If you’ve never heard of netball, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon!
The sport is super popular in Commonwealth countries like Australia, New Zealand, England and Jamaica, but it’s not as well-known in the rest of the world. If you’re living in Australia though, you can’t escape it! Netball is the largest team sport in the country, played by over 1.2 million people at school, university, social and league levels.
The sport is especially popular with women and girls, but social competitions across Australia are often mixed, and men’s netball is growing every year. Whether you want to watch a professional game or join a casual weekly league with friends, netball is one of the easiest sports to get involved with while living in Australia.
Don’t know how to play? Don’t stress! Here’s everything you need to know about netball.
How do you play netball?
A netball team has seven players on the court at any one time. Each player has a specific position, and every position is only allowed to enter certain areas of the court.
- The midcourt players are the Centre, Wing Attack, and Wing Defence
- The attacking players are the Goal Attack and Goal Shooter
- The defending players are the Goal Defence and Goal Keeper.
Each position has a purpose: attackers work to score goals, defenders try to stop them, and midcourt players are all-rounders, helping to move the ball between defence and attack.
The netball court
A netball court is divided into three sections: a centre third and two goal thirds. Each goal third contains a goal circle, which is the only place where goals can be scored. Only the Goal Attack and Goal Shooter from the attacking team are allowed to shoot. Defenders can enter the circle to try to block shots, but midcourt players must stay outside.
Basic netball rules
Now you know the positions, let’s take a look at some of the rules.
- Players can’t run with the ball, or bounce the ball like in basketball. Once you catch it, you must pass or shoot within three seconds.
- You can only take one step after catching the ball before passing.
- Defenders must stand at least 3 feet away when trying to block a pass or shot.
Each game consists of four quarters, usually lasting 15 minutes each. Social leagues may have slightly shorter games.
Suncorp Super Netball - the Australian professional league
The Australian national netball league is called Suncorp Super Netball (or SSN for short), and is the most competitive netball league anywhere in the world. The league consists of eight teams. Each team plays each other twice over the course of the season, with the top four teams at the end of the season making it to finals.
The reigning champions are the Melbourne Vixens, who won the 2025 Grand Final in a thriller against the West Coast Fever. The rest of the six teams are the Adelaide Thunderbirds, NSW Swifts, Greater Western Sydney Giants, Melbourne Mavericks, Sunshine Coast Lightning and the Queensland Firebirds.
This year’s competition begins on Saturday 14 March, and runs until mid-July.
Famous netball players
So now you know the teams. Ready to meet your new favourite players? Suncorp Super Netball attracts the best players from across the world, including Jamaica’s high flying Shamera Sterling-Humphrey and six time MVP Jhaniele Fowler, veteran English goal attack Helen Housby and exciting young New Zealander Grace Nweke.
Don’t forget about the Aussies! From veterans Jo Weston, Liz Watson, Kiera Austin and Sarah Klau to up and coming stars Georgie Horjus and Sunday Aryang, Australia is home to many incredible netballers. In fact, the Australian national team, the Diamonds, are the most successful team in international netball history and currently hold the Commonwealth Games and World Cup titles.
The Commonwealth Games and Netball World Cup
The Australian Diamonds will soon be taking to the court in two of the biggest netball competitions in the world. In July this year, the Glasgow Commonwealth Games will see the Aussies go up against their biggest rivals: New Zealand and England.
In 2027, the Netball World Cup will be held in Sydney. Thousands of international fans are expected to attend the tournament, making it one of the biggest netball events ever held in Australia. It’s the perfect opportunity to see amazing international netball live if you’re studying or travelling in the country.
How to watch netball in Australia
Keen to start following a professional netball team? SSN is broadcast live in Australia on Foxtel, and you can find full matches, highlights and replays on streaming service Kayo.
One of the best ways to experience netball in Australia is by watching a game in person. SSN tickets are pretty affordable compared with other professional sports, and the games are played indoors, so you won’t have to worry about the weather! Buy tickets to watch your favourite team live here.
How to play netball in Australia
If you think you’re ready to join a netball team and start playing, there are plenty of clubs and social competitions across Australia, no matter where you live. Don’t worry if you’ve never played before - most leagues are very welcoming to beginners, and you’ll pick up the sport and make new friends in no time!
To find a team in your area, head to the Netball Australia website.
