What are the differences between basketball and netball?

NETBALL is similar to basketball although the rules, equipment and team numbers are slightly different.

In netball there is no dribbling; no running with the ball; there are seven players per team (basketball has five players per side); the ball must be passed in three seconds; there is no backboard and players are designated to certain areas of the court.

The ball and basket are slightly smaller than in basketball – a basket ball is about 76cm is size and, because it is made from multiple layers of fibre and is then covered in leather, it is heavier, while a netball is about 69cm in size and lighter in weight.

According to Wikipedia, netball was derived from early versions of basketball, and began in England in the 1890s.

By 1960, international playing rules had been standardised for the game, and the International Federation of Netball and Women’s Basketball (later renamed the International Netball Federation (INF)) was formed.

As of 2011, the INF comprises more than 60 national teams organised into five global regions.

From the start, it was considered a game for women as its restricted movement appealed to notions at the time of the extent of women’s participation in sports.

Today however, men’s netball teams exist throughout the world, although they attract less attention from sponsors and spectators.

According to Wikipedia, men’s netball grew in popularity in Australia during the 1980s, and the first men’s championship was held in 1985.

In 2004, New Zealand and Fiji sent teams to compete in the Australian Mixed and Men’s National Championships.

By 2006, mixed netball teams in Australia had as many male participants as rugby union.

Other countries with men’s national teams include Canada, Fiji, Jamaica, Kenya, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and South Africa. — Namhla Mbongendlu, Wikipedia