Netball equipment list: What do you need to play netball?

Netball equipment list: What do you need to play netball?

Helix Odhiambo
May 8, 2024 at 5:05 AM

Netball is a fast-paced sport that requires skill, agility, and teamwork. It is popular in many countries and followed by millions of people. To excel in netball, you must have the necessary gear. Netball equipment encompasses a range of items or tools designed to help athletes play the sport better.

List of netball equipment
Dylan McPherson (yellow) of Australia against New Zealand's Liam Dalton (L) in October 2023. England and New Zealand women (R) in August 2022. Photo by Eddie Keogh, Fiona Goodall (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Table of Сontents:

Netball is a non-contact sport played indoors and outdoors by both genders worldwide. It involves two teams of seven players each, with players aiming to score goals by passing a ball and shooting it into the opposite team's goal ring. If you want to play the sport, you must understand the rules of the game and the types of gear needed to play.

List of netball equipment

What equipment do you need for netball? Different types of gear are required for the sport, ranging from balls to shoes and rings. Sources such as Netball One, the UK Rules, and Active SG compiled some of the most common facilities and equipment in netball. Here is a breakdown of these tools used in training and during games.

Netball equipment list

Ball

Netball bibs

Shoe

Tape/guard

Bag

Goal post

Netball ring

Maker cones

Hurdles

Speed rings

Netball equipment for players

Like in many sports, netball players must have specific gear to enjoy the game. The gear includes balls, bibs, shoes, tapes, and bags. Here are more details about the items.

5. Ball

What is the equipment used in netball?
A ball going through the net during warm-up training between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex on 4 October 2010 in Delhi, India. Photo: Mark Kolbe
Source: Getty Images

A netball ball is spherical, with a 69-71 cm circumference and a weight of 0.4-0.45 kg. It is often striped, with the new colour combination being orange, white, and blue. The ball is made of leather, rubber, or suitable synthetic material.

4. Netball bibs

Sophie Fawns of the NSW Swifts against Melbourne Mavericks
Sophie Fawns of the NSW Swifts controls the ball during their Super Netball match against Melbourne Mavericks at Ken Rosewall Arena on 21 April 2024 in Sydney, Australia. Photo: Brett Hemmings
Source: Getty Images

What is a netball kit? It is a jersey or clothing worn by players during training or games. Players wear coloured bibs to differentiate themselves from opponents on the court. The bibs are made of lightweight, breathable fabric and come in various sizes and colours.

Players wear jerseys with different numbers to indicate their playing positions. According to Real Buzz, Most female athletes wear a polo-style shirt or t-shirt and a short pleated skirt, while men wear a polo-style shirt or t-shirt and a pair of shorts.

3. Shoe

Netball equipment training list
First Nations artwork adorns shoes during the Super Netball match between Adelaide Thunderbirds and West Coast Fever at Netball SA Stadium on 27 May 2023 in Adelaide. Photo: Sue McKay
Source: Getty Images

A shoe is essential netball equipment because it facilitates players' movements. A suitable pair of shoes will provide the utmost comfort, stability, support, and traction on the court.

The shoes also come in different sizes and brands, such as Adidas, Nike, Asics, Mizuno, and Gilbert. Players should also invest in good sports socks for extra bounce and support.

2. Tape/guard

Most players wear knee or ankle guards to prevent them from worsening their injuries when they fall. Tapes or bandages are also crucial for treating injuries. Athletes often use tapes from renowned brands like Kinesio, KT, and Rock tape to wrap their wounded areas.

1. Bag

Why is equipment important for netball?
Emma Cosh of the West Coast Fever (R) arrives with her teammates before the Super Netball Preliminary match against NSW Swifts at Qudos Bank Arena on 1 July 2023 in Sydney. Photo: Jenny Evans
Source: Getty Images

Netballers need backpacks or kitbags to carry their belongings, such as clothing, shoes, socks, and guards. Moving around with the equipment in a bag is convenient and efficient. Some bags also help to carry training balls in bulk.

Netball training equipment list

In addition to the items players use, other training equipment can further enhance an athlete's skills and performance on the court. The gear helps improve their speed, agility, reaction time, and overall fitness.

5. Goal post

Facilities and equipment in netball
Gretel Bueta of Australia (L) catches the ball against England on 6 August 2022. Gretel Bueta of Australia shoots against Wales on 2 August 2022. Photo: Alex Livesey, Mark Kolbe (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

The netball goal post is an essential equipment that holds the ring where players score. It is a tall structure measuring 3.05m, placed at the midpoint of each goal line. The posts are used during training, matches, or for recreational play.

Goal posts are padded with sponges to reduce the risk of injuries when players knock into them. Unlike in basketball, netball posts do not have backboards.

4. Netball ring

What equipment do you need for netball?
Players (L) jump for the ball during the Super Netball match on 11 March 2017 in Australia. On the right is a netball and a goal ring. Photo: Nigel French, Graham Denholm (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

The metal ring, which has an internal diameter of 38 cm, is usually attached at the top of the post. From it, the net protrudes outwards. Players or shooters aim to throw the ball through the rim to score a goal.

3. Maker cones

Netball marker cones are small, flat plastic cones that mark boundaries and create training drills on the court. They come in various colours for easy visibility. Players perform drills using cones to improve their footwork, agility, and spatial awareness.

Netball training cones
Netball cones lying on the court during a training session. Photo: Piaras Ó Mídheach, @Squadnetball coach (modified by author)
Source: UGC

2. Hurdles

Athletes use hurdles to improve their jumping ability, leg strength, and coordination. Vertical jumps are crucial in the sport, allowing players to intercept and receive a high pass.

1. Speed rings

Speed rings are flexible, circular rings players use to perform various speed and agility exercises. They also help to improve lateral movement and reaction times.

Trivia

Netball equipment
The Vitality Roses players practice before their Cadbury International Netball Series against the Silver Ferns at Christchurch Arena on 24 September 2021 in Christchurch. Photo: Peter Meecham
Source: Getty Images

Netball equipment and facilities are unique and serve different purposes. Without them, playing and enjoying the sport would not be easy. Here are some frequently asked questions about the sport.

What is the equipment used in netball?

To enjoy the sport, players require balls, bibs, shoes, socks, guards, and bags. Additional support gear like goal posts, rings, marker cones, and hurdles are also necessary.

What do you need to play netball?

To play netball, one should have the necessary equipment. It is also important to understand the rules and show determination and passion for the sport.

Why is equipment important for netball?

Netball gear helps players develop their skills and improve various aspects, such as speed, jumping, shooting, and footwork. Other equipment ensures optimum performance, comfort, and support during training or matches.

Final word

Netball equipment makes the game fun and comfortable for players. The more you play, the better you will get and the more tricks and strategies you can employ during matches.

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Authors
Helix Odhiambo photo
Helix Odhiambo
Helix Odhiambo is an award-winning Kenyan journalist and content creator with over 6 years of experience. In 2016, he won the Goal Blaze Correspondent Award for young writers.