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Netball

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Netball is a fast-paced ball sport played on a rectangular court. Two teams of seven players compete to score goals. The primary goal is to shoot a ball through a defender's goal ring. Players must also prevent the opposing team from scoring in their own ring. It is one of a few sports created exclusively for women and girls. Today, it remains a sport primarily played by them. It is played on both indoor and outdoor courts. The sport is very popular in the Commonwealth of Nations.

Netball field diagram -en
Netball field diagram -en

The court is divided lengthwise into three distinct sections called thirds. At each end of the court, there is a semi-circular area called a shooting circle. These circles contain the goal posts. The goal rings sit atop tall posts that have no backboards. A ball is used, which is made of leather or rubber. The ball weighs between 400 and 450 grams. It has a circumference of approximately 70 centimeters.

Each of the seven players has a specific assigned position. These positions are indicated by abbreviations on a bib or fabric patch. A player's position limits where they can move on the court. Only two specific positions are allowed in the attacking shooting circle to shoot goals. Similarly, only two positions are permitted in the defensive shooting circle to defend. The centre player is unique because they can move anywhere except the shooting circles. If a player enters a restricted area, they are called offside.

Erin Bell 2009
Erin Bell 2009

Rules govern how the ball is moved and held. A game consists of four 15-minute quarters. Play starts with a centre pass at the beginning of each quarter. It also restarts after every goal is scored. The centre pass must be caught or touched in the centre third. Players can only hold the ball for three seconds. They must also release the ball before their landing foot touches the ground again. Contact is only allowed if it does not impede an opponent.

Netball's history began with a misunderstanding of basketball rules. In 1895, a teacher named Clara Baer studied basketball rules. She saw lines on a court diagram and misinterpreted them. She believed these lines marked restricted zones for players. This mistake became part of the rules by 1899. In 1893, Martina Bergman-Österberg introduced a version of basketball to students in London. She moved the game outdoors to grass and replaced baskets with rings. By 1901, the first official rules for netball were published.

1910 Bournville Club Netball
1910 Bournville Club Netball

The sport has grown into a massive global activity. More than 20 million people play netball in over 80 countries. World Netball includes more than 70 national teams. These teams are organized into five global regions. Major domestic leagues include Australia's Super Netball and Great Britain's Netball Superleague. There are also four major international competitions. These include the World Netball Championships and the Commonwealth Games. Both of these large tournaments are held every four years.

Netball NZ 1920s
Netball NZ 1920s

Netball is closely related to the history of basketball. Basketball was invented by James Naismith in 1891. While they share roots, netball has developed its own unique identity. In 1995, the International Netball Federation became an International Olympic Committee recognised federation. However, netball has not yet been played at the Olympics. The sport continues to spread through school systems and professional leagues. It remains a significant way for people to connect through teamwork and skill.

Natalei netball
Natalei netball
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🖼️ Images & Media (9)
File:Netball field diagram -en.svg
Netball field diagram -en.svg
Australia v England Netball in Canberra 002.ogv
File:1910 Bournville Club Netball.jpg
1910 Bournville Club Netball.jpg
File:Netball NZ 1920s.jpg
Netball NZ 1920s.jpg
File:Mixed netball Brisbane.jpg
Mixed netball Brisbane.jpg
Indoor Netball Finals 2014 - Last Quarter.webm
File:Reygersdal netball.jpg
Reygersdal netball.jpg
File:Natalei netball.jpg
Natalei netball.jpg
File:Erin Bell 2009.jpg
Erin Bell 2009.jpg
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