Netball Size Guide: Sizes for Netballs, Hoops, and Courts Explained

Netball is one of the most popular team sports played in UK schools, especially among girls, and continues to grow in inclusivity and participation across all age groups. With its fast-paced nature, emphasis on teamwork, and clear positional roles, netball offers an excellent way to develop physical literacy, coordination, and strategic thinking in pupils.

Whether you're introducing the basics to Key Stage 2 students or refining skills with older age groups, netball provides a structured yet adaptable framework for physical education. This guide is designed to support PE teachers with practical advice on equipment, ball sizes, teaching tips, and game formats—ensuring every pupil has the opportunity to enjoy and excel in the sport.

Understanding the relationship between netball sizes, netball team size, and even netball court size helps teachers plan lessons that reflect the real dynamics of the game. The guide below outlines the recommended sizes and formats for each age group, supporting steady progression and an enjoyable introduction to netball across all key stages.

Netball Ball Sizes

Selecting the correct netball size is a key part of introducing pupils to the sport safely and effectively. Using an appropriately sized ball helps young players develop control, coordination, and confidence as they learn to pass, catch, and shoot. As pupils grow and progress through different stages of physical education, moving from a size 4 netball to a size 5 netball ensures the game remains challenging and suitable for their ability level.

Netball size guide chart for primary and secondary school PE teachers showing recommended ball sizes for ages 5–18, helping teachers choose correct netball sizes for lessons, training, and school sports equipment ordering.

Size 4 Netball – Up to age 10 (Up to Year 6)

A Size 4 netball is the recommended choice for younger players, typically those aged 10 and under. Slightly smaller and lighter than the senior ball, it allows children to develop correct passing, catching, and shooting techniques without strain. Using the right netball size at this stage helps pupils gain confidence and coordination while maintaining accuracy and control. Introducing netball with a Size 4 ball supports skill progression and ensures that lessons remain engaging, accessible, and developmentally appropriate for Key Stage 2 pupils.

Size 5 Netball – Ages 10+ (Year 6+)

The Size 5 netball is the official match ball used in senior school, club, and adult competitions. It is the standard size specified by England Netball for players aged 11 and above, making it ideal for pupils in Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, and beyond. At this stage, players have developed the strength, coordination, and tactical awareness needed to handle a full-sized ball effectively. Progressing to a Size 5 supports continued skill development, match realism, and game understanding, ensuring pupils are well prepared for competitive play and lifelong participation in the sport.

Browse Our Range of Netballs

After choosing the correct size, make sure you have a ball that meets your needs. Explore our school PE netballs, training balls, and match-quality options, all designed for durability and performance.

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Kooga Centre Netball

£8.00

£8.00 ~~£8.00~~

Kooga Centre Netball & Bib Pack Size 4

£105.00

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Gilbert Aurora Netball

£22.00

£22.00 ~~£22.00~~

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Netball Hoop Heights

Selecting the correct netball post height helps pupils build confidence and develop proper shooting technique as they progress through school. Adjusting hoop height for younger players allows them to focus on accuracy, form, and coordination rather than power, creating a positive and inclusive learning experience. As pupils grow stronger and more skilled, gradually increasing the post height ensures challenge and readiness for competitive play.

Netball hoop height guide for primary and secondary school PE teachers showing recommended ring heights for ages 5–18, helping teachers set correct netball post heights for lessons, training sessions, and school sports equipment standards.

2.44m (8ft) Netball Post – Ages 7–9 (Year 3-5)

For pupils in lower Key Stage 2, a 2.44 metre (8 foot) netball post provides the ideal introduction to shooting. This reduced height helps younger players experience success when learning to aim and release the ball correctly. It also encourages repetition and confidence during practice sessions, laying the foundation for effective shooting technique.

2.75m (9ft) Netball Post – Ages 9–11 (Year 5-6)

As pupils’ strength and coordination develop, moving up to a 2.75 metre (9 foot) hoop creates an appropriate next step before progressing to full-size posts. This height is suitable for upper Key Stage 2 pupils and ensures a smooth transition between early learning and the regulation height used in secondary school.

3.05m (10ft) Netball Post – Ages 11 and Over (Year 7+)

The 3.05 metre (10 foot) post is the official England Netball regulation height used in all senior school, club, and adult competitions. Pupils in Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, and beyond should train and play with this height to build match realism and prepare for competitive environments. Using the correct height at this stage supports advanced shooting, tactical understanding, and physical development.

Browse Our Range of Netball Hoops

A great game needs a reliable goal. We offer a range of portable, adjustable netball hoops—perfect for flexible use in school playgrounds or sports halls. For a more permanent solution, our socketed hoops provide stability while still offering height adaptability, making them ideal for multi-age groups and long-term installations.

