Ever watched a netball game and wondered why players wear different letters on their bibs? Those letters represent the 7 positions in netball, and each one plays a unique role in the team’s success. Understanding what are the 7 positions in netball is the first step to finding your perfect spot on the court!
At The Netball Academy, we help young players discover which netball positions suit their strengths, personality, and playing style. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about what are the 7 positions in netball, from the shooters who score goals to the defenders who stop them.
Ready to find your perfect position? Let’s dive in!
Why Understanding the 7 Positions in Netball Matters
Before we explore each role, let’s talk about why knowing what are the 7 positions in netball is so important for young players.
How Positions Shape Your Game
Every player on a netball team has a specific job. Unlike other sports where players roam freely, netball positions come with boundaries that define where you can move on the court. This makes understanding the 7 positions in netball essential for:
- Finding your strengths: Each position requires different skills. Some need height, others need speed
- Building team chemistry: Knowing your role helps you work better with teammates
- Improving faster: Focused training on position-specific skills accelerates development
- Enjoying the game more: Playing in a position that suits you makes netball more fun!
When young players understand what are the 7 positions in netball, they can make smarter decisions on the court and contribute more effectively to their team.
→ Learn how netball positions affect game strategy
What Are the 7 Positions in Netball? A Complete Breakdown
Now let’s answer the big question: what are the 7 positions in netball? Each position is identified by letters worn on the player’s bib, and each has specific zones where they can move in.
The 7 positions in netball are:
- Goal Shooter (GS)
- Goal Attack (GA)
- Wing Attack (WA)
- Centre (C)
- Wing Defence (WD)
- Goal Defence (GD)
- Goal Keeper (GK)
Let’s explore each of these netball positions in detail!
The Shooting Positions: Goal Shooter and Goal Attack
The shooting positions are responsible for one thing, putting the ball through the ring! If you love the pressure of scoring, these netball positions might be perfect for you.
1. Goal Shooter (GS) – The Main Scorer
📌 Bib Letters: GS
📌 Zones Allowed: Goal third and goal circle (attacking end only)
The Goal Shooter is the team’s primary scoring machine. When learning what are the 7 positions in netball, many young players are drawn to GS because of the excitement of shooting goals.
📌 Key Responsibilities:
- Shooting accurately from various positions in the goal circle
- Creating space to receive the ball near the post
- Holding strong positions against the Goal Keeper
- Working closely with the Goal Attack to create scoring opportunities
📌 Skills Needed:
- Excellent shooting accuracy and technique
- Strong spatial awareness in the goal circle
- Good balance and stability
- Patience and composure under pressure
📌 Best Suited For: Players who are typically taller, enjoy being the focal point of attack, stay calm under pressure, and have a reliable shooting technique.
📌 Personality Match: If you’re confident, focused, and love the thrill of scoring the winning goal, GS could be your perfect netball position!
2. Goal Attack (GA) – The Versatile Shooter
📌 Bib Letters: GA
📌 Zones Allowed: Centre third, goal third, and goal circle (attacking end)
The Goal Attack is one of the most versatile netball positions on the court. GA players can shoot AND create plays, making them crucial to the team’s attack.
📌 Key Responsibilities:
- Shooting goals alongside the Goal Shooter
- Feeding the ball into the goal circle
- Creating attacking moves through the centre third
- Linking midcourt players with the shooting circle
📌 Skills Needed:
- Strong shooting ability
- Excellent passing and court vision
- Speed and agility to move between thirds
- Creative playmaking skills
📌 Best Suited For: Athletic players who want to contribute both shooting and playmaking, can read the game well, and enjoy being involved in multiple aspects of attack.
📌 Personality Match: If you’re energetic, creative, and like variety in your game, GA offers the best of both worlds among the 7 positions in netball.
The Midcourt Positions: Wing Attack, Centre, and Wing Defence
The midcourt positions are the engine room of the team. These netball positions link defence to attack and require players who can do a bit of everything!
3. Wing Attack (WA) – The Creative Feeder
📌 Bib Letters: WA
📌 Zones Allowed: Centre third and goal third (but NOT the goal circle)
When exploring what are the 7 positions in netball, Wing Attack often appeals to speedy, agile players. WA is all about creating opportunities for the shooters.
