What's it like playing netball as an adult?

[letsgomaths]

I know a couple of people the same age as me who swear by netball as their main form of exercise, who play twice a week, it's all they talk about, they rave about how much fun it is. These two are a husband and wife: before that I'd never heard of men playing netball.

I'm wondering what the reality of adult netball is. My only memory of netball is aimlessly running around on a court at school with no idea what I was doing, being yelled at, wearing a "bib", never once getting my hands on the ball, always being the last to be chosen for any team games. I've heard that when people play team games as adults, it's often "nicer" than it was at school.

I've heard of "Back to Netball", but I haven't dared venture into a session yet, I suppose for fear of looking like an idiot. Is the game difficult? It seems very complicated from what I've heard, with "the footwork rule" and many others.

Do players often get injured? I've heard tales of broken bones, sprained ankles, players running straight into each other and knocking each other over, especially when men play as well.

I have been assured that it wouldn't be competitive at all to start with, that I would begin with beginner's training before playing a proper competitive game. What sort of age of people play? I keep imagining myself surrounded by youngsters fresh out of university (I'm in my late 30's), but do older people play?

Also, footwear. My friends say they wear netball shoes, with the right ones there's less chance of injury, you can move about better, and that running trainers aren't much good - is that right?

I play netball for two hours a week.

before that I'd never heard of men playing netball
Lots of mixed and male teams around.

My only memory of netball is aimlessly running around on a court at school with no idea what I was doing, being yelled at, wearing a "bib", never once getting my hands on the ball, always being the last to be chosen for any team games
It doesn't necessarily sound like it's thee sport for you right now.

I've heard of "Back to Netball"
This is an excellent option. I play in a social netball league and there are players of all levels participating. In the top division, we have players who are truly amazing and play in formal affiliated leagues. In the lower divisions, we have people who are still running around like headless chickens. What's very nice is, over the years,t o see people move up leagues as they improve.

Is the game difficult? It seems very complicated from what I've heard, with "the footwork rule" and many others
In terms of rules, it's relatively simple (compared to something like football). However, it's technically pretty interesting. At lower levels, our umpires are immensely helpful with newbies, and will offer advice etc for recurrent play issues (so if you footwork a lot, you'll get some pointer sat half time).

Do players often get injured? I've heard tales of broken bones, sprained ankles, players running straight into each other and knocking each other over
Over the last couple of seasons, we've had two broken ankles and a shattered collarbone. Missing a couple of games every six weeks, with sprains to ankles/fingers/backs is common.

especially when men play as well
I hate playing with men. Unless they really play netball (rather than get dragged along to mixed leagues with their partner), they are a dangerous combination of superior physical strength and no idea about reasonable contact. I stay away from my opposite number and let him mess up the court rules - obstruction, footwork, offside etc I wouldn't go immediately into mixed until you feel more confident in your skills.

I have been assured that it wouldn't be competitive at all to start with
He he, you'll get a shock. What goes on on court, stays on court though.

What sort of age of people play? I keep imagining myself surrounded by youngsters fresh out of university (I'm in my late 30's), but do older people play?
I'm 40 and can more than hold my own. Our team is pretty old in league terms, but we can smash the youngsters off court. We took particular pleasure in destroying our local city university team last season; I think they thought they could rock up and use us as practice

And as I've always said, I might be 40 and not quite as spritely, but I don't give a shit about having a black eye on Facebook Also, younger girls are a bit shy of bodily contact so if you shove your boobs or groin into their back, they get flustered and you put them off their stride

that running trainers aren't much good - is that right?
Netball shoes are leather (so not very much give) and relatively heavy, which means you can easily push off the side to change direction. They are also a bit higher on the ankle for support. Runners are far too flexible and you get no quick change of directions because all the "breathable fabrics" don't offer pushing resistance for your foot. I had to play in my runners once last season - my sprints down the court were immense but I had to use a turning circle to change direction, rather than stop/turn/start

Do it. It's fun, it's tough, it can be bruising. But it's fab exercise.

What is your feeling on position? Are you quick? Can you run forever? Tall/short? A good shot? Good balance?

Thanks Maidofstars - that's all very encouraging, even if it might not be the sport for me at the present time. I feel like a new exercise challenge, something different from just running, so I'll see what I can do about getting into the game!

Oh, I didn't mean it's not the right sport for you now. I was trying to say that Back To Netball will make it the sport for you! No offence intended.

No offence intended
None taken at all. As for position: I'm tall, could probably be a good shot with practice. I have a lot of stamina but I'm probably not so good at being nippy and changing direction, I think that would be new to me.

younger girls are a bit shy of bodily contact so if you shove your boobs or groin into their back, they get flustered and you put them off their stride grin

I love netball. Majority of people I play with are in their 40s and hadn't played since school.

tim
Hmm all you want. There aren't too many 18 year olds who want sweaty, hairy, 40 year old armpits rubbing in their back. Or boob to boob contact.

Or you know, maybe I was a little tongue-in-cheek only a little

Yes, I've heard a few amusing tales of players who are very tactical and tactile when the umpire's back's turned, including someone who leapt on her opponent's back, like a piggy back!

Oh, and playing in the rain. My friends say they actually like it, especially in summer, a bit of drizzle can be quite refreshing. Do you like it?

Adult Netball is quite popular round here. I have some friends who play in teams however from what they have relayed it can get a bit bitchy and cliquey

I played for about eight years (in Cambridge) before I moved house and when I give up a commitment next May I shall definitely be taking it up again (I'll be 39 and moved at 32). I was not good at sports at school, always last to be picked etc, but loved adult netball. Back to netball is a great way to test your skills and you'll probably be surprised what you remember! I took part in leagues and tournaments (at the lower levels) and had a great time. I miss it a lot.

Its alright. Have seen a few serious injuries. Find the game a little boring, but then I was a hockey person at school.

Forgot to say that I did break my wrist playing...

I might look into Back to Netball. I played in a social game for a year or so a while back and got a concussion and my friend seriously injured her ankle. I quit when one particularly annoying player ran over to me and said "I always like to mark you because you give away so many fouls because you're not very good". Not exactly the spirit I was looking for.

Late to thread but I set up a netball team for school mums about a year ago and we play every week hiring out a school court.

It is brilliant fun and great exercise. However we don't take it that seriously, most of us are around the same age and no one had played since school.

That said - we've had loads of injuries, concussion, sprained ankles, broken wrist - so you do have to be careful and as a result we are quite cautious.

I was also not good at sport at school and last to be picked etc. I can't believe how much I've changed as an adult.

Thanks for all your support! I have now bitten the bullet and attended an informal session with a local group: it was great fun. There were a few warm ups such as sidestepping, running "high knees" and "bum flicks", practising various passes, and we did play a game, although with fewer rules because there weren't enough of us for a full game. I haven't invested in netball shoes yet, but it was a start. I left having enjoyed myself, so I'll most likely be back for more!