Netball Positions Explained for Beginners

If your child is new to netball, you may have heard terms like Goal Shooter, Wing Attack or Centre and wondered what they mean. Netball has seven positions on the court, each with its own role and responsibilities.

Understanding these positions helps players learn teamwork and develop different skills.

Goal Shooter (GS)

The Goal Shooter is responsible for scoring goals. They work closely with the Goal Attack to create scoring opportunities inside the shooting circle.

Players in this position need:

• Strong shooting accuracy

• Good positioning

• Height or jumping ability can be helpful

Goal Attack (GA)

The Goal Attack also helps score goals but moves further up the court to help bring the ball into the attacking area.

This role requires:

• Shooting ability

• Strong passing skills

• Quick movement

Wing Attack (WA)

Wing Attack players help move the ball from the centre third into the attacking circle.

Key skills include:

• Speed and agility

• Accurate passing

• Strong game awareness

Centre (C)

The Centre covers the most ground on the court and links the attacking and defensive areas.

Players in this position need:

• High fitness levels

• Excellent passing skills

• Strong decision-making

Wing Defence (WD)

Wing Defence players work to stop the opposition Wing Attack from receiving the ball and moving it into the attacking third.

This role focuses on:

• Defensive pressure

• Intercepting passes

• Strong positioning

Goal Defence (GD)

Goal Defence helps prevent the opposition from scoring by defending the Goal Attack and supporting the Goal Keeper.

Skills include:

• Strong defensive movement

• Rebounding

• Intercepting passes

Goal Keeper (GK)

The Goal Keeper defends the Goal Shooter and works inside the defensive circle to stop goals from being scored.

Players in this position focus on:

• Blocking shots

• Rebounding

• Strong defensive positioning

Learning Positions in Junior Netball

In junior competitions run by the Eastwood Ryde Netball Association, players often rotate through different positions to help them develop a wide range of skills and better understand the game.

Trying different roles also helps players discover which position they enjoy most.