Learning Outcomes

• Identify the basic rules and positions in netball.
• Demonstrate passing, catching, footwork and shooting skills.
• Work as a team and show fair play during matches.
• Plan and perform simple attacking and defending strategies.

Equipment and Court

You need: a netball (size 4 for beginners), netball posts (3.05m high), bibs with position letters (GS, GA, WA, C, WD, GD, GK), whistle, safe playing surface and cones for drills.

Note: Each position may move only in certain areas. For example GS and GK stay mostly in their shooting circle areas, while Centre (C) moves across most of the court except shooting circles.

Positions and Roles (simple)

• GS (Goal Shooter) — Main shooter; stays near the goal circle.
• GA (Goal Attack) — Helps score and feeds the GS; can enter goal circle.
• WA (Wing Attack) — Feeds attackers from centre court to goal third (cannot enter circle).
• C (Centre) — Starts play, links defence and attack; can move almost everywhere except circles.
• WD (Wing Defence) — Mark WA and stop passes into the circle.
• GD (Goal Defence) — Marks GA and helps GK in defending the goal circle.
• GK (Goal Keeper) — Main defender in the shooting circle; marks the GS.

Basic Rules (easy to remember)

1. No running with the ball. You get three steps or have to pivot.
2. Hold the ball for a maximum of three seconds before passing or shooting.
3. Only players in the shooting circle may shoot for goal (GS and GA in many cases).
4. No contact. Obstruction: stand at least 0.9 m (arms length) from the player with the ball when defending.
5. Play is divided into four quarters (school level may vary).

Key Skills and How to Practice Them

1. Passing

Use chest pass and bounce pass. Step towards your target and snap your wrists.

• Drill: Pair up 5m apart, practice chest passes for 1 minute, then 10 bounce passes.

2. Catching

Eyes on the ball, thumbs together on top when catching, cushion with elbows.

3. Footwork & Pivoting

When you land with two feet: step once and pivot on the spot. Practice quick pivots to avoid obstruction calls.

4. Shooting

Aim for the centre of the hoop area, follow through with wrist. GS & GA practice from different spots inside the circle.

5. Defending

Hands up to block passing lanes, stay between your mark and the goal, avoid contact.

Simple Team Tactics

• Attacking: Use quick short passes into the circle; WA and C should create space for GA and GS.
• Defending: Work in pairs — GD mark GA, GK mark GS; WD mark WA to cut supply into the circle.
• Transition: After a turnover, C moves quickly to receive a pass and start the attack.

Warm-up and Cool-down (10–15 minutes)

Warm-up: light jogging, dynamic stretches (leg swings, arm circles), passing in pairs, quick footwork ladder (or cone steps).

Cool-down: slow walking, stretching calves, hamstrings, shoulders. Drink water and reflect on the session.

Safety and Fair Play

• Wear proper shoes — non-slip, supportive trainers are best.
• Do not pull or push opponents. Report injuries to the teacher/coach immediately.
• Respect referees, teammates and opponents — netball values teamwork and fair play.
• Kenyan school teams often compete in inter-house, zonal and national events under the Kenya Netball Federation and school sports bodies — play respectfully.

Practice Session Plan (40 minutes)

1. 5 min — Warm-up (jog + dynamic stretches)
2. 10 min — Passing & catching in pairs, move to a cone and pass under pressure
3. 10 min — Shooting practice inside the circle (GS & GA) and rebound work
4. 10 min — Small-sided game (3v3 or 4v4) to practise rules and teamwork
5. 5 min — Cool-down and reflection (what went well, what to improve)

Assessment and Self-Reflection

Think about these questions after practice or a match:

• Which skill improved today? (passing, shooting, defending)
• Did I follow the three-second rule and avoid running with the ball?
• How did I support my teammates?
• What will I practice next time?