The art of netball

By Jessica M.

Australian diamonds goal shooter Cara Koenon taking a pass.

Personal experience

When I started playing netball, I loved having a team and community behind me and having a community of girls that was so much fun to be around and to have that support. It was always something to be able to get out of the house and have fun with friends. I made so many friends that I will forever remember and will always have as friends no matter what. Every Saturday I would get up early for my game at nine and the sun was always so bright and so warm and to be able to spend that morning outside being active was always the highlight of my weekend.

History of netball

Netball originated in Canada where a male school teacher came up with a game (now known as basketball). Due to the times women were restricted to only being able to wear long dresses so they could not jump or dribble so the female teachers wanted to come up with a game that would allow the girls to wear their dresses and play a similar game at the same time. Which has become netball and it is still a largely played game in commonwealth countries to date.

Facts and benefits

Around 20 million people play netball in over 70 different countries. Men have also started to play netball in mixed teams as well within the last few years. There is also walking netball so elderly people can play without the possible risk of injury. Netball has many proven health benefits in the long run like breast cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis. Other examples are mental benefits like team work, boosts confidence especially body image, improves problem solving skills and decision making skills.

Wing attack LIz watson receiving a pass, Melbourne Vixens

Rules of netball

Netball in a lot of ways is similar to basketball but a few things set it apart, for example you can’t bounce/dribble the ball and you can’t move with the ball. Other rules include no moving with the ball, you must stand 3 feet away from the person holding the ball, there are only certain sections your position can enter when playing, you can only hold the ball for three seconds. Every game of netball is played with at least 2 umpires to make sure all these rules are followed when playing.