Can the ball skip a third in netball?
I · Intermediate · Playing the ball · 2 of 5Checked 15 October 2026
A pass may not cross a whole third untouched: a player standing wholly in each third, or landing there first, must catch or touch it. If not, the other team gets a free pass by the line. A pass must also leave room for an opponent to intercept; a short pass gives a free pass too.
How it works
- Each third: ball must be touched.
- Player: standing wholly in it, or landing there.
- Missed third: free pass by the line.
- Landing astride: pass to one of the two thirds only.
- Short pass: no room to intercept.
- Sanction: free pass where caught.
- Hand to hand: short pass.
- Long pass: allowed within these rules.
The glossary has the over a third, the short pass, the thirds, the free pass, the interception and the pass.
Tricky cases
A player lands astride the line and catches. Where can they pass?
Into one of the two thirds they straddle.
Is handing the ball to a team-mate allowed?
No. It is a short pass.
The ball is thrown from one goal third to the other. Result?
Free pass.
Where is the free pass for over a third?
By the transverse line it crossed.
Why the rule exists
Both rules keep the ball contestable as it moves up court.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Over a third | Free pass | L 12.3 |
| Astride | One third only | L 12.6 |
| Short pass | Free pass | L 12.1 |
From the rule book
World Netball, Rules of Netball (2024), Rule 12. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: World Netball Rules of Netball 2024.