The footwork rule is fundamental to netball and prevents running with the ball. When you catch the ball, the foot you land on (or, if landing on two feet, the one you choose) becomes your grounded foot. You may step with the other foot and pivot on the grounded foot, but moving or dragging the grounded foot before releasing the ball is ‘stepping’ — an infringement resulting in a free pass to the opposition. Combined with the 3-second holding rule, the footwork rule forces a fast, passing-based game built on movement off the ball.
Key points
- Landing foot becomes fixed (grounded)
- May pivot on grounded foot, not move it
- Moving it = stepping (free pass to opposition)
- Forces passing-based play, no running with ball
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