Netball Playing Positions

  Free player roles and responsibilities plan

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.

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.