Game Rules and Information

MK Netball follows the Woolworths futureFerns programme.  This is Netball New Zealand's official junior netball programme for children in Years 1 to 4.

YEAR 1 AND 2 PROGRAMME

The aim is to develop fundamental movement and basic netball ball skills.  Playing 4 v 4 allows the players to pass, catch and shoot from day one.

Age: 5 - 6 year olds
Playing Format: 4 v 4
Game Day: 20 mins Skills, 2 x 8 mins Game
Court Size: 1/3 of the court
Goal Height: 2.1m hula hoop or portable goal
Ball Size: 20cm textured play ball
Rotations: Rolling Substitutions

Year 1 and 2's play a simplified version of the game (4 v 4) on one third of a netball court using a 20cm textured-surface ball and a 2.1m hula hoop goal.  Players from Year 1 and Year 2 can be mixed within teams.  Girls and boys can both play.  There are no set positions.  MK will provide all resources for the programme, including Junior Coordinators to lead the programme, and all equipment (including balls and bibs). Each weekly session is 45 minutes long and incorporates both a skill development period and a game of two x 8 minute halves.  There are four players from each team on the court.  Teams may use rolling substitutions at any time during the game.  

YEAR 3 AND 4 PROGRAMME

This programme is designed to be fast and fun, maximising participation. The focus for this age group is learning basic skills in a modified game of 5-a-side, using two-thirds of a Netball court. Five players in each team and rotating positions ensures everyone gets an equal chance to develop their skills

Age: 7 - 8 year olds
Playing Format: 5 v 5
Game Day: 15 mins Skills, 4 x 8 mins Game
Court Size: 2/3 of the court
Goal Height: 2.6m
Ball Size: Size 4 ball
Rotations: Rolling Substitutions

Year 3 and 4's play a modified version of the game (5 v 5) over two thirds of a netball court using a Size 4 netball and 2.6 metre goals.  A portable goal will be used at one end.  Girls and boys can play.  Positions are 2 x attacker, 2 x defender, 1 x centre, with the court split into halves.  MK will provide all resources for the programme, including Junior Coordinators to lead the programme, and all equipment (including balls and bibs).

Each weekly session is 60 minutes long and incorporates both a skill development period and a game of approximately 4 x 6 minute quarters.  There are five players from each team on the court.  Teams may use rolling substitutions at any time during the game.