netball

Sport played mainly by women with two opposing teams of seven players; teams score points by throwing a ball into the opponent’s basket.

goal

Structure made up of a basket and its supporting goalpost; a team scores each time it puts the ball into the opposing team’s basket.

ring

Circular piece on which the netting is mounted; it is 15 in in diameter.

goalpost

Vertical post 10 ft high that supports the basket; it is attached to the floor in the middle of the back line.

netball

Inflated ball usually made of leather and with a diameter of 8.5 in; players are not allowed to carry the ball or hold on to it for more than three seconds.

court

Hard rectangular surface (50 ft x 100 ft) on which a netball game is played; a game consists of four 15-minute periods.

back line

Line marking the ends of the court; when the ball crosses this line, one team puts it back into play at the same place.

goal circle

Semicircular zone in front of the goal; shots can only be taken from this zone and only by a goal attack or goal shooter.

umpire

One of two officials responsible for applying the rules; this individual’s role includes signaling infractions and when the ball leaves the court.

wing defense

Position that covers the center third and defense third (except the goal circle); this player defends against the opposing team’s wing attack.

center

Position that covers the entire court except the goal circles; this player is the link between the team’s offense and defense thirds.

goal attack

Position that covers the center third and goal third (including the goal circle); this player is one of two allowed to shoot on goal.

sideline

Line along the sides of the playing field; when the ball crosses this line, it is put back into play at the same place.

goal shooter

Position always in the goal third or goal circle; this player’s role is to break away from the goalkeeper, catch passes and shoot on goal.

goal third

Area between the back line and the center third; defenders and the goalkeeper are not allowed to enter their team’s goal third.

wing attack

Position that covers the center and goal thirds (except the goal circle); this player uses speed and agility to pass the ball to the shooter or the goal attack.

center third

Area at the center of the court between the two white lines; the goalkeepers and goal shooters are not allowed to enter this area.

central circle

Circular zone in the center of the court; at the start of a game and after a goal, the center on one of the teams puts the ball into play from this point.

goal defense

Position that moves in the center and defense thirds (including the goal circle); one of this player’s roles is to defend against the goal attack.

defense third

Area between the back line and the center third; attacks and the shooter are not allowed to enter their team’s defense third.

goalkeeper

Position that defends the team’s goal third; this player’s role is to prevent the opposing shooter from gaining possession of the ball.