Grade 6 Physical And Health Education Netball – Facility,equipment And The Positioning Of Players Notes
Netball — Facility, Equipment and Positioning of Players
Subject: Physical and Health Education (Kenya) — Level: Upper Primary (age 11). These notes explain the playing place, the things you need, and where each player stands on the court.
1. Facility (The Court)
- The netball court is a flat, safe surface — can be asphalt, concrete, grass or indoor wooden floor.
- Official size (for older players) is about 30.5 m long and 15.25 m wide. In school games, courts may be smaller.
- The court is divided into three equal areas (two goal thirds and one centre third).
- Each end has a semicircle called the goal circle. Goals are scored from inside this circle.
- Lines must be clear and not slippery. Keep the area free of stones or holes to avoid injuries.
2. Equipment
- Netball: a round ball sized for school players (size 4 for juniors, size 5 for older youth).
- Posts and rings: netball post with a ring at 3.05 m (for older players). In school, a lower post can be used for younger children.
- Bibs: each player wears a bib with their position letters (e.g., GS, WA, C).
- Comfortable sports shoes (non-marking where needed) and suitable clothing (skirt, dress, shorts or tracksuit).
- Whistle for the teacher/referee, cones for practice, a stopwatch, and a first aid kit.
3. Number of Players and Goal of the Game
- Each team has 7 players on court. The aim is to pass the ball and score goals by shooting into the opponent’s ring from inside the goal circle.
4. Positions of Players — Names and Short Roles
There are 7 positions. Each position has areas of the court they may enter. Positions wear bibs with letters.
Simple court view: coloured circles show where players usually are. Letters on circles are the position names (GS = Goal Shooter, GK = Goal Keeper, etc.).
Position short guide
- GS (Goal Shooter) — stays mainly in the goal circle to score goals.
- GA (Goal Attack) — helps shoot and works in goal and centre thirds.
- WA (Wing Attack) — passes into the circle, cannot go into the goal circle.
- C (Centre) — moves all over except the goal circles, starts the game.
- WD (Wing Defence) — stops WA and blocks passes, not allowed in goal circle.
- GD (Goal Defence) — defends inside the goal third and circle to stop goals.
- GK (Goal Keeper) — stays near goal circle to guard GS and save shots.
Important simple rules
- 7 players per team. Each player must wear their position bib.
- A player can hold the ball for up to 3 seconds before passing or shooting.
- Footwork rule: you cannot run with the ball — one foot may be stepped on, then pivot.
- Only GS and GA may shoot goals, and they must be inside the goal circle to score.
- Respect teammates and opponents — no rough play. Stop play if someone is hurt and get first aid.
5. Safety and Good Practice (for school games in Kenya)
- Check the court for stones, water or holes before playing.
- Wear proper sports shoes — no sandals or bare feet on hard courts.
- Use age-appropriate ball size and lower posts if needed for younger players.
- Teachers should teach passing, catching, pivoting and how to defend without pushing.
- Always have a first aid kit and water available during lessons and matches.
6. Quick practice ideas (5–10 minutes)
- Passing relay: teams pass down the court without dropping the ball.
- Shooting practice: GS and GA take short shots inside the goal circle.
- Defence drill: GD and GK practice marking and catching rebounds.
These notes give the basics about the place, the tools, and where each player stands. Teachers can use the court picture to show students where to stand and what area each player is allowed to enter.