. No one can win a game alone; every player, from Goal Shooter to Goal Keeper, plays a part in the team’s success.
Teamwork in netball means:
- Trusting your teammates to be in position.
- Calling out passes clearly.
- Supporting others during tough moments.
A good team communicates constantly. Every “Here!” or “Yours!” makes a difference. When everyone moves as one, the game feels smooth, fast, and powerful.
At The Netball Academy, teamwork is taught in every session. Players learn to listen, respond, and encourage one another. This is what transforms beginners into strong, united teams.
How to Improve Your Game Outside the Court
Learning how to play netball doesn’t stop when the match ends. You can continue improving through simple habits off the court:
1. Watch Professional Matches
Observe how pros move, pass, and defend. Notice how they follow netball rules without losing flow.
2. Work on Fitness
Running, skipping, and strength exercises help with stamina and agility which are two essentials for netball.
3. Stretch and Recover
Flexibility reduces injuries. Simple stretches before and after training help your muscles recover faster.
4. Eat and Hydrate Well
Fuel your body with balanced meals and plenty of water. A healthy diet keeps your energy levels steady for every match.
Even off-court habits make a big difference in how effectively you learn how to play netball.
How The Netball Academy Helps Beginners Play Like Pros
Many parents and players ask how The Netball Academy transforms beginners into confident players. The answer is simple…structure, support, and fun.
Here’s how we guide every player on their journey:
Personalised skill development: Each player learns how to play netball at their own pace, focusing on key fundamentals first.
Friendly coaching style: Our team creates an environment where kids feel safe to ask questions and try new techniques.
Game-based learning: Every session includes small games to apply netball rules in real scenarios.
Positive culture: We celebrate progress, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Players leave every session smiling, more confident, and eager to play again. That’s the power of learning how to play netball the right way.
Final Tips to Play Netball Like a Pro
If you’ve made it this far, you’re already on your way to becoming a great player! Here are a few last tips to take your game to the next level:
Master the basics first. You can’t build strong skills without solid fundamentals.
Practise every week. Consistency is what makes beginners improve quickly.
Respect the netball rules. They’re not limits but rather they make the game fair and exciting.
Stay positive. Every great player started somewhere.
And most importantly—have fun! That’s what keeps every game of netball worth playing.
Train Like a Pro, Play with Confidence
Ready to take your game to the next level? Learn how to play netball the right way with The Netball Academy, Singapore’s trusted training hub for young players. Our expert coaches make every session exciting, helping you master netball rules, sharpen your skills, and grow your confidence on the court.
Join The Netball Academy today and discover how fun and rewarding learning netball can be!
Contact The Netball Academy:
+65 8282 1280 (Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm)
admin@thenetballacademy.sg
https://thenetballacademy.sg
Train hard. Play smart. Own the court with The Netball Academy.Get trial to get started!