High 5 Netball

High 5 Netball provides the link between First Step Netball and full 7-a-side rules. It gives greater freedom around the court, and more time in which to make decisions and act upon them. The game encourages maximum participation from those involved and introduces the roles of scorers, timekeepers and centre pass markers.

The game sits well with Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum for girls and boys in years 5 and 6 (ages 9-11 years), and it is the only game to be played by players of this age.

Click Here to view and print this page as a word document

Quick View

5 a-side played on normal netball court	Height of Post 2.74m (9ft)	Size 4 Ball
7-9 players in a squad girls and boys mixed or single sex	Play 4 quarters of 6 minutes each	Pass or shoot within 4 seconds
Players all rotate (Click Here to see the rotation)	Scorers and Timekeepers (Click Here to see scoresheets)	Have fun in all positions

You Will Need

The Court 30.5m x 15.25m (100ft x 50ft)

Markings Normal Netball Markings

Ball Size 4 Netball

Posts Height 2.74m (9ft) with net at centre of each goal line

Bibs GS (goal shooter)

GA (goal attack)

C (centre)

GD (goal defence)

GK (goal keeper)

Players

Minimum of 7 and a Maximum of 9 - only 5 players on court at any time.
4 quarters of 6 minutes, with 2 minutes intervals when players rotate.
Players must play in at least 2 quarters of the court, but these do not need to be consecutive. Each player plays in at least two different positions in each match, these will be shooting, centre, defending.
Substitution can take place whenever there is an injury or illness.
The Squad players not on court will score, keep a note of whose centre passes it is, or take on timekeeping.

Click Here to see all the roles.

Click Here to see the Players Court Positions and where they are permitted to go.

Click Hereto view and print your High 5 Scoresheets

Playing the Game

Playing Time

Matches should be 4 x 6 minutes quarters, with 2 minutes at each interval Teams should change ends at each interval.

Start of Play

Captains toss to determine who takes the first Centre Pass, centre passes then taken alternately.

Play is started by a pass from the Centre, who stands with both feet in the centre circle.

At the start of play, the GS, GD, GS and GK may be anywhere in the goal third which is part of their playing area. The opposing Centre shall be in the centre third and free to move.

When the umpire blows her whistle, the Centre must pass the ball within 4 seconds and obey the footwork rule. The ball must be caught or touched in the centre third.

Everyone must observe the 1m distance rule.

Playing the Ball

Players Must

Pass or shoot within 4 seconds.
Obey the Footwork rule.

Players Must Not

Deliberately kick the ball.
Bounce the ball more than once.
Hand or roll the ball to another player.
Place her hands on a ball held by an opponent.
Throw the ball while sitting or lying on the ground.
Use the goalpost as a support in receiving a ball going out of court or to gain balance.
Throw the ball over a complete third without it being touched or caught by another player in that third.
Regain possession of the ball, having dropped or thrown it, before it has been touched by another player.

Penalty FREE PASS

Footwork

A player may receive the ball with one foot grounded or may jump to catch and land on one foot. While that landing foot remains on the ground the other foot may be moved in any direction and any number of times, pivoting on the landing foot if desired. Hopping is not allowed.
A player may receive the ball whilst both feet are grounded, or may jump to catch and land on both feet simultaneously. The player may then choose to move both foot and the remaining foot shall then be considered to be the landing foot. Proceed as in 1 above.

Scoring a Goal

A goal is scored when the ball passes completely through the ring from top to bottom.
A goal may only be scored by the Goal Shooter or the Goal Attack playing the ball from any part of the shooting circle.

Defending, Obstruction & Contact

When a player is holding the ball, the direction on the ground between the player's landing foot and the nearer foot of an opponent must be at least 1 meter.
Defending the ball in a player's hands by outstretching the arms in not permitted. The player with the ball must be permitted an unimpeded throwing or shooting action. One jump to intercept a throw or shot at goal is permitted provided that the player is at least 1 meter away and that the arms are not outstretched prior to the jump. Jumping up and down in front of a player is not permitted.
Netball is a non-contact game. No player shall knock or push an opponent or interfere with her play, either accidentally or deliberately.

Out of Court A ball is out of court when:

When a player is touching the ball while standing off court. (the lines are part of the court)
The ball touches an object outside the court.

If the ball hits the post and bounces back onto the court the ball is still in play.

A throw-in is awarded to the opposing team.

A Throw-in

Is taken at the point the ball crossed the line. Any player can take the throw-in if they are allowed in the court area. Both feet must be behind the line.
The player taking the throw-in must check that all other players are on court, and release the ball within 4 seconds.

Offside

A player is offside if they enter any part of the court they are not allowed.

Penalty FREE PASS

Toss Up

The umpire takes a toss up when 2 opposing players simultaneously:

Gain possession of the ball
Knock the ball out of court
Are offside with the ball
Contact each other

Or when he/she is unsure about which player is responsible or who had possession of the ball when the game was stopped for injury.

The two players stand with their arms at their sides and their feet in any position, with 1 meter between one player's front foot and that of the opponent.The umpire flicks the ball not more that 60cm (2ft) into the air from a point midway between the players and just below shoulder level of the shorter player's normal standing position. The whistle is blown as the umpire releases the ball, the ball is now in play.

Penalties: Free Pass/Penalty Pass or Shot

Free Pass is awarded to a team for any infringement of the rules except obstruction and contact.

Penalty pass or shot is awarded to a team against any player causing obstruction or contact.

A player may shoot if the penalty is awarded inside the circle. The offending player must stand still beside the player taking the pass.

A free pass, or penalty pass or shot, is taken from the point where the infringement occurred and may be taken by any player of the team allowed in that area.

For more information please contact:

Anna Maundrell

Regional Development Officer

Tel: 01628 477 090

email: south@englandnetball.co.uk

(Back) (Top)