Running, jumping, throwing, attacking, defending - it is no wonder Netball is one of the most popular sports at the Commonwealth Games.

It is fast, action-packed, and full of rapid-fire passes. Attacking teamwork and tactical nous is paramount when you have possession, whereas tight defence comes to the fore when you do not have possession.

Fast, precise, and clever footwork is one of the sport’s core skills. 

When a player is in possession of the ball at any point in the game, they are unable to move, meaning a squad needs to work as one synchronised unit to score. A player must pass or shoot the ball within just three seconds of receiving it, so speed, agility and sharp focus are key.

Each player faces restrictions on which areas of the court they can step into. Only the goal attack and goal shooter can shoot for goal.

Matches are divided into four 15-minute quarters and the team with the most goals wins.

Previous Commonwealth Games Appearances 
Netball was played as demonstration sport at the 1990 Commonwealth Games. It made its debut at the 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur and it has appeared at every edition since.

How Many Players?
The first international game of netball took place in 1938 between Australia and New Zealand but, this early in the sport's journey, each country still played by their own rules. At that time, Australia played seven-a-side netball, while New Zealand played nine-a-side! For this match they decided to play with seven-a-side and Australia went on to win.