Why netball is the emerging team sport in the Netherlands

Netball is gaining ground. The sport is basically similar to basketball, but is played without dribbling and with fixed zones for each position. While it has been an established sport for years in countries such as New Zealand, England and Australia, we are now also seeing a strong rise in the Netherlands. Sports coordinators, schools and community sports coaches are noticing the benefits: netball is dynamic, safe, and above all accessible. Ideal for physical education, community activities and clubs that want to renew their sports offering.

At W&H Sports, we are also noticing that growth in practice. We are increasingly receiving questions about the right way to lay out a netball court or make a sports hall suitable for netball. In this blog we discuss the growth of netball in the Netherlands and give concrete advice on installation, material selection and efficiently setting up the space.

Netball in the Netherlands: more than a trend

Netball fits well within the Dutch sports climate. The sport requires little physical contact, is easy to learn and encourages cooperation. Exactly the qualities schools and sports organisations are looking for. Interest is growing especially in primary education: teachers indicate that pupils participate enthusiastically and that the game format brings calm and structure during the lesson.

What we also see is that municipalities are increasingly including netball in community sports projects. The combination of accessibility and team spirit makes it suitable for all kinds of target groups, from children to adults.

This growing demand also calls for thoughtful sports facility planning. A court can be improvised quickly, but anyone committed to quality and safety would do well to invest in professional solutions.

What do you need for a good netball court?

There is more to laying out a netball court than just a post and some lines. The right choice of materials ultimately determines the playing experience, safety and durability of the court.

A frequently asked question is: what is the ideal height of a netball post? Internationally, this has been set at 3.05 metres, which is also maintained as the standard in the Netherlands. Still, it is wise to take your target group into account. For primary schools or mixed teams, we often recommend an adjustable post, so that the game can be adapted to age or level.

The floor also plays an important role. A netball floor must provide sufficient grip, be shock-absorbing and be quick to install. Our modular sports floors, such as the Ultimate or the circular GreenMatter variant, offer a solution here. They are low-maintenance, quick to install and suitable for both temporary and permanent applications. Whether it concerns a schoolyard, sports hall or outdoor location: we help you with a suitable netball installation.

Get started smartly with netball facilities

The increasing popularity of netball calls for practical and flexible solutions. Many schools and sports organisations do want to get started, but are dealing with limited space or changing users of the hall or field. A fixed netball installation is then often not feasible or desirable.

It is precisely in those situations that mobile netball posts and demountable sports floors offer a solution. With these, you can create a fully fledged netball court in a short time, without major adjustments to the space. That makes netball perfectly suitable for multifunctional use: from gym classes and sports days to community activities.

To get a better idea of how attractive and dynamic netball is, especially for young people too, we recommend watching this video with exercises for youth players. Here you can see how accessible the sport is and how easily you can start training, even without extensive facilities. Do you want to see how spectacular netball is played at the top level instead? Then this compilation of the best goals from the Suncorp Super Netball gives a good impression of what is all possible within the lines.

Why investing in a professional netball court pays off

Good equipment makes the difference. Not only in enjoyment of the game, but also in safety, durability and appearance. At W&H Sports, we work every day on sports facilities that fit their surroundings. We advise schools, municipalities and clubs on how they can integrate netball into their existing infrastructure, without major renovations or lengthy installations.

Our expertise lies not only in supplying products, but especially in thinking along about the bigger picture: from post height and floor choice to use of space and maintenance. That makes us more than a supplier.

Ready to introduce netball?

Including netball in the sports offering is often easier than thought. With movable posts and a suitable sports floor, virtually any space can be set up as a fully fledged netball court. The choice of materials depends on the location, use and target group. A suitable solution is available for virtually every situation.

Want to know more about what best suits your situation? Feel free to contact us for non-binding advice or view the range of netball materials online.