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Netball · Rules

Netball Court Zones Guide

Every netball position is restricted to specific court zones — here's exactly where each one can and can't go.

Last updated: 6 August 2026

Reviewed by Jordan Makin, FA Level 2 Football Coach

Zone access by position

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Frequently asked questions

Why does netball restrict positions to specific zones?

The zone system forces genuine specialisation and spreads players across the court, preventing the bunched-up, everyone-chases-the-ball pattern you'd get without restrictions. It also means every position has a clearly defined tactical job, which is part of what makes netball's structure distinct from sports like basketball where all players can access the full court.

What happens if a player enters a zone they're not allowed in?

It's called an offside violation, and the umpire awards a free pass to the opposing team from the spot where the infringement occurred. This is one of the most common calls in netball at every level, especially among newer players still learning their zone boundaries.