Netball rules Netball rules Popular among women in England, the Caribbean, and South Pacific, netball is closely related to the original version of basketball developed by James Naismith in 1891. When Naismith sent instructions for his game, including a diagram of the court to Calara Baer in 1895, a simple misunderstanding led to the development of netball. Baer read the diagram as meaning that the players did not move from their designated area on the court, an adaptation that remains to this day.
Teams change end with every quarter.
Shots must only be attempted within the circle. Since 1963, there have been world netball championships held every four years. Australia is considered the team to beat, having 8 wins of the 10 tournaments. In 1995, netball became an Olympic sport, which is sure to drive its popularity further as is the growing popularity of mixed team and men's netball. The emphasis on cooperation, rather than egocentric individual plays, as in men s basketball, may be part of its appeal.