“Have you ever wondered what is netball and why so many kids in Singapore can’t stop playing it?”
Netball is more than just a game. It is fast, fun, and full of teamwork. The sport brings players together, teaches coordination, and builds confidence through movement and strategy. Once you understand what is netball, you will see why it has become one of the most loved team sports for children and schools across Singapore.
At The Netball Academy, we help young players learn how to play netball step by step through structured and enjoyable sessions. Every session focuses on skill-building, teamwork, and confidence, turning curious beginners into passionate players who love every moment on court.
What Is Netball
So, what exactly is this exciting sport?
Netball is a fast-paced team game played by two teams of seven players. The aim is to score goals by passing a ball down the court and shooting it through a raised ring. Each player has specific areas where they can move, which makes positioning and teamwork essential.
Once you start learning how to play netball, you quickly realise it is not just about running and passing. It combines quick thinking, agility, and smart coordination. You learn to trust your teammates, time your passes, and read the court.
The official netball court is divided into three sections: the defensive third, the centre third, and the attacking third. At both ends, there are shooting circles where teams aim to score. Players must follow key rules, such as not holding the ball for more than three seconds and avoiding contact with others. These rules keep the game safe, structured, and exciting.
So when someone asks you what is netball, you can tell them it is a sport of speed, teamwork, and timing, one where every pass and move counts.
How to Play Netball
Understanding how to play netball is simple once you learn the basics. The sport starts with a centre pass, which begins each quarter and restarts play after a goal is scored.
Here is how a typical game flows:
- The ball is passed from the centre circle to teammates within the allowed areas.
- Players must pass the ball within three seconds of catching it.
- Each player must stay in their position zones to avoid being offside.
- The team scores when the ball passes through the opponent’s goal ring.
Netball teaches timing, spacing, and control. Players cannot run while holding the ball, so they learn to pivot, turning on one foot to find the best teammate to pass to. These movements make how to play netball both strategic and physically active.
Games are usually played in four quarters, each lasting 12 to 15 minutes. It might sound short, but with constant passing, shooting, and movement, every minute is full of energy and focus.
The Main Positions in Netball
To truly understand what is netball, you must also know the roles that make up a team. Each of the seven players has a specific job to do on court.
Here are the main netball positions and their roles:
Goal Shooter (GS): The main scorer who shoots from inside the goal circle.
Goal Attack (GA): Works closely with the shooter to create scoring opportunities.
Wing Attack (WA): Brings the ball into the attacking third and feeds passes to shooters.
Centre (C): The link between defence and attack, controlling the game’s rhythm.
Wing Defence (WD): Blocks opponents and stops passes entering the circle.
Goal Defence (GD): Protects the goal and defends against shooters.
Goal Keeper (GK): Prevents the other team from scoring inside the circle.
These positions teach players teamwork and communication. When you learn how to play netball, you also learn that success comes from coordination and trust between teammates, not just individual skill.
Why Kids in Singapore Love Netball
In Singapore, netball has become one of the most popular sports for children. Schools, academies, and community clubs have embraced it for its balance of fun, fitness, and teamwork.
Here is why kids fall in love with the game:
It is full of action: The constant movement keeps players active and engaged.
It builds friendships: Netball encourages communication and teamwork, helping children bond on and off the court.
It improves fitness: Running, passing, and defending make it a great workout for stamina and coordination.
It builds confidence: Players learn leadership, quick decision-making, and resilience.
It feels rewarding: Every successful pass and goal builds a sense of achievement.
Parents love that netball offers more than just physical activity. It teaches values such as cooperation, discipline, and sportsmanship. These lessons help children develop positive habits beyond the court.
At The Netball Academy, we often see shy beginners transform into confident players after just a few sessions. Once they understand what is netball, their energy and enthusiasm grow with every match.
The Benefits of Playing Netball for Kids
Learning what is netball also means discovering its many benefits. It is one of the few sports that develops physical fitness, coordination, and teamwork all at once.
Here are some of the top benefits:
Improved agility and balance: Players learn to move swiftly and change direction safely.
Better focus and decision-making: Every play requires quick thinking and sharp reactions.
Team spirit: Children learn how to cooperate and value teamwork.
