Netball positions

A netball team consists of seven players, in the following positions:
GK - Goal Keeper + GD - Goal Defence + WD - Wing Defence + C - Centre + WA - Wing Attack + GA - Goal Attack + GS - Goal Shooter

Goal Shooter

A goal shooter will often be one of the taller players. Just check out the Jamaica and Queensland Firebirds Goal Shooter Romelda Aiken standing at 6ft 5 inches. Or Caitlan Bassett of the West Coast Fever at 6ft 3 and 1/2 inches. But the greatest example of a Goal Shooter can be found in the almighty Irene Van Dyk at 6ft 3 inches. It is not unusual to see a Goal Shooter use their height to also split their legs mid-air to gain an advantage in goal shooting position.

Goal Defence

Another key defensive position allowed to play anywhere in the defensive third of the court. This position must have an excellent ability to predict where the Goal Attack or Shooter may run to near the goal and try to block and disrupt their position.

Goal Keeper

Casey Williams is a classic netball Goal Keeper, but a rising star in this position is Laura Geitz. They are aggressive, totally committed to the ball and the most defensive position on court. A good Goal Keeper will often intercept passes that are thrown into the Goal Attack and Shooter positions.

Goal Attack

Goal Attack arguably needs to be more mobile and present in goal than Goal Shooter. Take players such as Susan Pratley for the NSW Swifts or Nat Medhurst for the Queensland Firebirds. Their ability to be mobile around goal and take advantage of open space is key. A good Goal Attack doesn't necessarily rely on height but needs fitness and agility to be effective. See Maria Tutaia for another good example.

Centre

Centre can move anywhere on the court except for the goal circles. Their job is crucial as they are responsible for passing out of the centre circle to start the point. Mobile, creative, decisive and assertive are some of the key features of a good centre.

Wing Attack

Nat Von Bertouch is your classic Wing Attack, determined, tenacious, committed to passage play. Unless your Wing Attack is feeding quality ball to the Goal positions it is difficult for the entire netball team to dominate.  A good Wing Attack can also be transitional between Wing Defence and Centre.

Wing Defence

Wing Defence marks the Wing Attack position and looks to move the ball up the court in combination with the Centre. A good Wing Defence is highly fit, mentally tough and excellent at marking and understanding movement on the court.