2025-06-18 10:10:00
Netball’s New Era Unveiled
World Netball has announced a bold new global events strategy, including a netball World Cup every two years and the introduction of a men’s Netball World Cup.
- The Netball World Cup will be held biennially.
- A men’s Netball World Cup is on the horizon.
- New competitions, like Cup and Plate, are coming to the NWC in 2027.
World Netball (WN) is shaking things up,announcing a revamped global events strategy that includes a Netball World Cup (NWC) every two years. This strategic move aims to showcase the sport more often and broaden its appeal. The introduction of a men’s NWC marks a meaningful step for the sport.
A Consistent Calendar
The decision follows a recent announcement detailing changes to the NWC format and schedule,wiht Cup and Plate competitions debuting in 2027. All future NWCs, starting after the 2027 event in Sydney, will be held in November.The next NWC is scheduled for November 2029.
this new schedule provides stability for key stakeholders, including members, fans, and commercial partners. It also avoids disrupting domestic league calendars in key markets where professional leagues exist. WN plans to launch a new biennial event in November 2028, in non-NWC years.
Did you know?-The decision to hold the NWC every two years aims to increase the sport’s global visibility and attract new fans and sponsors.
Expanding the Game
The hosting of this event will be a key part of future NWC hosting agreements. This ensures a world-class international event happens every year. The best players will compete more frequently, building rivalries and opening new markets.
WN CEO Fiona Harold emphasized the evolving landscape of international netball,stating that the organization must be proactive in future-proofing the sport. These decisions will allow WN to control its destiny, which will benefit everyone involved. WN recognizes that as the International Federation, it is indeed their job to grow the game over the long term.
Reader question:-How do you think the introduction of a men’s Netball World Cup will impact the sport’s overall popularity and inclusivity?
Men’s Netball Takes Center Stage
Regarding the men’s NWC, Harold noted that the sport must adapt to change. Men’s netball is rapidly gaining momentum, and this move is seen as a positive step, especially as netball continues to strive for olympic Games inclusion.
WN is engaging with men’s netball groups, aiming to help them realize their dream of an inaugural men’s Netball World Cup in the next few years. Initial conversations are underway with members and third parties regarding hosting rights for 2028-2035, with a formal process beginning soon.
The FAST5 Netball world Series (FAST5 NWS) is temporarily paused.
WN will continue to explore additional opportunities for the sport, including an international club competition.
Interested in staying updated on all the latest news? Follow WN on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Netball: Decoding the Game
As World Netball rolls out its enterprising plans, let’s take a closer look at netball itself-the sport at the heart of these exciting developments. Netball is a dynamic, fast-paced team sport played between two teams of seven players on a rectangular court [[1]][[2]]. The objective is straightforward: score more goals than your opponent by shooting the ball through a net.
The game involves passing a ball down the court, with players restricted to designated areas, or zones. The ball is moved by passing; players cannot run with the ball.Each player has a specific role resolute by their position and can only move within their designated zone.
Is netball easy to understand? The basics of netball are simple, making it easy to pick up! The aim is to score goals by shooting the ball through a net.
The court is marked with specific zones, each allowing a certain number of players to move within them [[3]]. The game is primarily non-contact, with strict rules to prevent blocking and physical contact. This encourages strategic play and teamwork, which is key to success in netball. The sport’s accessibility and inclusive nature, with its emphasis on agility, skill, and strategy, make it appealing to a wide range of people around the globe.
Unpacking the Roles
The roles within a netball team are vital to its success, and each player plays a vital part in the game. The seven positions are Center (C), Goal Keeper (GK), Goal Shooter (GS), goal Attack (GA), Wing Attack (WA), Wing Defense (WD), and Goal Defense (GD). These roles ensure that the game is accessible and balanced. Each has a specific zone they’re allowed to move in, influencing their offensive or defensive play.
Here’s a rundown for each position:
- Goal Shooter (GS): Primarily responsible for shooting and scoring goals in the Goal circle.
- Goal Attack (GA): Works closely with the GS, shooting and assisting, and moving into the attacking area.
- Wing Attack (WA): Brings the ball into the shooting circle and assists the attackers with passes.
- Center (C): Connects the team’s defense and offense, moving throughout the court to support all areas.
- Wing Defense (WD): Defends the opposing Wing attack, preventing passes into their attacking circle.
- Goal Defense (GD): Defends the opposing Goal Attack, working with the GK to win back the ball.
- Goal Keeper (GK): Defends the opposing Goal Shooter, aiming to block shots and gain possession.
What are the player positions in netball? Knowing the players’ roles allows you to follow the game more easily, even for beginners!
Understanding these roles is the cornerstone of appreciating netball. As World Netball expands its events, the importance of each player and their position only gets more highlighted. This leads to competitive games and more opportunities for talented athletes.
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