Netball
A women's team sport played by millions across the Commonwealth.
Netball is a ball sport played on a rectangular court by two teams of seven players, with the objective of shooting a ball through the opponent's goal ring. It is one of a few sports created exclusively for women and girls and remains primarily played by them, especially in schools and most popularly in the Commonwealth of Nations. According to World Netball, the sport is played by more than 20 million people in more than 80 countries.
- origin
- Evolved from Clara Baer's misinterpretation of basketball rules in the late 19th century
- governing_body
- World Netball (formerly International Netball Federation)
- players
- More than 20 million in over 80 countries
- major_leagues
- Netball Superleague (Great Britain), Super Netball (Australia), ANZ Premiership (New Zealand)
- major_competitions
- World Netball Championships, Commonwealth Games, Quad Series, Fast5 Series
Lore & Background
Netball's early development emerged from Clara Baer's misinterpretation of the early rules of James Naismith's new sport of basketball. Baer, a sports teacher in New Orleans, wrote to Naismith for a copy of the rules; the diagram she received included lines showing areas players could patrol, which she misinterpreted as restricted zones.
Reader's Guide
Netball's significance lies in its role as a sport created exclusively for women and girls, offering a socially acceptable athletic outlet during a time when women's participation in sport was restricted. Its spread through the British Empire and later the Commonwealth established it as a major women's sport in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, and the United Kingdom. The sport continues to grow, with major domestic leagues and over 70 national teams organized into five global regions under World Netball.
Did You Know?
- Netball's early rules resulted from Clara Baer's misinterpretation of a diagram of basketball court zones.
- A player can hold the ball for only three seconds and must release it before the foot they were standing on when they caught it touches the ground again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Netball and where did it come from?
Netball traces its roots to the late 19th century, when Clara Baer misread basketball's rules and developed a distinct game that evolved into its own sport. It was designed as an activity for women and girls, and that identity has persisted to this day.
What are Netball's powers and how is it played?
Two teams of seven players contest a rectangular court, each aiming to pass the ball to a shooter who releases it through the opponent's goal ring. The game is governed by World Netball, the body formerly known as the International Netball Federation.
Where is Netball most active and who plays it?
The sport thrives across the Commonwealth of Nations, with strong school and community participation in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Great Britain. World Netball reports more than 20 million players spread across over 80 countries worldwide.
What are Netball's major storylines and competitions?
The biggest fixtures include the World Netball Championships, the Commonwealth Games, the Quad Series, and the Fast5 Series. At the domestic level, fans follow the Netball Superleague in Great Britain, Super Netball in Australia, and the ANZ Premiership in New Zealand.
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