📌 Key Responsibilities:
- Delivering accurate feeds into the goal circle
- Creating space on the attacking side
- Working the ball up court from centre passes
- Supporting the Centre with midcourt transitions
📌 Skills Needed:
- Quick footwork and agility
- Precise passing ability
- Strong court awareness
- Ability to lose defenders and find space
📌 Best Suited For: Fast, nimble players who love setting up goals rather than scoring them, have excellent timing, and can read the shooters’ movements.
📌 Personality Match: If you’re a team player who gets satisfaction from the perfect assist, WA is one of the most rewarding netball positions.
4. Centre (C) – The Heartbeat of the Team
📌 Bib Letters: C
📌 Zones Allowed: Everywhere EXCEPT both goal circles
The Centre has the most freedom of all the 7 positions in netball and is often considered the most demanding role. C players are the link between attack and defence.
📌 Key Responsibilities:
- Taking centre passes to start attacking plays
- Connecting defence to attack through smart passing
- Supporting both shooters and defenders
- Covering huge distances throughout the game
📌 Skills Needed:
- Exceptional fitness and stamina
- Outstanding court vision
- Strong passing in all directions
- Quick decision-making under pressure
📌 Best Suited For: High-energy players with excellent fitness, natural leadership qualities, and the ability to read the game from the middle of the action.
📌 Personality Match: If you’re a natural leader who loves being involved in everything and has endless energy, Centre might be your calling among the netball positions.
→ Discover how to choose the right position based on your playing style
5. Wing Defence (WD) – The Interceptor
📌 Bib Letters: WD
📌 Zones Allowed: Centre third and goal third (defensive end, but NOT the goal circle)
Wing Defence is one of the most exciting netball positions for players who love disrupting the opposition. WD players are the first line of defence against attacking plays.
📌 Key Responsibilities:
- Marking the opposing Wing Attack
- Intercepting passes in the midcourt
- Preventing the ball from entering the goal third smoothly
- Transitioning quickly from defence to attack
📌 Skills Needed:
- Quick reflexes and anticipation
- Strong defensive footwork
- Ability to read the opposition’s plays
- Speed to keep up with attacking players
📌 Best Suited For: Alert, reactive players who enjoy the challenge of shutting down opponents, have quick hands, and love the thrill of interceptions.
📌 Personality Match: If you’re competitive, tenacious, and get fired up by stopping the other team, WD is one of the most satisfying 7 positions in netball.
The Defensive Positions: Goal Defence and Goal Keeper
The defensive netball positions are the last line of protection for your team. If you love stopping goals as much as others love scoring them, these positions are for you!
6. Goal Defence (GD) – The Tactical Defender
📌 Bib Letters: GD
📌 Zones Allowed: Centre third, goal third, and goal circle (defensive end)
Goal Defence is a thinking player’s position. Among the 7 positions in netball, GD requires a blend of physicality and intelligence to disrupt the opposition’s attack.
📌 Key Responsibilities:
- Marking the Goal Attack tightly
- Intercepting feeds into the goal circle
- Rebounding missed shots
- Supporting the Goal Keeper in circle defence
📌 Skills Needed:
- Strong defensive instincts
- Good height and reach advantage
- Patience and discipline
- Ability to read attacking patterns
📌 Best Suited For: Smart, athletic players who can anticipate the opposition’s moves, stay patient under pressure, and enjoy the physical battle of defence.
📌 Personality Match: If you’re analytical, determined, and love outsmarting your opponents, GD offers one of the most intellectually rewarding netball positions.
7. Goal Keeper (GK) – The Last Line of Defence
📌 Bib Letters: GK
📌 Zones Allowed: Goal third and goal circle (defensive end only)
The Goal Keeper has one job – stop goals! When understanding what are the 7 positions in netball, GK stands out as the ultimate defensive specialist.
📌 Key Responsibilities:
- Defending the Goal Shooter one-on-one
- Blocking and deflecting shots
- Rebounding missed attempts
- Winning ball from the shooter in the circle
📌 Skills Needed:
- Height and long reach
- Excellent timing for blocks
- Strong physical presence
- Mental resilience and concentration
📌 Best Suited For: Tall, determined players who thrive on one-on-one battles, have excellent timing, and love the satisfaction of a crucial block or intercept.
📌 Personality Match: If you’re brave, focused, and enjoy being the hero who saves the day, GK is the ultimate defensive position among the 7 positions in netball.
