netball![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Sport played mainly by women with two opposing teams of seven players; teams score points by throwing a ball into the opponent’s basket.
goal ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Structure made up of a basket and its supporting goalpost; a team scores each time it puts the ball into the opposing team’s basket.
ring ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Circular piece on which the netting is mounted; it is 15 in in diameter.
goalpost ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Vertical post 10 ft high that supports the basket; it is attached to the floor in the middle of the back line.
netball ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Inflated ball usually made of leather and with a diameter of 8.5 in; players are not allowed to carry the ball or hold on to it for more than three seconds.
court ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Hard rectangular surface (50 ft x 100 ft) on which a netball game is played; a game consists of four 15-minute periods.
back line ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Line marking the ends of the court; when the ball crosses this line, one team puts it back into play at the same place.
goal circle ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Semicircular zone in front of the goal; shots can only be taken from this zone and only by a goal attack or goal shooter.
umpire ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
One of two officials responsible for applying the rules; this individual’s role includes signaling infractions and when the ball leaves the court.
wing defense ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Position that covers the center third and defense third (except the goal circle); this player defends against the opposing team’s wing attack.
center ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Position that covers the entire court except the goal circles; this player is the link between the team’s offense and defense thirds.
goal attack ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Position that covers the center third and goal third (including the goal circle); this player is one of two allowed to shoot on goal.
sideline ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Line along the sides of the playing field; when the ball crosses this line, it is put back into play at the same place.
goal shooter ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Position always in the goal third or goal circle; this player’s role is to break away from the goalkeeper, catch passes and shoot on goal.
goal third ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Area between the back line and the center third; defenders and the goalkeeper are not allowed to enter their team’s goal third.
wing attack ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Position that covers the center and goal thirds (except the goal circle); this player uses speed and agility to pass the ball to the shooter or the goal attack.
center third ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Area at the center of the court between the two white lines; the goalkeepers and goal shooters are not allowed to enter this area.
central circle ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Circular zone in the center of the court; at the start of a game and after a goal, the center on one of the teams puts the ball into play from this point.
goal defense ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Position that moves in the center and defense thirds (including the goal circle); one of this player’s roles is to defend against the goal attack.
defense third ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Area between the back line and the center third; attacks and the shooter are not allowed to enter their team’s defense third.
goalkeeper ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Position that defends the team’s goal third; this player’s role is to prevent the opposing shooter from gaining possession of the ball.