The Goal Circle in Netball
The netball goal circle explained: its dimensions, which positions can enter it, and why shots must be taken from inside it.
The goal circle is the semicircle around each goalpost, with a 4.9m radius — only the two shooting positions on the attacking end, and the two closest defenders on the defending end, are allowed to enter it.
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Written for
- Player, parent, umpire
- Rule group
- Court position
The goal circle is where every netball goal is won or lost — and access to it is one of the most tightly restricted parts of the game.
The rule in plain English
Each goal circle is a semicircle with a 4.9m radius, measured from the base of the goalpost, marked at each end of the court. Only four of the seven positions can ever enter a goal circle: Goal Shooter and Goal Attack in the attacking circle, and Goal Keeper and Goal Defence in the defensive circle. The other three positions — Wing Attack, Centre and Wing Defence — are never permitted inside either circle.
Shooting from the circle
A goal only counts if the shooter's feet are grounded inside the circle at the point of release, or they're airborne having jumped from inside it — see how is netball scored? for the full detail on scoring, and who can shoot in netball? for exactly which positions are allowed to take the shot.
Why the circle is restricted
Limiting which positions can enter the circle is central to how netball's position structure works — see the 7 netball positions explained. It prevents any single dominant player from covering the whole court and forces teams to build attacking and defending structures through several specialised roles rather than one.
Legal vs illegal
| Legal | Illegal |
|---|---|
| GS or GA entering the attacking circle | WA, C or WD entering either circle |
| GK or GD entering the defensive circle | A shooter releasing a shot with a foot outside the circle |
| A shooter jumping from inside the circle to shoot | GS or GA entering the defensive circle |
What the umpire is looking for
The umpire is watching floor contact relative to the circle's boundary line, for both general positioning and specifically for a shooter's feet at the moment of release.
Restart
A non-permitted player entering a goal circle is an offside infringement, restarted with a free pass. A shot released from outside the circle simply doesn't count as a goal, and play continues as a normal missed shot.
Common misunderstandings
- "Only shooters can't enter the defensive circle." All three mid-court positions — Wing Attack, Centre and Wing Defence — are barred from both circles, not just the attacking one.
- Confusing circle restrictions with general offside. The circle rule is a specific application of offside, not a separate rule — the same principle of permitted areas applies.
Player tips
- If you play a mid-court position, treat both circles as completely off-limits, even when chasing a loose ball — it's one of the easiest ways to concede an avoidable free pass.
Umpire tips
- Watch circle boundaries closely during scrambles for loose balls, since this is when non-permitted players are most likely to drift in unintentionally.
Related rules
The goal circle rule is a specific case of offside, and connects directly to who can shoot in netball? for the scoring side of the same restriction.
Common mistakes
- A non-shooting position stepping into the attacking circle while chasing a loose ball.
- A shooter releasing a shot with a foot outside the circle boundary.
- Assuming any player can enter either circle, when in fact only four of the seven positions ever can.
Official source: checked against the World Netball Rules 2024, published by World Netball. Last checked 19 August 2026.
Always check the official World Netball rulebook for the definitive, current wording. This site explains and illustrates the rules; it does not replace them.