Netball Playing Positions

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This is an overview of the roles, responsibilities and playing positions of the different netball positions:

Goal Keeper (GK)

  • The Goal Keeper is the last line of defence.
  • They guard the goal circle and the defensive third and must stop the Goal Shooter from scoring.
  • They have to stay alert so they can collect rebounds off the post and intercept passes.
  • Goal Keepers are also responsible for taking throw-ins from the goal-line.
  • They are often tall and physical players who are prepared to fiercely protect their goal post!
  • For more information about this position view the Goal Keeper Position Guide video.

Goal Defence (GD)

  • The Goal Defence patrols the defensive third, the goal circle and the centre third.
  • Their main job is to stop the opposition from scoring and to get the ball out of the danger area!
  • The Goal Defence has to keep a close eye on the other team's Goal Attack.
  • They must have good skills of anticipation so they can block passes and get the ball out to their own attacking players.
  • For more information about this position view the Goal Defence Position Guide video.

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Wing Defence (WD)

  • The Wing Defence can go into the centre and defensive thirds, but NOT in the attacking third or the goal circle.
  • Their main job is to stop the ball reaching the opposition's goal circle.
  • They must intercept passes and feed them back to the attacking areas.
  • As well as getting the ball forward they have to mark the opposite Wing Attack.
  • The Wing Defence must be focused and good at controlling the ball.
  • For more information about this position view the Wing Defence Position Guide video.

Centre (C)

  • Centres are able to move in the whole court, with the exception of the goal circles.
  • They have to help out in defence and attack.
  • But they are mainly relied upon to shift the ball away from the defensive area into attack.
  • Centres also restart the game each time a goal has been scored.  They do this by making a pass from the centre circle.
  • The Centre is the engine of the team so they have to be quick and creative with their passing.
  • Centres are normally the swiftest player on the court which means they are often among the smallest.
  • For more information about this position view the Centre Position Guide video.

Wing Attack (WA)

  • The Wing Attack is the key playmaker of the netball court.
  • It is their job to create as many goal scoring chances as possible by passing the ball to the shooters.
  • The Wing Attack can move in the attacking and centre third BUT not in the goal circle or the defensive third.
  • The Wing Attack has to have solid passing and collecting skills.
  • They also need good footwork and the ability to open up space on the court.
  • For more information about this position view the Wing Attack Position Guide video.

Goal Attack (GA)

  • The Goal Attack's primary role is scoring and setting up goals.
  • They can play in the centre third, the attacking third and the goal circle but NOT the defensive third.
  • The Goal Attack's main duty is to feed the Goal Shooter so they can fire the ball into the net close to the post.
  • But if the defenders are marking the Goal Shooter then the Goal Attack will often have a shot from nearer the edge of the goal circle.
  • The Goal Attack must have both strong passing and shooting skills.
  • For more information about this position view the Goal Attack Position Guide video.

Goal Shooter (GS)

  • The Goal Shooter's main job is simply to score goals.
  • They are allowed in the attacking third and the goal circle BUT nowhere else on the court.
  • The Goal Shooter must have sharp shooting skills.
  • They have to be able to react quickly, dealing with passes and rebounds.
  • Goal Shooters have the steadiest hands on the court and are often among the taller players.
  • For more information about this position view the Goal Shooter Position Guide video.

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