Fast passes, dazzling footwork and arguably unrivalled team spirit - it’s little wonder that Netball remains one of the most popular sports of the Commonwealth Games. 

Communication, precision, and speed are at the heart of the games. It’s fierce, it's fast, and it’s full of action. With players only allowed possession of the ball for three seconds, speed, agility and drama are guaranteed. 

Glasgow 2026 spectators can expect to see clashes between the world’s very best, where every interception, every turnover, and every shot counts. 

Here’s how it works: 

Matches are made up of four 15-minute quarters, with the team scoring the most goals taking the win. 

Each team has seven players in fixed positions with prescribed areas on court. 

When a player is in possession of the ball, they can’t move - meaning the squad must operate as one, in total sync, to create scoring opportunities.  

Players must pass or shoot the ball within just three seconds, so speed, agility and sharp focus are vital.  

Only the goal attack and goal shooter can score goals. 

Did you know? 

  • The first international game of netball took place in 1938, between Australia and New Zealand - but at the time, each country had its own rules. Australia played seven-a-side, New Zealand played nine-a-side. For the match, they agreed to go with seven-a-side, and Australia took the win.  
  • Netball was played as a demonstration sport at the Auckland 1990, before making its official debut at Kuala Lumpur 1998. It has featured at each Commonwealth Games since.
  • New Zealand and Australia had won every gold medal between then until England took gold following a dramatic late goal at Gold Coast 2018.  
  • At Glasgow 2014, Scotland fielded a netball team for the first time ever, having climbed steadily up the rankings over the previous four years. 
The tournament at the OVO Hydro showcased some of the world's strongest netball nations, including Australia, New Zealand, England and Jamaica.
Australia dominated Pool A, winning all five group matches and finishing ahead of England with an impressive goal difference of +187. New Zealand topped Pool B, also remaining unbeaten through the group stage, while Jamaica finished second to secure a semi-final place.
 
Then for the first time in Games history the Australian Netball team didn’t make it to the gold-medal game. Jamaica shocked the Birmingham 2022 title holders – and the crowd with a 46-45 win.
New Zealand won their first Commonwealth Games Netball gold medal in 16 years after resisting a spirited second-half fightback from Jamaica on August 2.
 
Competing against the Sunshine Girls and the majority of the packed crowd, the Silver Ferns produced a masterclass of Netball control, leading from the first attack and not once falling behind in the match leading them to a close 56-48 win. 
 
Australia defeated England 68-50 in the bronze medal match, securing a place on the podium.
 
Jamaica were standout performers in the competition, beating every team they faced apart from their fellow finalists. The event demonstrated the continued growth of netball across the Commonwealth, with traditional powerhouses challenged by emerging nations and strong performances from teams such as Jamaica, Uganda and Scotland.

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