NETBALL

Major and minor rules

The rules of netball are pretty straightforward, and fall into two basic categories: minor (or "technical") rules and major rules.

If a player breaks a minor rule the opposition is awarded a free pass, which is a pass taken from the same spot where the rule was broken.

Breaking a major rule is more serious, and results in the opposing team being awarded a penalty pass.

A penalty pass is similar to a free pass, except the player who broke the rule must stand out of the way until the pass is taken.

If a player gives away a penalty pass in the goal circle then the shooter can take a free shot at goal.

Minor rules

Ball control
When a player receives a pass they have to act quickly, but they are not allowed to run with the ball or dribble it.

To gain control of the ball, a player can bat or bounce the ball once, but they CANNOT bat and bounce the ball, or do either more than once.

It is also against the rules to push the ball into the air before batting or bouncing it.

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And don't think you can get away with untidy play either.

A player has to be standing before they throw the ball - so no chucking the ball when you're kneeling down or sprawled on the floor of the court!

Three second rule
To make sure the game stays pacy and competitive there's the three second rule.

This means players have only three seconds between catching the ball and making a pass

Making space
This rule aims to cut down on short passes between team members, and effectively stops the ball being handed from one ...

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