Netball Positions-

Every team sport has many different responsibilities or positions for it’s members. Netball is not an exception to this rule. Netball has seven positions to full fill by each team. We have an overview of what each role is, and where on the court it is to be preformed. We have included diagrams for you to follow along with. Please note that the positions listed are not in a particular order other than to assist you in your understanding.

netball playing position for players
Goal Attack (GA)

The Netball position Goal Attack has the main responsibility of shooting goals, this is similar to the position of Goal Shooter. What separates the two roles is that the movement that the Goal Attack is allowed. The Goal Attack can move within the center third and the goal third.

The Goal Attack works very closely with the Wing Attack to gain possession from the centre pass, this is done in order to feed the ball to the Goal Shooter and score a goal. It is important to note that this will normally be among the taller players, and this player is normally a good shooter and passer.

Area of responsibility: The opposing team’s goal third, including the goal circle, and the centre third.

Goal Shooter (GS)

The Netball position of Goal Shooters has the responsibility to shoot the ball to score a goal. This position is only allowed to play within the goal third, and works very close with the Goal Attack because it can be very difficult to navigate the ball in such a constricted area.

The Goal Shooter must also be quick and agile in order to get into position to be able to take the opportunity to score on the opposing teams defenders. She must work for rebounds to retake missed shots and defend against the Goal Keeper at interceptions, rebounds, and throw-ins. The Goal Shooter is normally among the taller of the players, has fast and steady hands, quick reflexes, and good shooting skills.

Area of responsibility: The opposing team’s goal third, to include the goal circle.

Netball Position – Centre (C)

The Centre has a great amount of responsibilities as they are able to move through majority of the court and are to make plays from the defense to attack. The Centre will start and restart all of the games from the centre circle each and every time a goal is scored.

The Center will deliver the center pass (mentioned above), she will make attacking plays with the wing attack to feed the ball to the shooters and defend the opposing teams centre. The Centre be able to flip flop from attacking and defending. She must combine efforts with the Wing Defense in order to apply pressure the opposing team. The centre will also take the throw-ins and other forms of passes all the goal thirds. She is in need of being able to change plays, strong passing skills, and exceptional fitness level.

Area of responsibility: Everywhere except in the goal circles of either teams.

Wing Attack (WA)

The Netball position Wing Attack is mainly responsible for passing the ball along from the centre third to goal third and delivering the ball to the Goal Attack and Goal Shooter and creating opportunities for the defense to feed the ball to the Wing Attack. The job here is to create chances to score.

The Wing Attack will receive must the centre pass and work with the Centre, Goal Attack and Goal Shooter to create goal scoring opportunities. The Wing Attack will feed the ball to the circle and closely defend the opposing teams Wing Defense. The Wing Attack is normally the fastest player on the team, she has great passing abilities, and well above average footwork along with excellent ball handling skills.

Area of responsibility: The opposing team’s goal third, but not the goal circle, and the centre third.

Goal Keeper (GK)

The Goal Keeper has the main responsibility of defending the goal third, by defending the other teams shooter and preventing the opposing team from having a scoring opportunity. She is responsible for taking throw-ins from the base line. She is the last line of defense for the team. The Goal Keeper defends against shots at goal and for attempts to rebounded balls, all this is done in an effort to be able to feed the ball back down the court. The Goal Keeper has to be extremely alert to the play of the game in order to intercept the ball and turn the game around.

Area of responsibility: The team’s goal circle and goal third

Goal Defense (GD)

The Goal Defense has the core responsibility of defending against attacks from the opposing team and to stop all goals from being scored from the opposing team.

In order to be an effective Goal Defense they must also closely defend against the opposing Goal Attack and work closely together with her goal keeper to stop all goals from being scored. She must also ensure that all shots for the goal are defended and work to get rebounds and feed the ball back up the court. She may also take the different throw-ins and other passes within the centre third. The Goal Defense is usually among the taller players of the team. She has to stay very focused, have very quick footwork and be quick to react in order to catch the rebounds. They must also have excellent anticipation skills so that they can counter their opponent’s set-up and prevent them from scoring.

Area of responsibility: Her team’s goal third, she is able to work in the goal circle and the centre third.

Wing Defense (WD)

The Wing Defense has the main responsibility of defending attacking teams moves. Her main focus will be on defending against the Wing Attacker in the centre and goal thirds (outside of the goal circle only).

In order to be an effective Wing Defense they must ensure they defend closely against the opposing Wing Attack, she will try to apply enough pressure to force errors from the opposing teams attack, in close spaces and intercept passes. She may also take different throw-ins and other forms of passes within the centre third. The Wing defense is extremely focused and swift to react.

Area of Responsibility: Her team’s goal third, this does not include the goal circle, and the centre third.

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