Last updated: 3 October 2026
Reviewed by Jordan Morley, FA Level 2 Football Coach
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.
- 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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Open the Netball Footwork Rule Explained →In practice
Netball's strict footwork rule — a player receiving the ball can land on one foot then step with the other, or land on both feet simultaneously and then move one foot, but can't then move the first foot again before passing or shooting — forces quick, controlled decision-making immediately on receiving the ball, making footwork technique one of the first and most heavily drilled skills for new netball players.
FAQ
What is the footwork rule in netball?
After receiving the ball, a player may land on one foot and then step with the other (or land on two feet and move one), but once that landing foot or second foot has been grounded and moved, it can't be moved again before releasing the ball.
What happens if a player breaks the footwork rule?
It results in a footwork violation, awarding the opposing team a free pass from the spot of the infringement.