Where can each netball position go?
B · Beginner · The game · 2 of 8Checked 15 October 2026
The seven positions are Goal Shooter, Goal Attack, Wing Attack, Centre, Wing Defence, Goal Defence and Goal Keeper. The shooters play in the attacking goal third and circle, the Goal Attack in the centre third too. The wings play in a goal third outside the circle and the centre third. The Centre goes anywhere but the circles. Defence mirrors attack.
How it works
- GS: attacking third and circle.
- GA: attacking third, circle, centre third.
- WA: attacking third, centre third, no circle.
- C: everywhere except the circles.
- WD: defending third, centre third, no circle.
- GD: defending third, circle, centre third.
- GK: defending third and circle.
- Bibs: initials front and back.
The glossary has the Goal Shooter, the Goal Attack, the Wing attack, the Centre, the Wing Defence and the Goal Keeper.
Tricky cases
Can the Wing Attack enter the goal circle?
No.
Can the Goal Keeper go into the centre third?
No.
What if a player steps into the wrong area?
Offside; a free pass.
Can a team play without a Centre?
No. A Centre must be on court.
Why the rule exists
Limiting areas spreads play out and gives each position a clear job.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Shooters | Circle | L 3.10 |
| Centre | No circles | L 3.10 |
| Wrong area | Offside | L 14.1 |
From the rule book
World Netball, Rules of Netball (2024), Rules 3.9 to 3.11 and 14. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: World Netball Rules of Netball 2024.