Netball courts follow set dimensions to make sure the game is played safely, fairly, and consistently at all levels — from school courts to competition venues. As one of Australia’s classic sports that generations have grown up playing, getting the court layout right matters. Below is a simple breakdown of standard netball court dimensions and markings.
Standard Netball Court Size
A full-size netball court measures:
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30.5 metres long
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15.25 metres wide
The long sides of the court are called the side lines, and the short ends are known as the goal lines.
Netball can be played on both indoor and outdoor hard surfaces, provided the surface is firm, level, and non-slip. We would recommend speaking with one of our team members about the Pro’s and Con’s of each surface option.
Court Layout Explained
The court is divided into three equal sections:
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Centre third
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Two goal thirds (one at each end)
Each third is:
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10.17 metres wide
These sections are marked by two straight lines running across the width of the court, parallel to the goal lines.
Goal Circles
At each end of the court is a goal circle, where shooting takes place.
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Shape: Semi-circle
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Radius: 4.9 metres
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Position: The centre point of the circle sits at the middle of the goal line
Only players allowed to shoot may enter this area.
Centre Circle
The centre circle is located in the exact middle of the court and is used to start play and restart after goals.
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Diameter: 0.9 metres
Run-Off Zone (Safety Area)
In addition to the playing surface, netball courts should include a run-off zone around the outside of the court. This is a clear safety area that allows players to slow down safely when chasing the ball near the boundary lines. The recommended run-off zone is an extra 3.05 metres beyond the court on all sides. This space should be level, free of obstacles, and finished with a compatible surface to reduce the risk of injury.
Note: including the recommended minimum safety run-off zones, the total netball court footprint is approximately 36.6 metres long by 21.35 metres wide.
Line Markings
All court markings must meet the following standards:
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Line width: 50mm
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Lines are part of the court (not outside the playing area)
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Colour: Preferably white
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Finish: Clean, straight, and clearly defined
For outdoor courts, it’s recommended that lines are applied using a textured, water-based acrylic paint to improve durability and slip resistance.
The Final Whistle
Netball is a classic Aussie sport, and having the right space makes all the difference. The standard playing court measures 30.5m x 15.25m, but once you include the recommended 3.05m run-off zone on all sides, the total area required comes to approximately 36.6m long by 21.35m wide.
Feel free to share this information with fellow netball players, coaches, and clubs to help make sure everyone is set up for a safe, great game.
