The Netball New Zealand Junior Netball Policy recommends special rules and equipment to help young players.

The programmes, divided into four age groups, have been designed for players between 5 and 12 years old, to help players gain confidence and build up netball skills.

Junior Netball is a designed to meet the needs of children without losing the essence of the game. The game grows with the players and supports their development allowing the players to gain confidence, play with their friends, make new friends and develop the FUNdamental Netball skills.  Our challenge as adults is simple – to help young people fall in love with Netball.


Year 1 & 2

  • For children keen to get into Netball - have fun learning the basic Fundamental Movement Skills
  • 4 v 4 game on a smaller court
  • Smaller balls designed especially for little hands
  • Lower goals
  • Each Game Day involves skill development e.g. pivoting and game time 4 v 4
  • This allows players to pass, catch and shoot from the first session


Year 3 & 4

  • Focus on developing the basic Netball skills - movement, ball, shooting, attack and defence.
  • 5 v 5 on 2/3 of the Netball court.
  • Lower goals - 2.6 metres
  • Size 4 ball
  • Positional bibs either 2 x A, 1 x C and 2 x D or  GA, GS, C, GD and GK
  • Rotation of positions throughout the game to ensure equal opportunities for all
  • Game Day commences with a 15 minute skill development session whereby the Junior Co-ordinator(s) will introduce and new skill to the players and coaches.
  • Followed by a 5 v 5 game consisting of four 8 minute quarters
  • All games are played outdoors at Lincoln on a Monday or a Tuesday afternoon


Year 5 & 6

  • Focus on developing the basic Netball skills and tactics.
  • Non competitive 6 aside game
  • Games is based on attack and defence
  • Lower goals - 2.6 metres
  • Size 4 ball – not full size yet
  • Games are played on Saturday morning


Year 7 & 8

Aimed at more experienced, older players.

  • Concentrates more on skill-development work aimed at specific positions.
  • Full height goal post used - 3.05 metres.
  • Players start to specialise in one or two positions or in a certain area of the court i.e. shooting, defending, circle.
  • Competitions follow the rules of the game.




Woolworths futureFERNS is Netball New Zealand’s official junior netball programme, designed for tamariki in Years 1–8. The programme introduces young players to netball through fun, age‑appropriate formats that grow with their physical and mental development. It focuses on building confidence, movement skills, teamwork, and a lifelong love for the game. 

With modified game formats—starting from 4v4 for Year 1–2 and progressing to full 7v7 netball by Year 7–8—futureFERNS maximises participation, ensures plenty of ball touches, and supports skill development in a positive, safe environment. 

The programme is delivered nationwide through Netball Centres and endorsed providers, making it easy for whānau to get involved and support their young athletes on and off the court.

More information about the FutureFERNS progreamme can be found here: https://futureferns.co.nz/