Netball has long been known and loved in its traditional 7-a-side format, played across schools, clubs, and international competitions. But did you know a faster, more flexible version of the game - 5-a-side (known by us as Indoor 5's) - exists?  Designed to be dynamic, inclusive, and adaptable, this format offers a fresh take on netball while still preserving the core fundamentals of the game. 

So how exactly does Indoor 5's netball differ from the traditional 7-a-side game? Before we get started on the differences, here are the core fundamentals that remain the same: 

• Same defending distance
• Same footwork rules 
• Same no-contact rules 
• Same game time (40 minutes) however rather than four quarters like 7-a-side the game is played in two halves. 

Now, let’s break down how 5-a-side differs:

1. Team sizes and player roles 

The most obvious difference is in the number of players (after all, it says it in the name!). Traditional netball features seven players per team, each assigned a highly specific position and areas of the court in which they can be. 

In contrast, 5-a-side Indoor 5's netball reduces teams to five players (centre, goal attack, goal shooter, goal defence, goal keeper) and introduces a much more fluid approach to positions. Rather than being locked into one role, players rotate through different positions throughout the game, which happens after your team scores a goal. This emphasis on Indoor 5's encourages all-around skill development, as every player gets the chance to attack, defend, and transition through the court. This is particularly appealing for developing players that want to build out their netball skill set. Plus, the need for less players makes the game more inclusive and accessible. 

2. Court usage and movement 

At Playnetball, we play 5-a-side on a half basketball court. The goal defence and goal keeper are allowed in the same areas of the court, as are the goal attack and goal shooter. As with 7-a-side, the centre can go everywhere but the shooting area. 5-a-side significantly loosens restrictions on where players can go, giving them more freedom to move. 

If playing 5-a-side with us, you’ll always play inside (unless it’s school exam season in the Summer). Plus, players can bounce the ball off the walls so there is no ‘out of court’ like there is with traditional netball. 

3. Game pace 

If you’ve ever watched or played both formats of netball, you’ll notice immediately the pace is different. Where 7-a-side is tactical and structured, 5-a-side is faster and more intense, so much so current players in our 5-a-side league have dubbed it “Bikram netball”. With fewer players, there’s less downtime and more continuous action. Players will finish their game knowing they’ve had a workout. 

4. Shooting 

At Playnetball you play 5-a-side with a netball but shoot into basketball Hoops. This gives players an opportunity to get creative with their shooting technique and makes shooting more accessible for those with less shooting experience. 

Half way through each half of the game, our umpire will shout “Supershots” - this is where things get even more exciting. Firstly, the centre is also allowed to shoot during this time. And, the further away from the goal the shooter is, the more points the team will get with up to five points being available for one goal. 

Conclusion 

Both versions of netball have their own strengths and appeal. Where 7-a-side netball offers structure and position mastery, making it the cornerstone of competitive play, 5-a-side brings energy, inclusivity and adaptability to the forefront. It encourages players to expand their skill set and enjoy a more flexible game. Trying both formats of netball can give you a deeper appreciation of the sport and help you in becoming a more complete player. So, does this style of netball sound like something you’d be interested in? 

Head to our league registration page below to sign up either as a team or an individual. Simply filter by 'Highbury' and ‘Monday’ before selecting ‘Indoor 5’s’.

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