Netball

Netball is a fun, engaging team sport for both boys and girls. Players wear bibs which assign them to specific positions, and the game is played on a rectangular court to score in uniquely shaped nets at either end of the court. 

Netball is an invasion game with many adaptable formats suitable for both the age and stage of participants. Games can be adapted to many different environments.

Bee from England Netball nurtures primary school children's physical, social and emotional development. It mixes learning with playing the game, particularly supporting the transition between key stages. Bee relies on children learning and playing together, creating the ultimate team sport.

Bee Netball is for all primary-aged children in both Key Stages 1 and 2. It helps children enjoy being active whilst both learning and playing the game. Bee Netball proactively supports the social development of children, and our ‘Beeliefs’ enable key skills and character traits to be at the forefront of activity, whilst learning the skills of the game.

Primary formats

There are two formats on offer: one for Years 3-4 and the other for Years 5-6.

Years 3/4 is a 4v4 format with no fixed positions. Played in any rectangular space (or a third of a netball court if you have court markings), it is simply attack v defence in an invasion game-style activity. Goals are scored either through a goal or by hitting a ground target. The game can be adapted to meet the needs and requirements of your space. Children must stand still when they receive the ball and pass to another teammate within four seconds.

Years 5/6 is a 5v5 format with the introduction of some netball positions (Centre, Goal attack, Goal shooter, Goal defence, Goal keeper). Participants can move throughout the court and pass to a teammate within four seconds.

You can find lots of practical resources to support your delivery in The Hive, England Netball's online hub.

SEND formats

There are two formats available: one for KS2 and one for KS3, suitable for children with SEND who are educated in an inclusive school or unit setting.

Co-designed with lead inclusion schools, Inclusive Bee Netball Festivals provide children and young people with SEND the opportunity to try netball. Introducing games and activities in a fun and engaging, adaptable first step into netball, as there are fewer strict or 'complicated' rules.

The KS2 format is an activity carousel and 4v4 game-play festival, providing children with SEND an opportunity to try different netball activities and games. Goals are scored either through a goal or by hitting a ground target. The game is adaptable to meet the needs and requirements of your space. This format works best in Years 3/4 or 5/6 and can be either mixed-gender or girls only.

The KS3 format is an activity carousel and 4v4 game play festival for girls in Years 7-9 with SEND, as an opportunity to try netball with less strict or 'complicated' rules and gain confidence in sport, utilising NETBALLHer to support. Goals are scored either through a goal or by hitting a ground target. The game is adaptable to meet the needs and requirements of your space.

Equipment needed

• Netballs and foam balls
• Bibs
• Cones
• Hoops and beanbags
• Spots/lines

School Games formats

Choose the right format document for your age group (Primary or Secondary) below. Each includes:

• SGOs (pink) – inter-school competition and advocacy
• Schools (green) – intra-school and curriculum delivery
• Young people (blue) – how to lead and run activities.