Harrod Telescopic Netball Posts (per pair)

£325.00

£325.00 ~~£325.00~~

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Harrod Socketed Netball Posts Green (per pair)

From £250.00

From £250.00 ~~£250.00~~

2x Sure Shot 502 Transportable Netball Units

£320.00

£320.00 ~~£320.00~~

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Understanding Netball Positions

Each player on a netball team has a specific role and area of the court they can move within. These positions work together to keep the game flowing, from starting play to defending the goal. Here’s a quick overview of what each position does and where they’re allowed to go.

Goal Defence (GD): Blocks entry to the goal circle; allowed in bottom two-thirds and goal circle.

Goal Keeper (GK): Stops shooters; restricted to bottom third and goal circle.

Centre (C): Starts play and moves anywhere except both goal circles.

Wing Attack (WA): Feeds the ball into the goal circle; plays in the top two-thirds.

Goal Attack (GA): Supports shooters and can score; allowed in top two-thirds and goal circle.

Goal Shooter (GS): Primary scorer; restricted to top third and goal circle.

Wing Defence (WD): Marks attackers and protects the circle; plays in bottom two-thirds.

Centre (C): Starts play and moves anywhere except both goal circles.

Wing Attack (WA): Feeds the ball into the goal circle; plays in the top two-thirds.

Goal Attack (GA): Supports shooters and can score; allowed in top two-thirds and goal circle.

Goal Shooter (GS): Primary scorer; restricted to top third and goal circle.

Wing Defence (WD): Marks attackers and protects the circle; plays in bottom two-thirds.

Goal Defence (GD): Blocks entry to the goal circle; allowed in bottom two-thirds and goal circle.

Goal Keeper (GK): Stops shooters; restricted to bottom third and goal circle.

Court Layout and Line Markings

A standard netball court measures 30.5m in length and 15.25m in width, divided into thirds with a goal circle at each end (radius: 4.9m). The lines should be 50mm wide, clearly marking the sidelines, transverse lines, and goal circles for accurate play (BBC Bitesize, n.d.).

Browse Our Range of Netball Line Markings

If you’re setting up a court for schools, we offer durable line marking solutions designed for playgrounds and sports halls. These include netball-specific markings as well as multi-sport court layouts, perfect for maximizing space and encouraging a variety of activities.

Netball Marking - 30 x 15m

£760.00

£760.00 ~~£760.00~~

Netball & Mini Football Marking - 30 x 15m

£940.00

£940.00 ~~£940.00~~

Netball & Short Tennis Marking - 30 x 15m

£1,450.00

£1,450.00 ~~£1,450.00~~

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From understanding Netball positions, court dimensions and line markings to choosing the right ball size, these recommendations ensure your students’ netball experience is both accurate and enjoyable. With options like portable and adjustable hoops, socketed posts, and high-quality netballs, you can create a professional setup tailored for schools and multi-sport environments.

Got questions? Check out our Netball FAQ below for quick answers to common queries.

FAQs

How long is a netball game?

A standard netball game lasts 60 minutes, divided into four quarters of 15 minutes each, with short breaks between quarters for rest and team discussions.

How many players in a netball team?

Each team has seven players on court, covering positions such as Centre, Wing Attack, Goal Attack, Goal Shooter, Wing Defence, Goal Defence, and Goal Keeper.

How to play netball?

Netball is a non-contact team sport where players pass the ball to move it down the court and score goals by shooting through the opponent’s hoop. Players must stay within their designated areas, cannot run with the ball, and must pass or shoot within three seconds of receiving it.

How tall is a netball hoop?

The official hoop height is 3.05m (10ft) for players aged 11 and above. For younger pupils, adjustable heights are recommended:

2.44m (8ft) for ages 7–9
2.75m (9ft) for ages 9–11

What is the size of a netball court?

A regulation netball court measures 30.5m long by 15.25m wide, divided into thirds with a goal circle radius of 4.9m. All lines should be 50mm wide.

What are the standard netball sizes for different age groups?

Size 4 Netball: Up to age 10 (Key Stage 2)

Size 5 Netball: Age 11 and above (Key Stage 3+) – official match size

References:

Gilbert Netball (2024) Which netball should I buy? Available at: https://www.gilbert-netball.com/blogs/netball/which-netball-should-i-buy (Accessed: 7 November 2025).

BBC Bitesize. (n.d.) Netball: Court and positions. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zpg3rdm/revision/2 (Accessed: 20 November 2025).

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