What is Netball?
Netball is a relatively new arrival in France. The sport's presence here has been driven largely by expats from Commonwealth countries who brought their love of the game with them, as well as French players who discovered netball while studying or travelling abroad.
Often described as a cross between Basketball and Handball, Netball is played on a court, with 7 players on each of 2 oppposing teams. In its most basic sense, the aim of the game is to pass a ball between players and score a goal by throwing the ball through a hoop/net.
Clubs can now be found in Paris, Toulouse, Nice, Lyon, the Basque Country and more. Whether you're an experienced player or have never picked up a ball, France's netball community is welcoming, international, and growing fast!
The Court
The court is divided into three thirds: a defensive end, a central third, and an attacking end.
Each player can only move in specific areas of the court, depending on the position they are playing, making positional strategy important in the game.
Goals can only be scored from inside the 'shooting circles' - the semi-circles at either end of the court.
Player Positions
Goal Shooter
The primary scorer, staying in the attacking third and shooting circle.
Goal Attack
Can also shoot, and links play between centre and the shooting circle.
Wing Attack
Feeds the ball into the attacking circle but cannot shoot.
Centre
The engine of the team - covers all three thirds (except the two shooting circles).
Wing Defence
Pressures the opposition's Wing Attack and disrupts their feed into the circle.
Goal Defence
Marks the opposing Goal Attack and defends close to the shooting circle.
Goal Keeper
Stays in the defensive third and tries to intercept shots and passes.
Key Rules
No running with the ball
Once you catch the ball, your landing foot (the first foot to make contact with the floor) must stay on the floor. You can pivot, but you can't take a step.
3 second rule
Once caught, the ball must be passed on to another player within 3 seconds. Take longer than this and the ball will be given to the other team.
Staying in your zone
Each position has defined areas of the court they're allowed in. Stepping outside your allowed zone is called "offside" and gives the ball to the opposition.
Scoring a goal
Only the Goal Shooter and Goal Attack can score. They must shoot from inside their shooting circle - the semi-circular area at the end of the court.
Defending Distance
When defending a player with the ball, you must stand at least 0.9 metres (3 feet) away. Closer than that is a penalty, and play passes to the other team.
Ready to give it a go?
Take a look at our current training schedule and choose a time to come along and meet us!
Want to know more? You can always send us a message and a member of the team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