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Quick Reference: All 7 Positions in Netball at a Glance
Here’s a handy summary of what are the 7 positions in netball and their key attributes:
| Position | Bib | Main Role | Key Skills | Best For |
| Goal Shooter | GS | Primary scorer, holding space | Shooting accuracy | Tall, composed players |
| Goal Attack | GA | Shooter & playmaker | Shooting, passing, agility | Versatile, creative players |
| Wing Attack | WA | Feeding shooters | Speed, precise passing | Quick, team-focused players |
| Centre | C | Link attack & defence | Fitness, vision, leadership | High-energy leaders |
| Wing Defence | WD | Intercept & disrupt | Reflexes, anticipation | Competitive, reactive players |
| Goal Defence | GD | Mark Goal Attack | Intelligence, patience | Smart, athletic players |
| Goal Keeper | GK | Stop goals | Height, timing, resilience | Tall, determined players |
Understanding what are the 7 positions in netball helps you identify where your skills shine brightest!
How to Find Your Perfect Netball Position
Now that you know what are the 7 positions in netball, how do you choose the right one for you? Here are some tips:
1. Consider Your Physical Attributes
- Tall players often excel as GS, GK, or GD where height provides an advantage
- Fast, agile players thrive as WA, WD, or C where speed matters most
- Athletic all-rounders suit GA or C where versatility is key
2. Match Your Personality
- Love scoring? Try GS or GA
- Prefer setting up teammates? WA or C might suit you
- Enjoy stopping opponents? GD, GK, or WD could be perfect
- Want to be involved in everything? Centre offers the most action
3. Try Different Positions
The best way to find your fit among the netball positions is to experiment! At The Netball Academy, we rotate young players through different positions so they can discover where they feel most comfortable and effective.
→ Join our weekly training programmes
Frequently Asked Questions About Netball Positions
What are the 7 positions in netball called?
The 7 positions in netball are: Goal Shooter (GS), Goal Attack (GA), Wing Attack (WA), Centre (C), Wing Defence (WD), Goal Defence (GD), and Goal Keeper (GK). Each position has specific zones on the court where they can move, and each plays a unique role in the team.
Which netball position is the hardest?
Many consider Centre the hardest of all netball positions because it requires exceptional fitness, the ability to both attack and defend, and constant involvement in play. Centre players often run the most distance during a game and need outstanding court vision.
What netball position should I play based on my height?
Taller players often play Goal Shooter, Goal Keeper, or Goal Defence where height provides an advantage for shooting and defending. Shorter, quicker players typically excel in Wing Attack, Wing Defence, or Centre. However, height isn’t everything as skills and game sense matter just as much when considering what are the 7 positions in netball.
Can you change positions during a netball game?
Yes! Teams can make positional changes during intervals between quarters. Understanding all 7 positions in netball helps players become more versatile and valuable to their team, even if they specialise in one role.
Which netball position scores the most goals?
Goal Shooters typically score the most goals as their primary role is shooting. Goal Attack also contributes significantly to scoring. These two are the only netball positions allowed in the goal circle where shots can be taken.
What position is best for beginners?
Wing Attack and Wing Defence are often good starting netball positions for beginners. These roles allow players to learn the game without the pressure of shooting or being the last line of defence, while still being actively involved in play.
Start Your Netball Journey with The Netball Academy
Now that you understand what are the 7 positions in netball, it’s time to find your perfect spot on the court! At The Netball Academy, Singapore’s first dedicated netball academy, we help young players discover and develop their ideal position.
Our experienced coaches work with players aged 6-16 to build fundamental skills, court awareness, and a genuine love for the game. We believe every player has a position where they can shine, and we’ll help you find yours!
Our programmes include:
Weekly Trainings – Learn all netball positions at Kallang Netball Centre, Bedok Green Primary School, and more
School Holiday Clinics – Intensive skill-building during school breaks
U14/16 Elite Training – Advanced position-specific coaching at St Andrew’s Junior College
Ready to Find Your Perfect Position?
Don’t just read about the 7 positions in netball – experience them! Join The Netball Academy and train with expert coaches who’ll help you discover where you belong on the court.
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📞 Contact us: +65 8282 1280 (Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm) ✉️ Email: admin@thenetballacademy.sg 🌐 Visit our website
Related Article
→ How to Choose the Right Netball Positions Based on Your Playing Style
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