Looking for the perfect sport to get your kids moving, laughing, and having fun? Try netball! It has gained tremendous popularity over recent years and offers numerous benefits for children, positively impacting their physical fitness, social skills, and mental acuity.
Whether your child is a natural athlete or just starting to dip their toes into the world of sport, it’s the go-to activity for all abilities and ages! In this article, we’ll give you a quick overview of what the sport is all about, the top benefits of playing netball for kids, and how your child can get started.
Plus, we’ll share everything you need to know about our exciting netball holiday camps—combining daily coaching with a jam-packed schedule of fun, adventurous activities!
An overview of netball
For all you newbies to netball, it is a fast-paced team sport played by two teams of seven players. The main objective is to pass the ball and shoot it through the opposing team’s net to score. Unlike basketball, netball has stricter rules about positions and movements on the court.
Here’s a brief breakdown of how it is played:
Positions:
Each team has seven players, and every position has a specific role and zone they’re allowed to move in. For example:
- Goal Shooter (GS) and Goal Attack (GA) are responsible for scoring and can only shoot within the goal circle.
- Centre (C) can move across most of the court and is key to linking defence and attack.
- Goal Keeper (GK) and Goal Defence (GD) focus on stopping the opposing team from scoring.
Passing:
Players cannot run with the ball and must pass it within three seconds. This makes the game energetic and team-oriented, with standard passes including chest passes, bounce passes, and overhead throws.
Scoring:
Only the GS and GA can score goals, and only when they’re inside the shooting circle. A goal is scored by successfully throwing the ball through the raised net.
Rules of play:
- No dribbling or running with the ball.
- Footwork rules apply—players must land and pivot correctly.
- Contact is limited, and obstruction rules ensure safe play.
While netball is predominantly played by girls, boys are also increasingly joining in. What makes it stand out is its emphasis on collaboration, communication, and strategy over individual athleticism. It’s a true team sport where every player has a specific role, and success depends on everyone working together.
The history of netball
Netball evolved from basketball, which was invented by Canadian-American James Naismith in 1891. Soon after, Clara Baer, a physical education instructor in New Orleans, mistakenly interpreted Naismith’s basketball rules. This led to a more static, divided-court version of the game that quickly grew in popularity across girls’ schools.
By the early 20th century, netball had spread to countries in the British Empire, including Australia, New Zealand, and the Caribbean, where it remains hugely popular. The first international match took place in 1938 between Australia and New Zealand. In 1960, the International Netball Federation was formed, unifying the rules globally.
Today, netball is played by over 20 million people across the globe, with elite competitions like the Netball World Cup showcasing the sport’s fast-paced and strategic gameplay.
Five benefits of playing netball for kids
So, what are the reasons behind the increasing popularity of netball among children? Beyond the fun and fast-paced action, netball offers a range of physical, mental, and cognitive benefits for growing children and teenagers.
It helps develop communication skills, builds physical fitness, and creates plenty of opportunities to socialise—all while giving players a real boost in confidence. Let’s take a look at each in more detail!
1. It’s all about teamwork
Netball is a team sport that requires coordinated movement and clear communication for success. Children quickly learn that to succeed in netball, they must listen to their teammates, give and receive constructive feedback, and work as a unit.
As a result, kids develop essential life skills such as empathy, cooperation, and leadership, whether they’re cheering on a teammate, handling wins and losses with grace, or discussing tactics during a timeout. It’s these moments that help shape collaborative individuals who know how to work well with others both in and out of sport.
2. Keeps kids active
In a world filled with phones, tablets, and electronic games, finding ways to keep kids active can be a challenge. Netball is a fantastic way to promote physical health, and its fast-paced nature ensures that children are constantly on their feet, running, jumping, and throwing.
From sprinting across the court to jumping for intercepts, continuous movement enhances cardiovascular health and builds muscle strength in the arms, legs, and core. Netball also improves agility and balance, while the regular bursts of movement strengthen bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis later in life.
3. Develop hand-eye coordination & strategic thinking
In netball, every catch, pass, shot, and interception requires split-second decisions and quick reflexes, often while on the move. As children learn to time their movements and position themselves for maximum effectiveness, this leads to better hand-eye coordination and strategic thinking.
Moreover, these actions enhance fine motor skills and improve spatial awareness, which is crucial for daily activities such as writing, dressing, and even tying shoelaces. By practising these skills regularly, children can improve their overall agility and reaction times.
4. They’ll make loads of new friends
One of the biggest benefits of playing netball for kids is that it gives them the opportunity to expand their social circle and make new friends. Because netball relies heavily on interaction, kids naturally bond over their shared participation and love of the sport.
Many kids’ netball camps and programmes have a huge emphasis on welcoming children of all skill levels and backgrounds. Plus, shy or new players are often paired with experienced teammates who help them feel at home, creating a sense of belonging and inclusivity.
5. A great confidence-booster
Whether it’s scoring their first goal, making a crucial pass, or finally nailing their footwork, netball is full of these little victories that contribute to a child’s sense of self-worth. Everyone has a defined role in the game, meaning every child gets a chance to shine.
The confidence kids gain from seeing their own progress, along with encouragement from coaches and teammates, often spills over into other areas of life, helping them tackle challenges and take on new risks with resilience and a positive outlook.
Tips for getting started with netball
Getting your child started with netball is easier than you might think. In fact, most schools across the UK offer netball as part of their PE curriculum or extracurricular clubs. Here are a few extra tips for parents and kids looking to get started in netball:
- Find local clubs: Look for netball clubs in your area. England Netball, Netball Scotland, Wales Netball, and Netball Northern Ireland all have club finders on their websites. Community centres and leisure centres often run beginner sessions too!
- Consider “Back to Netball’: England Netball’s “Back to Netball‘ initiative welcomes all who are new to the sport or returning after a break in a relaxed and supportive environment.
- Attend taster sessions: These are an excellent way for your child to experience netball firsthand, meet the coaches and other players, and see if it’s a good fit without fully committing to a membership.
- Invest in suitable sportswear: Netball is a relatively affordable sport. All your child really needs are comfortable sports clothes and a good pair of trainers with decent grip. Most clubs or netball camps will supply the rest, like netballs, bibs, and other essential gear.
- Be supportive and positive: Your encouragement can make a big difference. Attend matches when possible and celebrate their effort and teamwork, regardless of the outcome.
Book a netball camp today with PGL!
Overall, the benefits of playing netball for kids are vast. So, why wait? Watch your child thrive and book a Netball camp for ages 11-16 years!
This is a brilliant way to introduce them to the sport, with 5 half days of expert coaching and an action-packed selection of classic PGL multi-activities! Plus, enjoy a mixed tournament at the end of the week. And if that’s not enough, our final day includes a special visit from an England Roses or Super League player for an engaging Q&A session!
Is your child interested in other activities? Great news! We offer a diverse selection of outdoor adventure camps, such as Cool Science, Bake It!, Surfing and many more!
Get in touch with our friendly and experienced team for more information.
