Netball is derived from an early form of basketball, which was introduced in the 1890’s in the USA. At this early stage there were few rules, no line markings and goals were scored by throwing the ball into a wastepaper basket located at opposite ends of the court.

Over the next few years, the rules of the game were gradually modified; the court was divided into thirds, running with the ball was no longer permitted, player zones for each position were defined. Eventually the backboard was removed and the current game of netball was truly established.

Netball was introduced into England in 1895 where it continued to grow and spread to many of the Commonwealth countries. In 1960 the IFNA, the international governing body, was formed and formal rules established. It was decided that World Championships would be held every 4 years, with the first being held in 1963 in Eastbourne, England.

1st World Netball Championship, Eastbourne, 1963

In 1995, netball was granted Olympic status, although is not currently incorporated in the summer games programme. Netball was included in the Commonwealth games for the first time in 1998 in Kuala Lumpur.

Download a timeline of Netball History from here.