Confidence growth: Success on court translates to self-assurance in daily life.
Health and wellness: Regular games promote active lifestyles and build strong habits.
These are the same qualities that The Netball Academy aims to nurture. Our training goes beyond learning how to play netball, it builds character, resilience, and lasting friendships.
What Skills Do Kids Learn from Playing Netball
Once kids understand what is netball, they start realising that it teaches more than just sport. Every pass, pivot, and goal brings valuable lessons that help them both on and off the court.
Here are some of the most important skills developed through netball:
Teamwork: Players learn to work as a unit. Each person depends on their teammates to defend, pass, and score.
Leadership: From calling plays to motivating teammates, netball builds confidence and responsibility.=
Communication: Clear and positive communication helps the team move smoothly and react quickly.
Focus and discipline: Following rules, staying alert, and practising regularly strengthen self-control.
Sportsmanship: Players learn respect, fairness, and how to handle both wins and losses gracefully.
These life skills are what make how to play netball such an empowering experience for kids. The lessons stay with them far beyond the court.
At The Netball Academy, our coaches reinforce these skills through structured, positive training sessions that make learning fun while encouraging character growth.
The Emotional Benefits of Netball for Kids
When kids first discover what is netball, they often fall in love with the game’s fast pace and teamwork. But what truly makes it special are the emotional benefits it brings.
Confidence Boost: Scoring a goal, intercepting a pass, or mastering a new move gives kids a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Friendship and Belonging: Teams often become close-knit groups where children feel supported and valued.
Stress Relief: Running and playing help release energy and manage emotions positively.
Encouragement and Resilience: Losing a match teaches kids how to bounce back stronger.
These emotional gains make netball one of the healthiest ways for children to stay active while feeling motivated and connected. Parents often notice how their children become happier, more focused, and more confident after joining regular netball training.
Why Netball Is Perfect for Kids in Singapore
If you ask parents what makes netball so popular among Singaporean children, they often say it is because the game combines movement, structure, and teamwork in a way that kids genuinely enjoy.
Here are a few reasons why what is netball means so much to families here:
It fits the school lifestyle: Most schools already have netball programmes, making it easy for kids to start early.
It is inclusive: Kids of different skill levels can participate and improve together.
It keeps kids active: With Singapore’s busy school life, netball offers a healthy outlet for energy and fitness.
It promotes community: Parents and schools often come together to support training sessions and matches.
It encourages consistency: Many players who begin at age 7 or 8 continue into secondary school and beyond.
Netball is more than an extracurricular activity. It is part of Singapore’s sporting culture, helping children develop strong physical and social foundations.
How The Netball Academy Helps Kids Excel
At The Netball Academy, we believe every child should have the opportunity to learn how to play netball in a safe, supportive, and energetic environment. Our programmes are built around the same question parents often ask, “ what is netball really about”, and “how can it help my child grow?”
Here is what sets our academy apart:
Qualified Coaches: Our team includes experienced coaches who understand how to teach young players effectively.
Structured Learning: We start with the fundamentals before introducing more complex techniques and strategies.
Positive Coaching Style: Encouragement and teamwork come before competition, building confidence naturally.
Skill Development: Sessions include agility drills, shooting practice, and passing accuracy exercises.
Focus on Fun: Kids learn faster when they are enjoying themselves, which is why every session is filled with energy.
By focusing on both skills and values, The Netball Academy helps kids become stronger players and better teammates. Our training encourages discipline, resilience, and a true love for the sport..
Learn, Play, and Shine with The Netball Academy
Now that you know what is netball, it is time to experience the excitement for yourself!
At The Netball Academy, we make learning easy, energetic, and fun. Our programmes are designed for kids of all skill levels. From beginners who are just starting to those ready to take their training further.
Every session helps players improve coordination, communication, and confidence through hands-on learning and teamwork. With our experienced coaches and supportive environment, kids do not just learn how to play netball because they learn how to thrive.
Join The Netball Academy today! Give your child the chance to grow stronger, make friends, and fall in love with one of Singapore’s favourite sports.
Contact The Netball Academy:
+65 8282 1280 (Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm)
admin@thenetballacademy.sg
https://thenetballacademy.sg