Discover the Joys of Netball
About Netball
(World Netball)
Netball is an exciting, fast and skillful game in which two teams of seven players each strive to keep or gain possession of the ball.The team with the ball, through running, jumping, throwing and catching, attempts to move the ball into its goal circle from where a goal may be scored, while the opposing team uses defensive movements and strategies to prevent this and to gain possession. The team with the greater number of goals is the winner of the match.
Players have specified areas in which they can move. Play restarts after each goal with teams having alternate possession. The rules are based on the core values of equal opportunity, fair play and respect for an opponent’s skill and safety.
While netball developed first as a game predominantly played by women and girls, it is now played by boys and girls, women and men. A number of different formats of the game have now been developed including FAST5, Beach Netball and Disability Netball.
There are many benefits to playing netball both physically and mentally (listed below).
The Physical Benefits of Playing Netball
- Improved agility – Netball involves quick movements, jumping, fast change of direction and footwork. All of which aid in the development of agility skills.
- Improved cardiovascular fitness – It’s a great cardio workout as you race across the court to gain possession of the ball.
- Motor and cognitive skills – It’s great at improving fine motor and cognitive skills in young children as there are lots of elements to playing the game, including: throwing, catching, shooting, dodging and many more.
- Develops depth perception and accuracy – Netball is great for developing depth perception as you are both catching and throwing the ball, sometimes a considerable distance.
- Increased reaction times – Frequently playing the game will result in increased reaction times as you fight to gain possession of the ball and dodge opponents.
The Mental Benefits of Playing Netball
- Social benefits – Socialising is great for mental health and as a team sport, it’s a guaranteed social event where players can meet like-minded people and make friends.
- Develop teamwork skills – This is a fundamental skill that is developed throughout all team sports. Having to work as a team in netball, as with sport as a whole, is a great skill to have. It is also a handy transferrable skill that can be used at school and in the workplace.
- Boost confidence – Playing netball encourages physical activity; it’s a social sport that develops teamwork, which can lead to a boost in self-esteem.
- Improved problem & decision-making skills – Training practices that include different problem-solving scenarios help develop these skills for all ages. When coaches question certain aspects of the games or training session, they build on your problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Teaches how to deal with adversity -Through experiencing match losses or injuries. This is especially helpful for young children as it also develops a team player mentality.
High-Five Netball
- High 5 is specifically designed for the under 11s to introduce them to netball.
- With High 5 the emphasis is on getting kids to pick up key skills and experiences through flexible, fun play that includes everyone.
- The rules give lots of freedom around the court and give players more time to make decisions.
- High 5 encourages maximum participation in every aspect of the game and even lets kids score and time-keep, as well as enjoying a taste of every position. Learning to work as a team and how to win and lose are all part of the game.
- High 5 should be enjoyable for all involved. We know that kids enjoy learning through play and that the game empowers each individual to discover their own potential.
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